Olivia and Andrew's Story
NFP has been effective for us both to avoid and achieve pregnancy. For the first 1.5 years of our marriage, we used the Sympto-Thermal Method to help us avoid conception. Then when we were ready for our first child, we had success on our very first try. We were so pleased with how easy NFP allowed us to conceive!
Andrew: I remember how special the moment was when Olivia and I realized we were pregnant. With the STM, we could confirm pregnancy by monitoring Olivia’s basal body temperature. Day after day, with great anticipation we waited for the 20 consecutive high temperatures which indicate pregnancy. We were elated when we sat there together, looking at our 20th high temperature, knowing that we were going to have a baby. I couldn’t imagine confirming a pregnancy any other way: eagerly watching and waiting together with my wife, counting every high temperature with each day that passed. The experience was so simple, beautiful, and dignified.
NFP has been the perfect solution for us. After the birth of our daughter, Clare, our midwife asked about our method of birth regulation postpartum. We assured her that we were confident in the effectiveness of NFP. We knew we were covered before and after the pregnancy.
Olivia: After having our baby girl, we used the Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) for the first 6 months of her life, before we began to chart again and waited for the return of my fertility. During the hectic time of having a newborn at home, LAM was so easy and straightforward to follow.
Andrew: Prior to Clare’s birth, during our birthing classes, I was shocked that we were only one of two couples who knew of natural child spacing using LAM. In our class, there was a general disbelief that breast-feeding could have a part in postponing pregnancy. We were certainly glad to know of LAM and used it effectively post-partum. The Sympto-Thermal Method has worked well for us as a couple.
Olivia & Andrew. Married 4 years. 1 child.