Comments on: Does Natural Family Planning Work?

By: Rachael

Rachael — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 01:56:06 +0000

I switched to NFP (The Billings Method) after health problems related to the Pill and a condom/pill birth control failure pregnancy that ended in a stillbirth!

My cycles, once wildly erratic, became more regular after I learned about my body and the hormones that regulated my fertility. Making a few dietary changes and adding a couple of vitamin supplements resulted in perfect and pain free cycles for the first time ever!

More than that, it gave us the confidence to actually try to conceive once my body was consistently healthy. I am so pleased to report that we are having a wonderful pregnancy!

My favorite thing about the Billings Method is the need to abstain only 4-5 days each month. Not being Catholic, there are plenty of other things that can be done on those days with no pregnancy risk! ;D

By: Veronica

Veronica — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:15:43 +0000

I have used NFP with my husband for 3+ years. We are now expecting our first (planned child), I’m due tomorrow!

We took the Sympto-Thermal Method, and I have studied Creighton Model as well. NFP definitely works, but only if you work at it. It takes renewed commitment every month, and every day in your fertile period. It has brought my husband and I closer together, realizing that we are both responsible for when we choose to have a child.

I have irregular cycles and have found that doing Sympto Thermal Method gave us the most days for sex during the non-fertile times.

We also took the class, bought the “Art of Natural Family Planning book” read it cover to cover, and have a teacher that we can call if we ever have questions. Support is definitely a big part of the success of NFP.

When the baby comes, we are worried about the process of returning fertility, as I do NOT want to get pregnant again for a while. We know that we will have the above resources to rely on for help.

By: VaMomma

VaMomma — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:09:56 +0000

I agree Ruth. My cycles are/were wildly unpredictable. I’d recommend to anyone if they choose to use this method that they definitely take the classes.

I also agree that the 250k figure is not applicable for most families, but for the purpose of the article, I did use the USDA figure.

Thanks for your comments and for sharing the information about NFP.

By: Ruth

Ruth — Sat, 17 May 2008 18:00:51 +0000

Just a comment about the $250,000 figure. I researched the components of that figure at some point and found that the reason it was so high is that they were charging the kids rent and utilities. In other words, if your house payment is $1,000/month and four people (incluing two kids) live at your house, then each kid is “costing” you $250/month for rent. However, in my experience, the size of people’s house payment has a lot more to do with the size of their income than the size of their family.

By: Ruth

Ruth — Sat, 17 May 2008 17:57:39 +0000

I suspect your mistake was in buying the book rather than taking a class; particularly if you became pregnant while following the rules as you were able (as opposed to becoming pregnant when choosing to ignore the rules). Unfortunately, most doctors are not familiar with NFP and since there isn’t any profit in it for the drug companies, they don’t send our detail reps to teach the doctors about it.

NFP can be used effectively by anyone, but it is easier for those with “textbook” cycles. If your isn’t, you are best off getting professional instruction. To find a teacher in your area, call your local Catholic church. While the classes will include a section on Catholic sexual morality, non-Catholics are welcome, and no one will pressure you to convert.

There is one system of NFP called the Creighton Method, which does not involve taking temps, which is highly standardized and studied, and has affiliated physicians. It can be used not only to regulate births but also to diagnose fertility and other health problems in women. Google NaPro Technology for more information.