NFP Methods

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is actually an umbrella term for many different methods. We are blessed to have three highly effective methods available with face-to-face instruction in the Diocese of Madison. Locations vary; please see the Current Schedule. Several methods offer instruction from home via live online or self-paced online courses. Click on NFP Discernment Handout for quick comparison of the methods, or read detailed explanations listed below. Contact the NFP Coordinator at Vicki.Braun@madisondiocese.org or (608) 821-3134 with questions or for more information.

NFP Discernment Handout

Couple to Couple League (CCL): Sympto-Thermal (ST) Method

Observation Types: Basal body temperature, cervical mucus, and an optional cervical check
Charting: Paper, computer software, or smartphone app
Class Type: Live in-person, live stream (real time) online, or self-paced online. To learn in-person, couples attend three, two-hour classes in a group setting taught by a teaching couple to encourage male involvement. Classes are typically taught 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 once the course is completed. Optional postpartum and premenopause classes are also available. Visit here for more information on the online options.
Cost: $135 for each class type, plus shipping fees for materials.
Registration Fee Includes:

1.Live onsite (face-to-face): Full, three-class main course on ST Method (for cycling women), hardcopy of Student Guide, chart booklet and duplicates, digital thermometer, twelve months of CycleProGo® charting softwware, and basic membership, which includes: 12 months of consultation and a subscription of Family Foundations magazine.
2. Live online (virtual) (can see and communicate with teachers): Full, three-class main course on ST Method (for cycling women), hardcopy of Student Guide, chart booklet and duplicates, digital thermometer, twelve months of CycleProGo® charting software, and basic membership, which includes the same as in #1 above.
3. Self-Paced Online: Full three-class main course on ST Method (for cycling women); digital thermometer; six months of CycleProGo® charting software, student e-newsletter, and basic membership, which includes the same as in #1 above. Does NOT fulfill diocesan requirements for learning NFP.

Separate Postpartum and Premenopause Classes are also offered here.

Creighton Model FertilityCare System: Ovulation Method

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 and stamps 
Class Type: One 90-minute intro session taught by an instructor, followed by approximately eight individual follow-up sessions with the instructor over the next year.[Note:  one instructor, Kristin Dvorsky, provides online instruction.] Couples receive regular individual attention and have flexibility in scheduling. The first few follow-ups are scheduled about every two weeks so that the couple can build confidence in the method. 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 have passed.

Cost: Varies somewhat from instructor to instructor.  Lowest cost runs about $250; highest cost runs about $400.  Check with individual instructor.
Materials Fees Include: User Manual and six months of charting materials. After six months, additional charting materials can be purchased for about $10/year.
Notes: If needed, offers seamless referral to physicians trained in NaProTechnology for help with fertility concerns or other menstrual health issues.
Website: Visit creightonmodel.com or fertilitycare.org

Billings Ovulation Method

Observation Type: daily observations of any discharge that a woman feels and sees. With these simple observations, women apply the 4 rules to avoid pregnancy with high effectiveness.
Charting: paper or app
Class type: One 60-minute intro session taught by an instructor, usually in a group setting, followed by one-on-one follow-ups as needed until the woman is confident. The first few follow-ups will typically be every 2 weeks. Follow-ups will be conducted in person, via Zoom, or on the phone.
Cost: The intro session is free. The initial rate for 2 years of unlimited follow-ups and materials is $150, with inexpensive renewals.
Note: the app is free for one month, and after that is a subscription service.
Website:  www.PlanningLifesBumps.com