In this episode of the Fiat Health Podcast, Caroline and Amanda discuss natural family planning (NFP) through the heart of the Catholic faith. They dive into the history of contraception, how the various methods of NFP we have today were developed, and what the Catholic Church has to say. Caroline and Amanda also share how they discovered NFP, the real struggles and challenges of using NFP, as well as how NFP has blessed their marriages. This isn't just a lesson in biology; it's a heartfelt conversation about how NFP can ignite deeper intimacy, honest communication, and a spirit of shared responsibility in marriage.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Natural Family Planning (NFP): NPF involves using natural biomarkers from the female body, such as cervical mucus and basal body temperature, to either avoid or achieve pregnancy. It is distinct from contraception, which actively prevents conception. NFP can also be used as a way to understand your cycle, which we consider a fifth vital sign.
2. The Catholic Church's Teachings: The Catholic Church emphasizes the importance of marital bonding and the openness to life. Contraception prevents spouses from fully giving themselves to each other and has abortifacient properties. NFP is not "Catholic contraception." NFP allows spouses to remain open to life even while discerning the need to avoid pregnancy for serious reasons.
3. Methods and Effectiveness: There are various methods of NFP, including mucus-only methods (like Creighton), temperature-based methods, and hormone tracking. Each method has its own effectiveness rates and learning curves, and working with a qualified instructor is recommended for optimal results.

Resources:

• Humanae Vitae by Saint Pope Paul VI
• Love and Responsibility by Saint Pope John Paul II
• Theology of the Body by Saint Pope John Paul II
• What is Theology of the Body with Christoper West
• Theology of the Body Crash Course with Fr. Mike Schmitz

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to NFP

04:17 - The History of Contraception and NFP

07:32 - The Catholic Perspective

10:59 - Personal Testimonies and Experiences

14:27 - NFP Methods and Uses

21:28 - The Beautiful and Hard Realities of Using NFP

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