Observation types: Basal body temperature, cervical mucus and an optional cervical check, with additional information on the impact of breastfeeding on fertility.
Charting: Paper or computer software.
Class type: Couples learn this method during three 2-hour classes in a group setting taught by a teaching couple to encourage male involvement. Classes are typically about a month apart. Private chart reviews are done with the teaching couple usually before or after the group session, and follow-up is available as needed. Optional postpartum and premenopause classes are also available. Couples should have complete at least the first two of the three-class main course before taking the postpartum or premenopause class.
Cost: $140 plus shipping, to be paid at the time of registration. (This is the cost of a live class. There is an additional $10 cost to take a Virtual Class or an additional $20 cost for a Home Study Class.) Financial assistance may be available.
Registration Fee Includes: Three-class main course, main course materials (student guide: "The Art of Natural Family Planning", book "Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition", digital basal body thermometer, and chart booklet), and CCL membership which includes a bimonthly "Family Foundations" magazine, free consultation for one year, and optional postpartum and premenopause classes. After one year, CCL membership can be renewed for $35, but membership is not a requirement for using the method.
Notes: CCL does a great job teaching the moral underpinnings of NFP. Home study and Virtual Class options are available. Those wishing to take a CCL class should register both with the Diocese of Madison and with CCL at their website: www.ccli.org in order to purchase materials. Spanish instruction is available in our diocese by Dr. Andy and Blossom Wright or by home study. To register for a class taught in Spanish, please contact the NFP Office.
Website: www.ccli.org or, en espanol, www.ligadeparejaapareja.wordpress.com
Observation type: A mucus-only method that uses a standardized and detailed recording system to differentiate among types of fluids produced by the woman’s body throughout her cycle.
Charting: Paper & stamps
Class type: One 90-minute Intro Session taught by an instructor and possibly the instructor's spouse in a group setting, followed by approximately 8 individual follow-up sessions with the instructor over the next year. Couples receive regular individual attention and have flexibility in scheduling. The first few follow-ups are scheduled about every two weeks so the couple can build confidence in the method, and then the subsequent follow-ups are after a longer period of time as a way to check-in to see how things are going as more cycles has passed.
Cost: $30, for Introductory Session only. When you register, you are only committing to attend the Introductory Session. At the end of the Intro Session is when you can decide if you'd like to learn the method for your own personal use, purchase the materials, and sign up for a first follow-up session. If you chose to sign up to learn the method, there is an additional $25 for materials, bringing the total due at the Introductory Session to $55. Follow-up sessions cost $30 each, with payment due at the time of each follow-up. Instructors may be willing to work out a payment plan or waive fees for those with financial difficulties.
Materials Fee Includes: User Manual and six months of charting materials. After 6 months, additional charting materials can be purchased for about $7/year.
Notes: If needed, offers seamless referral to physicians trained in NaProTechnology for help with fertility concerns or other menstrual health issues.
Website: www.creightonmodel.com or www.fertilitycare.org
Observation types: Basal body temperature readings, cervical mucus observations, and an optional cervical check.
Charting: Paper or online.
Class Type: You can learn this method through a comprehensive Online Course offered by the Diocese of LaCrosse. This is a great option for those interested in learning at their own pace and schedule and for those unable to travel to a face-to-face instructional class in another method. You will be connected with a instructor, to whom you can ask questions and send your charts for review at anytime. If you learned this method previously and now need assistance, we do have a local Northwest Family Services instructor available who is willing to meet with woman/couples for chart reviews. To get in touch with her, please contact the NFP Office.
Cost: $110 for the online course with an e-book, $135 for the online course with a paper book
Notes: If learned through the online portal of the Diocese of LaCrosse, couples will also receive great instruction on the moral underpinnings of NFP.
Website: www.dioceseoflacrosse.com/ministry_resources/family_life/nfp/clientregistration.htm or
www.nwfs.org/nfp.htm