Missed Part 1? In last week's episode we explored what Natural Family Planning is and why the Catholic Church teaches it. In this second conversation, Father Peter and Randy are joined by Jessica Schaefer of the Gianna Center to discuss infertility, NaPro Technology, marriage, and the hope that comes from treating the whole person. See part 1 here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4EBXGdflb9NXtS6l6fdNYT?si=qKtXWvbkRG24t2dlK2Tlrw
Natural Family Planning isn't simply about avoiding pregnancy—it's about understanding God's beautiful design for the human person.In this second episode of our Natural Family Planning series, Father Peter Dugandzic and Randi Hochenberger welcome Jessica Schaefer, a certified FertilityCare Practitioner from the Gianna Center, for an inspiring conversation about Natural Family Planning (NFP), NaPro Technology, infertility, IVF, women's health, Catholic teaching, and the dignity of every human person.
Jessica shares her own journey into fertility care while explaining how NaPro Technology works with a woman's natural cycle to identify and treat the root causes of infertility rather than simply masking symptoms.
Together, they discuss why authentic healthcare treats the whole person—body, mind, and soul—and how Natural Family Planning strengthens communication, trust, and discernment within marriage.Whether you're engaged, married, struggling with infertility, curious about Catholic teaching on contraception and IVF, or simply interested in learning more about fertility awareness, this conversation offers practical wisdom, scientific insight, and profound hope.Above all, this episode reminds us that the Catholic Church is not merely a Church that says "no." She is a Church that says "yes" to authentic love, authentic freedom, authentic science, and the incredible gift of human life.
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00:00 – Disclaimer and Introduction
00:20 – Guest Introduction: Jessica Schaefer from the Gianna Center
01:21 – Jessica’s background and role as a fertility care practitioner
02:00 – How NaProTechnology works as a diagnostic tool
04:15 – Mainstream medicine vs. Natural Family Planning (NFP)
07:05 – Finding a supportive, pro-life medical practice
10:00 – Defining success: Beyond results to body awareness and peace
11:35 – Understanding biomarkers vs. symptoms
13:20 – Integrating faith and medical care
16:08 – Digital vs. paper charting and the role of apps
18:50 – Origins of the Creighton Model and various NFP methods
21:00 – Is NFP burdensome? Addressing the "habit change"
22:15 – The husband's role and the "Masculine Genius" in charting
25:05 – How NFP improves communication in marriage
28:15 – Resources for learning more (NaturalWomanhood.org)
33:15 – Navigating the pain of infertility and the Catholic perspective
39:40 – Bypassing vs. healing: IVF vs. Restorative Medicine
47:00 – SPICE: Holistic intimacy (Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, Emotional)
51:00 – Surrendering to God’s plan and finding fruitfulness in all seasons
59:05 – Closing remarks, channel support, and final prayer
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