This week, the Church is celebrating National Natural Family Planning (NFP) Awareness Week. NFP is the method of family planning approved by the Catholic Church to achieve and postpone pregnancy. It involves looking for natural signs in order to determine a woman’s fertile period. When implemented correctly, it is over 99% effective for avoiding pregnancy. Couples who use NFP grow in virtue, communication, intimacy and have significantly lower rates of divorce than couples who use contraception.
It wasn’t until the summer before my senior year of college, that I began to learn more about NFP and contraception. A dear friend mailed me a cassette entitled “Contraception: Why Not?” It was by Janet E. Smith, an international speaker on the Catholic teachings on sexuality. Her talk discussed the negative side effects of using contraception. I didn’t know that the pill could cause high blood pressure, blood clots, stroke, cancer, heart attack, depression, irritability, weight gain, migraine, loss of libido, infertility and an early abortion if a woman does conceive. She then explained the beauty and benefits of NFP. This began my personal journey of learning more about contraception and NFP.
During our 11 years of marriage, Mike and I have used the Creighton Model. This NFP method was developed by Dr. Thomas Hilgers, the founder of the Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha. The first four years of marriage, Mike worked out-of-town each week. NFP challenged us to grow in selflessness, communication, discipline, and chastity. The Creighton Model helped us prayerfully discern God’s call to begin our family. Within a week of Mike getting a job in Omaha, we found out we were expecting our first. Irick (7) was followed by his sister, Emry, 15 months later.
After over a year of trying to conceive again, my NFP charts showed signs of secondary infertility. The Pope Paul VI Institute diagnosed and surgically treated my endometriosis. Our son Kyler was born within less than a year of having surgery. Several months after his birth, I became very anxious, irritable, had irrational thoughts and could not sleep. The Pope Paul VI Institute identified my postpartum depression and treated it with progesterone. I was amazed by its effectiveness.
NFP has helped Mike and I develop a deeper prayer life as a couple and trust in God. With Kyler turning two, we each felt that God was calling us to be open to another little one. After 4 months of praying together, we said yes to God. Baby is due the end of January.
“O Lord of hosts, happy the man who trusts in you” Psalm 84:13. NFP does involve trusting in God’s will for you. Trust in Him. He will bless you in so many ways, for God has beautiful plans for you, your marriage, and your family.
Lisa and Mike Brandon
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