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. Click on NFP Discernment Handout for quick comparison of the methods, or read detailed explanations listed below. Contact the Volunteer NFP Advocate 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, or live stream (real time) online. To learn in-person or live stream online (virtual), couples attend three, two-hour classes in a group setting. 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, digital thermometer, several months of CycleProGo® charting software, and basic membership, which includes the same as in #1 above.

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--2 Different Instructors offer classes

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.
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   This website is made available by one of the instructors.