Natural Family Planning

Diocesan Natural Family Planning Instructors and contact information:

Brochure listing all the diocesan instructors - PDF

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Natural Family Planning (NFP) is based on scientific research about women’s cycles or fertility—this is NOT the rhythm method.  Today’s Natural Family Planning methods provide effective means of postponing and achieving pregnancy that require no drugs, no surgery and no artificial devices.  They are safe, reliable, inexpensive and can be used during all stages of reproductive life.  NFP is up to 99% successful in spacing or limiting births when couples are taught by competent teachers, understand the methods, and are motivated to follow them.

The natural methods treat each woman and each cycle as unique.  They do not depend on having regular cycles.  NFP can be used during breastfeeding, just before menopause, and in other special circumstances.  It allows the woman to understand the physical signals her body gives her to tell when she is most likely to become pregnant.  NFP models are progressive; they monitor the current, day-to-day signs of a woman’s cycle.

Because they foster increased communication between husband and wife, a stronger relationship usually results along the way (couples using NFP have a divorce rate of less than 1%).

Classes in the Billings Ovulation Method, Couple-to-Couple League, Creighton Ovulation Method, and Northwest Family Services Sympto-Thermal Method are offered in the Diocese of Stockton.  For more information, call the Respect Life Office at (209) 465-5433 or (800) 396-8777 (toll-free in the Stockton diocesan area).

“To experience the gift of married love while respecting the laws of conception is to acknowledge that one is not the master of the sources of life, but rater the minister of the design established by the Creator.”  (Humanae Vitae 13)

Last Update March 12, 2009