Janet Betcher, RNBSN, Director
Natural Family Planning of Saint Joseph County

574-904-3985

Since 1976

Natural Family Planning – individual appointments – to achieve or postpone pregnancy

Office appointments: nfpstjoseph@catholic.org

What is Natural Family Planning (NFP)?

NFP is completely natural and does not use drugs, devices or surgery. It is simply a method of recognizing and charting the easily observable signs of fertility exhibited by a woman's body. Then by applying a few simply guidelines, these observations can be used by a couple to avoid a pregnancy or to assist in achieving one. Studies by the World Health Organization have concluded that couples who learn the Ovulation Method from a certified instructor and apply the guidelines conscientiously can achieve a 98.6-99 percent effectiveness rate in avoiding pregnancy. (www.nfpoutreach.org)

What are the benefits of using NFP?

In NFP both husband and wife are taught to understand and live God's design for married love—this will give them countless blessings! NFP methods promote a holistic approach to family planning which both respects procreation and has the potential to deepen the intimacy of husband and wife.

NFP methods support reproductive health. They are good for the body. The natural methods have none of the harmful side effects caused by contraception, especially chemical contraceptives (e.g., pill, injection, etc.). For the woman, NFP charting can even assist in the diagnosis of underlying medical problems. And, if a couple find they are having trouble conceiving, NFP information can help them pinpoint the most fertile time of the wife's cycle.

NFP methods can be marriage strengthening. NFP relies on couple communication and behavior change. NFP methods require husband and wife to cooperate with each other in the most intimate area of their lives. During times of periodic sexual abstinence, husband and wife live a renewed courtship as they discover non-sexual ways to express their love for each other. On a practical level, husbands are encouraged to "tune into" their wives' cycles, and both spouses are encouraged to speak openly and frankly about their sexual desires, hopes for number of children, and prayerful discernment of God's will for their marriage.

When living the NFP lifestyle, husband and wife learn that they have a shared responsibility for safeguarding God's gifts of human sexuality, marriage and family. They also grow in their understanding of God's will for their family size. NFP has the potential to make good marriages great!

NFP is good for marriage!

Supports reproductive health
Has no harmful side effects
Is environmentally friendly
Is inexpensive
Cooperates with a couple's combined fertility
Is useful to either achieve or avoid pregnancy
Can be used throughout the reproductive life cycle
Requires shared responsibility and cooperation by husband and wife
Fosters mutual communication between husband and wife
Encourages respect for and acceptance of the total person
Promotes marital chastity
Values the child
Honors God's design for married love!


(www.usccb.org)

Natural Family Planning

Apostolate of Divine Mercy

​2018 Ironwood Circle

South Bend IN 46635

Phone (574) 286-7860