What is natural family planning (NFP)?

• Natural Family Planning (NFP) is observing one or more biomarkers, including cervical fluid, cervical position, and basal body temperature, and following specific rules to determine the potential fertile and infertile days within a woman’s cycle. Couples then use this information to make decisions based on their family planning intentions.

What are the benefits of using NFP?

• There are many! NFP does not involve the use of any hormonal alteration or devices and thus has no negative effects on a woman's current or long-term cycle health. Many couples say that using NFP improved their communication skills and relationship quality. 

Do I need a “regular” cycle to use NFP?

• No, the Sympto-Thermal method of NFP is effective for women who have short cycles, long cycles, post-hormone, postpartum, post-miscarriage, or premenopause. SymptoPro has special guidelines for each of these circumstances. 

What method of NFP do you teach?

• We teach the Sympto-Thermal Method of NFP using the Sympto-Pro course. We can also come alongside and assist couples using a different NPF method (ex. Creighton, Marquette, Lactational Amenorrhea, Standard Days). Contact us to see if we are a good fit for your questions about your current NFP method. 

How effective is NFP at avoiding pregnancy?

• The Sympto-Thermal method of NFP is up to 98-99% effective in preventing pregnancy.

Is NFP just for avoiding pregnancy?

• No, NFP is effective for helping couples to achieve pregnancy by identifying their fertile window. 

How long does it take to feel confident in charting and applying NFP?

• Most clients feel autonomous after 4-6 cycles of guided support. Monthly follow-ups are included with the cost of the SymptoPro course. 

Why do women and couples choose the Sympto-Thermal method of NFP?

• Some choose NFP for religious reasons. Others use it because it is one of the most effective methods, charting the biomarkers only takes a few minutes a day, and it provides helpful data for overall health and well-being.

How do I sign up for the SymptoPro course?

• Contact us. We will work with your schedule to find a time that works for you. 

Do you offer group sessions for the SymptoPro course?

• At this time, we generally offer one-on-one courses more often. We can do group sessions with 2-3 women/couples. We find these are most beneficial when the women/couples know each other outside of the course. 

Where did you receive your training and from which organization?

• Tyler and Nina are in the practicum portion of their training with SymptoPro. They have also gone through fertility training with Premom and specialized bereavement training.

Who is cycle health coaching for?

• Anyone with a menstrual cycle who wants to learn more about their body and how to support it through various hormonal changes. 

What is cycle health coaching?

• In our one-on-one sessions, we work together to learn more about how your body works and what we can do to support it. We look at the symptoms you are experiencing and what lifestyle changes you can make to help decrease symptoms. 

What kinds of symptoms can you help with?

• We’ve worked with clients experiencing a variety of symptoms including: Carb cravings/binging, anxiety, insomnia, waking up during sleep, headaches, low libido, weight gain, hypothyroidism, diabetes, irritable bowel syndrome, oily skin, bloating and water retention, acne or cystic acne, dandruff, eczema, hair loss, constipation, diarrhea or loose stools, body odor, night sweats, mood swings, PMS, irregular cycles, fibroids, ovarian Cysts, cystic breasts, breast tenderness, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), cramps, heavy periods, painful periods, missing periods, migraines, and depression. You might be surprised to learn how many of these symptoms can be related to a woman’s cycle health. 

What is a doula?

• A trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and educational support to their client before, during, and shortly after childbirth to help them achieve the healthiest, most satisfying experience possible. The word "doula" is a Greek word that has come to mean one who mothers the mother.

What are the benefits of having a doula?

• Research shows that people who use a birth doula are less likely to need Pitocin, less likely to have a cesarean birth, less likely to use any pain medication, and more likely to rate their childbirth experience positively.

Where did you receive your training and from which organization?

• Nina was trained by a DONA-certified doula trainer. She is in the process of becoming a certified birth doula through DONA. She has also gone through TENS training with ICEA, lactation basics training, and bereavement training through Haven Bereavement Doulas. 

What techniques will you use to help me move through labor?

• I will help with prenatal education, comfort measures such as heat/cold, TENS, and water, positioning, breathing techniques, and meditation. I also provide postpartum follow-up to process your birth story and to make sure you have the support are resources needed for healing.