A: Statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and a WorldHealth Organization study show that the Billings Ovulation Method and theSympto‑Thermal Method of Natural Family Planning are 98.6‑99% effective in postponing pregnancy when couples are taught by a Certified NFP teacher and the rules are correctly applied. To view studies visit: http://www.woomb.org/bom/trials/index.html
A: Three classes, approximately one month apart, are recommended. We are happy to teach in a group or one-on-one setting.
A: Most insurance companies now cover the cost of Natural Family Planning (NFP). Contracts with individual insurance companies vary. When there is not insurance coverage, a sliding fee scale based on income and family size is used. All are welcome to learn NFP. No one is ever turned away because of inability to pay.
A: After learning the method, the only additional cost is for charts and stamps, which cost roughly $4 per year.
A: No. Once you learn the method you will be able to recognize your signs of fertility through the normal activities of your day. Charting each evening before bed takes less than one minute.
A: This can vary greatly depending on the length of a woman’s cycle. Cycle length can vary from cycle to cycle. On average, most couples abstain about seven days during the fertile phase.
A: No. Contraception places a barrier between the love of a husband and wife. Natural Family Planning does not. NFP remains completely open to the possibility of new life, and thereby is in keeping with Church teaching regarding the sacrament of marriage. NFP respects fertility as a gift, works with nature and the biology of the woman’s body, and does not damage or destroy fertility.
A: The Church teaches that every sexual act needs to remain open to both the love giving and life giving aspect of marriage. Therefore, within the context of marriage, foreplay is acceptable so long as it leads to intercourse and remains open to life.
A: NFP can be used by women experiencing either regular (23-35 days) or irregular cycles. Because a woman will be charting her cycle, she will recognize her fertile or infertile signs, even during an irregular cycle. Women often tell us they thought they were irregular until they saw their cycle on a chart.
A: No, the Office of Marriage & Family offers a special class for new mothers. The class helps new mothers to understand the special circumstances that apply to breast-feeding or non-breast-feeding mothers wishing to postpone pregnancy. Once you understand the rules you can simply apply them.
A: Studies by Dr. Erik Odeblad of Sweden have shown that the cervix ages an additional year for each year of Birth Control Pill (BCP) use. Because the cervix is where the cervical crypts are located and that is where the mucus is produced, BCP use may potentially affect future fertility.
One of the ways in which the BCP works is to prevent implantation. Therefore, it can act as an abortifacient, ending a life which has already been conceived.
There is an increased risk of high blood pressure, blood clots, and cervical cancer by women who use the BCP. A link has also been established between BCP use and breast cancer (Breast Cancer: Its Link to Abortion and the Birth Control Pill, Chris Kahlenborn, MD).
A: NFP-Only Ob/Gyns have told us that vitamins, such as B-complex (50-100mg) and D can be used to ease the pain that can accompany periods. NFP-Only Physicians work to discover the underlying cause of the problem and provide treatment without the use of the BCP.
A: Less than 5% of marriages in which couples use NFP end in divorce. This compares to about 50% in the general population.
Natural Family Planning classes are offered throughout the Diocese of Saint Cloud in a variety of locations in Minnesota’s central sixteen counties. Referrals can be made to other areas of the state or nation. Contact the Office of Marriage & Family at (320) 252-4721 or 1 (800) 624-9019, or email omf@gw.stcdio.org.
To register for the next available class in your area, simply view the online calendars and/or find your location below.
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Breckenridge: Julie Budke, R.N., St. Mary’s Church, (218) 731-3953 – Classes are by appointment and are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.
Fergus Falls: Julie Budke, R.N., Our Lady of Victory Church, (218) 731-3953 – Classes are by appointment and are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.
Glenwood: Amanda Recker, R.N., Sacred Heart Church, (320) 239-2108 – Classes are by appointment and are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.
Little Falls NFP Office (320) 631-5660 – First Instruction classes are listed on the online calendars and are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.
• Cathy Bahmer, Saint Gabriel’s Hospital
• Marge Benusa, L.P.N., Saint Gabriel’s Hospital
• Mary Bontjes, R.N., Saint Gabriel’s Hospital
Long Prairie: Victoria Bulcher, St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church, (320) 360-5193 – First Instruction classes are listed on the online calendars and are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.
Morris: Joan Jay, Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Mary or Steven’s Community Medical Center, (320) 589-4865 – Classes are by appointment and are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.
Osakis: Hollie Kulzer, St. Agnes School, (320) 859-5864 – Classes are by appointment and are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.
Randall: Mary Bontjes, R.N., P.H.N., St. James Parish, (320)360-6599 – Classes are by appointment and are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.
Rice: Ann Marschel, Immaculate Conception Church, (320) 290-6311 – First Instruction classes are listed on the online calendars and are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.
St. Cloud NFP Office (320) 252-4721 or (800) 624-9019 – First Instruction classes are listed on the online calendars and are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.
• Cathy Bahmer
• Amy Borash, PA-C (In training)
• Tami Gewecke
• Katie Haney, R.N.
• Ann Marschel
• Jillian Reber
• Sheila Reineke, OTR/L
• Angel Statz
• Marisol Statz
• Heather Sukut (In training)
St. Michael: Nora Dehmer, St. Michael’s Church, (320) 248-5892 – First Instruction classes are listed on the online calendars and are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.
Sauk Centre: Jill & Isaac Uphus, CentraCare Health-Sauk Centre Hospital, (320) 290-875 – First Instruction classes are listed on the online calendars are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.
Wadena: Victoria Bulcher, St. Ann’s Church, (320) 360-5193 – First Instruction classes are listed on the online calendars and are approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours long. Most insurance plans cover the cost of NFP Instruction.