natural family planning
					Natural Family Planning (NFP) is an umbrella term for certain methods used to achieve and postpone pregnancies. It is not the "rythym method." These methods are based on observation of the naturally occurring signs and symptoms of the fertile and infertile phases of a woman's menstrual cycle. Couples using NFP to avoid pregnancy abstain from intercourse during the fertile phase of the woman's cycle. No drugs, devices or surgical procedures are used to avoid pregnancy. NFP reflects the dignity of the human person within the context of marriage and family life, promotes openness to life, and recognizes the value of the child. By respecting both the love-giving and life-giving natures of marriage, NFP can enrich the bond between husband and wife. In NFP both spouses are taught to understand the nature of fertility and work with it, either to plan a pregnancy or to postpone a pregnancy. Couples who use NFP soon learn that they have a shared responsibility for family planning. Husbands are encouraged to speak openly and frankly about their sexual desires and their ideas on family size and to be supportive to their wives in the mutual decision. Other benefits include: low cost no side effects effectiveness for achieving, spacing or limiting pregnancy can be used throughout the reproductive life cycle marriage enrichment and mutual understanding appreciation for the value of a child fosters respect for and acceptance of the total person morally acceptable. NFP Certified Teachers in the Diocesan Area: Mark and Lynn Dubeau, North Attleboro, MA, phone 508 699-9324 Alan and Wendy Maynard, North Carver, MA, phone 508 866-7779 Dave and Joan Pepin, Rochester, MA, phone 508 763-4510 Mark and Maureen Trettel, Milford, MA, phone 508 634-3865 John and Celina Dellamorte, BI-LINGUAL ENGLISH-SPANISH Sandwich, MA, phone 508 833-9535