Also called fertility awareness, Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a term used to naturally achieve or postpone pregnancy. These methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's cycle. No drugs, devices, or surgical procedures are used to postpone pregnancy. NFP reflects the dignity of the woman within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife.
Since the methods of NFP respect the love-giving (unitive) and life-giving (procreative) nature of the conjugal act, they support God's design for married love! Married couples are able to deepen conjugal love and achieve responsible parenthood which is part of the Church's total pastoral ministry to Catholic spouses. Fulfillment of this ministry includes both education and pastoral care. This means "instilling conviction and offering practical help to those who wish to live out their parenthood in a truly responsible way" (Familiaris consortio, 35).
Ovulation Method (OM)
Methods that teaches users to observe the sensation and chart changes in the appearance of cervical mucus are commonly called the "Ovulation Method" or "OM." The Diocese of Lafayette has instructors trained to teach different methods throughout the Diocese. Below is the list of those providers.
The methods that observe several signs of fertility and cross-check two or more of the signs to pinpoint ovulation are commonly called the "Sympto-Thermal Method" or "STM." STM typically combines charting of the Basal Body Temperature (BBT) and cervical mucus with other optional indicators, such as changes in the cervix and secondary fertility signs. A number of NFP providers teach a variety of approaches to the observation and charting of these signs. Below is the list of those providers.
The method that observes several signs of fertility and adds the use of ovulation predictor kit (OPK) or fertility monitor is called the “Sympto-Hormonal Method” or “SHM.” Similar to Sympto-Thermal, this approach adds the self-detection of reproductive hormones in the urine with the assistance of an OPK or fertility monitor.
Please find below more information on each method available to learn; either in person or online. If you are taking a NFP course as part of your marriage prep requirements, please allow three months prior to your wedding date for the course to be completed. See below to learn more about the methods available to learn face to face or online.
BILLINGS OVULATION METHOD: Introduces the Ovulation Method of Natural Family Planning in a simple and easy to understand format. The Billings Ovulation Method® can work effectively for women whether they are achieving pregnancy, postponing pregnancy, coming off hormonal contraceptives, breastfeeding, weaning or approaching menopause. Regardless of the particular situation, the four simple rules of the method are the same for everyone. Women become familiar with their bodies and begin to understand the signs of fertility and infertility.
Please click HERE to register for a class with an instructor in our Diocese. **If you register after 12/19/2023, you will not receive a confirmation letter until the second week in January. **
CREIGHTON MODEL FERTILITY CARE SYSTEM: based off of the research studies of Dr. Thomas Hilgers from the Pope Paul VI Institute. It involves the observation, tracking, and charting of various biomarkers to mainly include cervical mucus. This method is applicable to ALL women across their reproductive lives to include women with reguluar or irregular cycles, post-pill, anvovulatory states such as breastfeeding, and pre-menopause. Because CrMS is the foundation to the medical aspect of NaProTECHNOLOGY, women struggling with hormonal imbalances, PCOS, infertility, ovarian cysts, and various other conditions are able to be treated without fertility being disrupted.
For more information, please contact our Diocesan instructor, Lisa Morvant, RN, BSN, FCPI; Creighton Fertility Services of Acadiana
Facebook: @LittleFlowerFertilityCare Instagram: @littleflowerfertilitycare
FAMILY OF THE AMERICAS: A method that is both simple and affordable, yet still very effective—it uses observation of physical symptoms to chart progress through the woman’s fertility cycle. The Diocese of Lafayette now offers this method in Spanish. Please email the Office of Marriage and Family Life for more information, kchapman@diolaf.org
Couple to Couple League: Focuses on observing the resting body temperature using a basal thermometer and observation of cervical mucus. A face to face component is offered through a certified instructor in our Diocese. For those that are unable to make a face to face class, an online component is available as well. The course will consist of three meetings over the span of three months. All classes are two hours in length and scheduled one month apart.
For more information or to register, please click HERE.
This method is also available in Spanish, Please click HERE
Sympto-Pro: Focuses on observing the resting body temperature using a basal thermometer and observation of cervical mucus. A face to face component is offered through a certified instructor in our Diocese. For those that are unable to make a face to face class, an online component is available as well which includes regular follow-ups with an online certified NFP instructors from Northwest Family Services, Sympto-Pro. Click HERE to register for the online course.
Marquette Model
The method that observes several signs of fertility and adds the use of ovulation predictor kit (OPK) or fertility monitor is called the “Sympto-Hormonal Method” or “SHM.” Similar to Sympto-Thermal, this approach adds the self-detection of reproductive hormones in the urine with the assistance of an OPK or fertility monitor.
For more information on the Marquette Method, please click HERE.
To register for a class with a local instructor, Please click HERE
All interested couples/individuals interested in becoming an instructor in any Fertility Awareness (Natural Family Planning) Method, pelase contact Brittanie Simon by email bsimon@diolaf.org or by phone 337-261-5653.
Q: How long does it take to complete a Natural Family Planning Class?
A: It takes at least 3 months to complete an NFP course because you are required to chart for 3 cycles in order to receive your certificate regardless of the method you choose.
Q: Which NFP class is the one we need to take for Marriage Preparation?
A: Any of the NFP class options listed in the above drop down lists are approved by the Diocese. Please review the information and choose the best option for you as a couple.
Q: What if my wedding date is less than 3 months away?
A: Please email our office at bsimon@diolaf.org to inquire about this circumstance.
Q: When are the classes offered?
A: Most classes are only available on the weekday during business hours. Depending on the type of NFP class after hours and weekend classes may not be available.
Q: Are the classes online or in person?
A: Depending on the type of NFP class you choose, there are in person, online video chat and online courses available. Please see the above drop down lists for the difference types of NFP classes available.