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Family Life

Natural Family Planning

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a method through which a married couple may either achieve, avoid or space a pregnancy. It is based on the natural signs and symptoms which occur during a woman’s menstrual cycle. By learning to carefully observe and chart these signs, a couple may then apply the appropriate rules based on their family planning intention.

NFP is based on scientific knowledge while remaining faithful to the Church’s teaching on upholding the love and life connection in the marital act.

NFP methods are natural methods used for avoiding or achieving pregnancy which are based on a couple’s awareness of the woman’s naturally occurring times of fertility and infertility.

NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting the love-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife.

When couples are taught by competent teachers, understand the methods, and are motivated to follow them, NFP is up to 99% successful in spacing or limiting births.

Methods

Ovulation Method

The methods that observe cervical mucus are commonly called the "Ovulation Method" (OM). In NFP education, a woman learns how to identify the normal, healthy, cervical mucus which indicates the fertile and infertile times in your cycles. A number of NFP providers teach a variety of approaches to the observation and charting of cervical mucus:

Ovulation-Temperature Method

The Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) of Natural Family Planning involves the observation and charting of cervical mucus as well as the Basal Body Temperature. Secondary signs are also considered in determining fertility. The STM method is the result of the work of various scientists including Dr. Billings and Dr. Josef Roetzer.

Sympto-Hormonal Method (SHM)

The method that observes several signs of fertility and adds the use of an ovulation predictor kit (OPK) or fertility monitor is called the "Sympto-Hormonal Method" or "SHM." Similar to the STM, this approach adds the self-detection of reproductive hormones in the urine with the assistance of an OPK or fertility monitor. Various diocesan NFP programs make use of the SHM as well as Marquette University's Institute for NFP.

Classes

The Diocese of Savannah offers instruction using the different methods of NFP. The best way to learn NFP is from a qualified instructor who is certified. NFP couple classes are scheduled by appointment with the instructor. Cost varies between $35 and $250 depending on the method used. To take the NFP class as a couple, contact the instructor directly to make an appointment.

Financial assistance is available, if needed.

Augusta Deanery

  • Miek Johnson
    Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) |$35

    706-399-8790 or

Columbus Deanery

  • Michelle and Jeff Chardos
    STM Couple to Couple League | $135

    706-569-8512 or

Savannah Deanery

  • Betsy DeBry
    Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) | $90

    912-659-8244 or

  • Sally Kennedy
    Creighton Method | $250

    912-663-5738 or

  • Taylor Allen, RN, BSN
    Marquette Method | $175

    402-297-2609 or 

    https://www.mmnfp.com/taylorallen 

Statesboro Deanery

  • Patrick & Jacque Kelly
    STM Couple to Couple League | $135

    912-321-2212 / 912-432-8706 or

VALDOSTA-BRUNSWICK DEANERY

  • Brittany Pellitteri
    SYMPTOPRO (STM) |$90

    229-560-4887 or

SPANISH

  • Dora Uscanga and Marcus Delfin
    OM: Family of the Americas |$50

    912-481-5385 or

Interim Director

Caroline Geddings
912-201-4057
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