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Natural Family
Planning (NFP) is a safe, natural and effective
way to postpone, avoid or achieve pregnancy.
It is 99% effective and 100% natural. It
monitors where a woman is at in her monthly
fertility cycle by paying attention to certain
biological signs. With a little training
you can begin today!
Archdiocesan NFP Classes
Other Vital
Information
The Natural Family Planning (NFP) apostolate of
the Family Life / Respect Life Office is
dedicated to helping men & women live in harmony
with God's plan for life and love, while
strengthening marriages and families. We partner
with highly-trained and caring individuals /
couples who practice and teach NFP to others. They
face the same challenges you do every day—and
have the expertise to guide you in making smart
choices about love, sexuality, and childbirth,
in the clear light of Christ.
Through introductory classes offered
throughout the Archdiocese of New York year
round, these trained professionals explain how
NFP is 99% effective and 100% natural. Through
private and/or small group follow-up
sessions, couples learn practical approaches to
NFP, and how it can help them achieve or
postpone pregnancy, as well as enhance
their relationship.
For more information,
contact the Natural Family Planning Apostolate:
(212) 371-1011 x 3184 (en Espanol 3197) or Email
nfpinfo@archny.org
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99% effective, 100% natural ...
Natural Family
Planning (NFP) is
a safe, natural and effective1 way to postpone,
avoid, or
achieve pregnancy. It is 99% effective, and 100%
natural. It involves learning where the women is
at in her fertility cycle, by paying attention
to simple biological signs that are easily
detected with a little training.
99% Effective in postponing or achieving pregnancy ... With regard to spacing or limiting pregnancies,
NFP is 99% successful when couples
understand the methods, are motivated, and
follow the guidelines. And ... many couples who
have experienced infertility difficulties have
overcome them, primarily through close
observation of the woman's cycles. Is it really
99% effective? Yes.
Click here for a recent scientific study
showing its effectiveness in the prevention of
pregnancy.)
Click
here for another study, with statistics
from the World Health Organization. Similarly,
NFP has been proven to help couples with
infertility problems achieve a pregnancy.2
 NFP
utilizes the latest Reproductive science ...
Today we understand the human body,
especially the reproductive system, much better
than we did even 20 years ago. Fertility
specialists have taught us how to read the signs
of when a woman is likely to conceive, and when
it’s almost impossible. Using those signs, we
can now show couples how to achieve or avoid
pregnancy with up to 99% effectiveness—that’s
higher than any method of simple contraception,
according to the World Health Organization.
100% Natural ...
That means if you’re having fertility problems,
NFP can significantly raise the odds that you’ll
conceive. If you need to limit or postpone
having children, NFP can help you do that,
too—without chemicals, hormones, abortifacient
pills, devices, implants or surgery, and with
zero side effects. Best of all, by working
with—instead of against—the way a woman’s body
is designed, you’re also cooperating with God,
in His plan for you and your marriage.
NFP is not the old "Rhythm Method”
... which relied on
inaccurate average calculations of when most
women were fertile ... even so, the Rhythm Method
proved to be over 84% effective!
NFP is
personalized ... Every woman learns how to
understand her own body and its cycles, through
one or more simple biological signs. With her
husband, the two of them discuss and record
their observations, gaining an awareness of and
new appreciation for their shared fertility. If
a couple wants to conceive, they make love on
fertile days. If they need to wait—well, they
wait until the infertile times. The average
woman is fertile from 8-10 days a month. NFP
works for women of any age, and even for women
with irregular cycles.
How can we learn more?
You can learn NFP in a few
simple classes, which our office offers
throughout the year, taught by experienced
married couples and certified instructors. NFP
works for women of any age, and even for women
with irregular cycles. To find an NFP instructor
in your area, click here:
Find an NFP Class Near You
1 Source:
USCCB - An Introduction to Natural Family
Planning
2 Source:
Journal of Reproductive Medicine,
37:864, 1992. Hilgers, TW, Daly, KD, Prebil, AM
and Hilgers, SK. “Cumulative Pregnancy Rates in
Patients with Apparently Normal Fertility and
Fertility Focused Intercourse.” An analysis of
50 couples of normal fertility using the
Creighton Model FertilityCare System to
achieve a pregnancy found that: 76% achieved a
pregnancy during the first cycle; 90% achieved a
pregnancy by their third cycle; 98% achieved a
pregnancy by their sixth cycle. Cf.
T.W. Hilgers and
J.B.Stanford: The Use-Effectiveness to Avoid
Pregnancy of the Creighton Model NaProEducation
Technology: A Meta-Analysis of Prospective
Trials. J In: Reproductive Medicine #43, pp.
495-502, June 1998.
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To better understand
how NFP works, let's review some basics of human anatomy.
The male
reproductive cell is the
sperm and the female reproductive cell
is the egg. The uniting of the two
is called conception, the
beginning of a brand new human life. In order for pregnancy to occur, a number of conditions
must be present to help the sperm and egg unite.
Healthy Sperm. Sperm is produced in the
testicles; and during intercourse, millions of
sperm cells are released in the vagina. A
healthy male produces sperm continuously
throughout his life.
Healthy egg. Women, on the other hand, are born with
all the eggs they will ever have. During a
woman's menstrual cycle, one or more of her eggs
will develop and mature. Ovulation occurs
when an egg (or eggs) fully matures and leaves
the ovary. Usually only one egg is released
during a woman's cycle. (Occasionally, a second egg
is released within the same 24 hour time span.) The mature egg(s), once
released, will live for approximately 12 - 24 hours.
Cervical mucus. To survive, sperm need to
be in a good environment; and the
vagina, which is mostly acidic, is
actually a poor environment for sperm. However,
at certain times in a woman's monthly cycle, she
produces a fluid called cervical mucus,
that actually changes the chemical nature of the
vagina and allows the sperm to survive longer.
If no cervical mucus is present, sperm die
within hours, however, when cervical mucus is
present, sperm can survive from 3 to 5 days.
Thus, for a woman to
become pregnant, three factors are critical: healthy sperm,
healthy egg,
and cervical mucus
(for sperm survival); and a healthy egg.
Continue to
How Does it Work (Part II)
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How Does it Work
(Part II)
Three Phases of the menstrual cycle ...
There are 3 phases of a woman's menstrual
cycle: pre-ovulation (the time before
the egg is released); ovulation (the time the egg is
actually released by the ovary); and post-ovulation (the
time after the egg is released).
 1. Pre-Ovulation.
The first phase of a woman's cycle begins on the
first day of her bleeding, and ends on the day
of ovulation.
In the pre-ovulation phase, a
chemical messenger from the brain
(I.e. "hormone") signals an egg to develop. As this egg matures,
its follicle gives off a key hormone,
called estrogen. It helps prepare the inside of the vagina for sperm, and the
uterus for pregnancy.
The length of the woman's pre-ovulation phase can change from cycle to cycle.
(E.g. A woman might ovulate
on Day 13 in one cycle; and on Day 10 in the
next.) Research
indicates that many factors can affect the
length of the woman's cycle,
including: breastfeeding, weight loss,
stress, illness, and
diet.
Despite this, the time of fertility can be known
with clarity, because of the signs the woman's body produces, that
help her identify when the window of fertility begins
... and
when it ends.
 2. Ovulation.
This is the critical time
in the woman's cycle -- the optimal time of
fertility. A woman
has thousands of eggs, contained in two small organs
on each side of her body, called ovaries.
Ovulation occurs when a hormone signals
the ovary to release a mature egg.
The inside of the uterus
must be built up with nutrient-rich cells ("endometrium") in
order to sustain a
pregnancy. Yet, few are aware of the unique
responsibility of the base of the uterus
(cervix).
During ovulation, the cervix changes by
rising in the pelvic cavity; its opening
widens & becomes soft.
The cervix is lined with
mucus-producing cells, stimulated by
estrogen. When present, the
cervical mucus neutralizes the acidic nature
of the vagina, allowing sperm to survive and
move through the uterus, into the
fallopian tubes.
It is there that sperm meets the egg ...
fertilization occurs, and new life begins.
 3. Post-Ovulation.
The third (luteal) phase of the woman's cycle
begins after ovulation and ends the day before
her next period. It is very stable in length, averaging about 10-16 days.
After ovulation occurs, the woman's body
significantly increases the release of another hormone called
progesterone, which has three critical functions:
(1) To aid in
fertilization, progesterone stimulates cervical cells to produce a thick
mucus, that closes off the opening of the cervix;
acting as a natural barrier to sperm & bacteria.
If fertilization does not occur,
progesterone levels decrease, the "mucus
plug" dissolves, and the uterus lining sheds. This shedding of the uterus lining
(experienced as bleeding), is called
menstruation; (2) Most
importantly, progesterone
prepares the lining of the uterus for possible
implantation of a new life. When the woman's egg
has been fertilized by the sperm, the embryo
(I.e. released egg) travels down the fallopian tube in a journey
that takes 6 to 9 days, and imbeds in the
wall of the uterus. The uterus will
keep the new life safe & nourished for
the next 9 months; (3) During ovulation,
Progesterone elevates the woman's body
temperature about four to six tenths (4/10
- 6/10) of one degree (F). This increase can be
detected by taking daily waking temperatures,
called Basal
Body Temperature (BBT). This daily
temperature reading is one of the key signs a
couple can use to monitor where the woman is at
in her fertility cycle. (The other key sign is
the presence of cervical mucus.)
Summing up...
In brief, Natural
Family Planning is as simple as learning the
basics of the woman's ovulation cycle, and
tracking where she is at on any given day. By
careful monitoring the signs of ovulation (I.e.
Basal Body Temperature, Cervical Mucus), and
tracking any changes, a couple can know with
confidence if the woman is in the ovulation
phase or not. As such, they can plan accordingly
to either achieve or avoid / postpone pregnancy,
depending upon their needs.
Now you know the
basics of NFP ... but there is much more to learn!
To
find an NFP instructor in your area, click here:
Find an NFP Class Near You
Source:
USCCB - An Introduction to Natural Family
Planning
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Is NFP right for us?
Couples who adopt NFP to space the
births of children find that it brings
about many positive changes in their
relationship and even becomes a way of
life. It begins with acceptance, and
even wonder, at the way the human body
is made. As one woman noted, "Knowing
and learning about what goes on inside
of my unique body amazed me." Women
especially find this information
empowering. The woman gains a new
respect for herself and often finds that
her husband has a new supportive
attitude: "My husband respects me as a
person in my own right. He accepts my
fertility as part of me." This new-found
confidence contrasts with what one woman
explained about how she felt using
contraceptives: "I was required to
sacrifice my health ... I felt as if I
were an object, and not an equal partner
in our marriage."
Couples using NFP accept their fertility
-- not as a nuisance or even a disease
-- but as a gift. When the physical
pleasures of sexual intercourse are a
couple's primary focus, the woman can
feel used. NFP treats the woman not as a
sexual object, but as the unique person
she is. NFP does not downplay the
importance of sexual union and sexual
pleasure. Through the practice of
periodic abstinence, NFP helps couples
to find other ways in which to connect,
and be attentive to each other. In this
way, NFP can reignite the romance of
dating for a married couple. As NFP
couples often say: "Every week we have a
wedding night." When spouses love one
another enough to abstain and be more
considerate of each other, both grow
more secure in their relationship.
Periodic abstinence is difficult at
times. But it also brings its own
reward. Men find they can direct sexual
urges in the service of love and not be
controlled by it. Only if a man is in
full possession of himself can he love
his wife well. As one husband said, "NFP
has challenged me to self-mastery, so
that I can freely give of myself." The
nature of married love is total
self-giving. If one is controlled by
sex or withholds part of himself or
herself (I.e. his or her fertility),
that person cannot give totally to
another. Self-mastery, on the other
hand, can actually enhance sexual
pleasure. Many couples explain: "Giving
our whole selves to each other
intensified the sensations of pleasure
and the feeling of unity in this
expression of our love."
When NFP is adopted as a lifestyle,
fertility is regarded as a gift and
children are valued & welcomed. A sense
of awe at the power to procreate strikes
many couples during the fertile time.
One couple remarked that "NFP opened our
hearts to children ... Children are a
gift, a blessing, not a burden." Others
have remarked that the time of fertility
comes to be viewed with "a tremendous
reverence" because fertility is "the
time God created us to create." When
a couple knows the most fertile time in
the cycle and tries to achieve
pregnancy, it becomes a shared joy.
NFP instruction puts the emphasis on a
couple's shared responsibility not only
for having children, but also for
managing their combined fertility.
Taking responsibility for fertility
means that both spouses accept the
challenge of abstinence during the
fertile phase if they wish to avoid
pregnancy. NFP requires couples to
really communicate, not just
"talk". It helps them to connect
about many things that may have been
difficult to talk about before,
including their sexuality. By charting
their fertility, they now have a
starting point for discussing the deeper
and more intimate aspects of their life
together -- such as their sexual
feelings, desires, and hopes or fears
about pregnancy. Good, substantive
interpersonal communication strengthens
a marriage.
Many couples say that an NFP lifestyle
deepens their faith in God. "(NFP)
involved us with the Truth ....We
experienced ... the
conversion point in our lives." "NFP is
putting ourselves in God's hands, totally
allowing Him to work spiritually in our
lives." With so many rewards for those
who persevere with NFP it would be
surprising if there were not also
challenges. As one husband says: "The
reality is that NFP is challenging ....
(But) it is clear to me that working
together through the tough times
strengthens and enriches our marriage."
And as another spouse says: "The value I
experience in NFP is in the long run
.... It forces you to place your
immediate choices in the context of
spouse, children, family and Creator."
Some Key Benefits of NFP
...
Safe
-
Based on scientific
data and current research
-
Treats the woman's
body with dignity
-
No harmful side-effects,
chemicals, pills, etc.
Effective
-
Track fertility cycles
for achieving or avoiding / postponing
pregnancy
-
Cost-effective (Modest fees typically charged
for initial instruction only)
-
Can be used throughout a woman's
reproductive lifetime
Personalized & Couple-oriented
-
Customized to each
woman's individual cycle
-
Encourages couple communication
& interaction
-
Fosters mutual
responsibility by husband and wife
-
Natural
-
Works with
(not against) nature's design of the
body
-
Fosters deep respect and acceptance
of the total person
-
Values children
and openness to life
-
Cooperates with God's
plan for
marriage
Source:
USCCB - An Introduction to Natural Family
Planning
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Natural Family Planning Models in the
Archdiocese of New York:
Sympto-Thermal Methods
Archdiocesan Sympto-Thermal:
Effective “one rule” method. Simple and
straightforward curriculum offered in a
classroom setting.
Couple to Couple League (Sympto-thermal)
www.ccli.org:
This volunteer-supported organization promotes
and teaches NFP, emphasizing the benefits of
natural mothering and ecological breast-feeding,
including its natural suppression of ovulation.
Ovulation Methods
Billings Ovulation Method (Ovulation method):
www.boma-usa.org:
This basic ovulation method
has wide appeal among diverse cultures. Used in
more than 120 countries, with 3.6 million
couples in China. Also offered in Spanish.
Creighton Method FertilityCare® (Ovulation
method):
www.popepaulvi.com or
www.augustinefoundation.com:
Overall health-oriented private instruction.
Affiliated with the Pope Paul VI Institute’s
National Center for Women’s Health, specializing
in gynecological or infertility issues.
How can we learn more?
Natural Family Planning instruction is available
in a variety of NFP models, including the sympto-thermal
and ovulation methods. Both are over 99%
effective in postponing pregnancy when used
correctly. Want more information? A basic
explanation of the two basic methods can be found at
www.usccb.org/prolife/issues/nfp/whatisnfp.htm
For many couples, finding a convenient location
and date will be the key factors in choosing
where and how to learn NFP. However, depending
on your needs (E.g. -- gynecological or
fertility issues; interest in breast feeding,
natural mothering, nutrition) you may find that
one model may appeal to you over another. You
may want to do a little research on the web.
Or
simply call the Family Life/ Respect Life
Office, and speak with the NFP Coordinator for further
information: Family Life / Respect Life
Office NFP Coordinator: (212) 371-1011 x 3184
Email:nfpinfo@archny.org
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When and where are the
NFP classes?
For a complete listing of
2007 NFP classes
in the New York
area, click
here.
For a complete listing of
2008 NFP classes
in the New York
area, click
here.
Where:
NFP classes are offered year 'round,
throughout the greater New York area. Typically,
the actual classes are held in local parishes.
Most likely, there's an upcoming NFP class at in
(or near) your neighborhood! Refer to the
schedule for complete details and class locations.
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For more information, or any questions on dates,
locations, schedules, etc. please contact:
Family Life/ Respect Life Office
Natural Family Planning Coordinator
Archdiocese of New York
1011 1st Avenue Floor 15
New York, New York 10022
(212) 371-1011 x. 3184
nfpinfo@archny.org
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How
can we register for classes?
You can register for an NFP
class today, online
here.
Because the classes are conducted by
different individuals / organizations, fees vary. It
is not necessary to pay in advance (when you register) – you
may pay at the class. Once you’ve
registered for a class, you will be contacted by
the NFP Program Coordinator with more details.
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Natural Family Planning: Instructor training
opportunities . . .
Creighton Model Fertility Care System Practitioner Certificate Program
The FertilityCare
Practitioner Program is a one year program that
prepares students to teach the Creighton Model
of FertilityCare to women and couples. Two
separate weeks of intensive training are
required: Education Phase I (EP I) and Education
Phase II (EP II). Also required are two
supervised practicum and an on-site visit by a
faculty supervisor. A National Standardized
Final Exam is administered one year after the
initial training.
Training
will be conducted at
Our
Lady of Guadalupe Retreat Center in
Stamford, CT.
Training is offered by: St. Joseph School of Health
Occupations, Nashua, NH
Accredited by the American Academy of
Fertility Care Professionals.
For more
information on this exciting opportunity
(including details of on the cost of the
program & fundraising strategies) please contact:
Dorothy Dugandzic,
Local Creighton Model FertilityCare
Practitioner
(914) 476-4858 Email:
augustinenfp@hotmail.com
(Or)
Kathy Rivet, Education Program Director
(Certificate Program Registration
information)
St. Joseph School of Health Occupations
5 Woodward Avenue,
Nashua, NH 03060
(603) 595-3947
Fax: (603) 578-5028
Email:
Krivet@sjh-nh.org
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212.371.1011 x3184
