Natural Family Planning QUESTION from KB March 7, 2000
Hello--I just wanted to offer a word of encouragement to those who are considering NFP. My husband and I have used it for over 2 1/2 years, and love it! (and no surprise pregnancies either) It is such a blessing. We wish to delay pregnancy for a while, but are open to God's will if He chooses to bless us with life. Beware of your physicians and friends: many will try to dissuade you from using NFP. its ineffective, its inconvenient, it only works if you have a very regular cycle, its anti-woman, its anti-sex...... the list goes on and on. The world does not understand the Christian view of sexuality, and cannot comprehend why anyone would want to abstain periodically. But I will tell you that it IS effective, it IS convenient, it DOES have a healthy Christian view of sex, it DOES work with ANY woman's cycle, it IS affirming of marriage. I know MANY couples who have used NFP for YEARS, and ALL of their babies were planned. I am so relieved to know that I am not endangering my body with any devices or chemicals, that a potential life is not being harmed by chemicals, that I am leaving my body up to God's works, and that my marriage is strengthened. I am a Registered Nurse, and know the pros and cons of various birth control methods. I also know the physical and spiritual risks.....from personal experience! NFP is extremely effective when the user is well educated in its usage. NFP is NOT the rhythm method. It takes into account many factors in a woman's body, not just a calendar. But, one cannot simply read a book on it and expect it to work as intended. The classes are essential to its effectiveness. They aren't long. My husband and I took the class at our local Catholic hospital; classes were one night every two to three weeks for 2 -3 months. Not a large committment--and only $60. They have scholarships for those couples who $60 is not possible. It was wonderful to be with others who were trying to conceive, delaying pregnancy or simply learning about their bodies in a healthy,! Christian context. I wanted to write this to encourage couples who are considering NFP to find out the facts for themselves, and not let your friends, doctors, or so called helpful people sway you away from a wonderful, spiritual experience! Please forward or pass on this email to any of the people who write in with NFP questions if you wish to do so. My husband and I feel so blessed since we have used NFP; we want others to enjoy this wonderful, natural, and free method of delaying pregnancy. ANSWER by Mr. John Miskell on April 5, 2000
Dear KB, Thank you so much for your wonderful words. I hope many will benefit by reading them. In Christ, John Miskell Back to Index Page