Methods Available
The Diocese of Wichita offers Natural Family Planning Classes by trained and certified teachers in two methods: Ovulation Method and Sympto-thermal method. Please see below for more detailed information.
Ovulation Method

The Ovulation Method is simply based on a woman’s recognition of the changes in her own cervical mucus secreted a few days before, and during, the time of ovulation.  This ability to determine the period of fertility gives the couple the freedom to achieve or postpone pregnancy without the intrusion of drugs or mechanical devices of any kind.

The Diocese of Wichita has three providers of the ovulation method: Billings, Family of the Americas, and FertilityCare Services.

Provider: 
      Billings Model


 Billings Ovulation Method     
           Association - USA

 Pat Lorance

Teaching Method:
The Billings Ovulation Method was developed by Drs. John and Lyn Billings of Melbourne, Australia.  Their research started 50 years ago and is being taught throughout the world today.

Women teaching women is the way the Billings Ovulation Method has been established in over 100 countries.  Couples are encouraged to attend instruction as early as four to six months before marriage.  Women who are discontinuing use of the Pill or any other contraceptive can begin as soon as they wish.  After the First Instruction, follow-up chart reviews are scheduled at two-week intervals.  Second and Third Instructions are approximately one and two months after the initial instruction, with Fourth Instruction following after the others are completed.  Through private or group instruction, couples learn to chart their signs of fertility and infertility.  Frequent and confidential follow-up chart reviews with a Certified NFP Instructor allow the couple to gain confidence in the Method and assurance of its success in their marriage.

Cost:
Introductory Session: $10 - $30 (Sliding Fee Scale)
Follow Up Sessions: $8 - $25 (Sliding Fee Scale)
Materials: included in sliding fee scale (paid at introductory session)

 

Professional Education:
Billings Ovulation Method teachers are thoroughly trained and certified by Billings Ovulation Method Association, USA, an affiliate of World Organization Ovulation Method Billings and meet the national standards of the Diocesan Development Program for Natural Family Planning.

   Provider:
        Family of the Americas
 Deb Eckert

Teaching Method:
Family of the Americas Foundation (FAF) purpose is to promote family unity by encouraging parents to meet their mutual responsibilities to each other and to their children.

Mercedes Wilson, president of the Family of the Americas, Inc. studied the Ovulation Method under its originators Drs. John and Evelyn Billings.  Family of the Americas color stamps and mucus stickers are used for this simplified method.  Materials are available in several languages including Spanish.  Use of the Family of the Americas Ovulation Method allows couples to better understand the woman’s body and how changes in diet, travel, and exercise may impact her overall health.  It also helps couples to accurately plan the conception and birth of their children.

Couples are encouraged to attend instruction as early as four to six months before marriage.  Women who are discontinuing use of the Pill or any other contraceptive can begin as soon as they wish.  Follow-up chart reviews may be scheduled twice a month for the first three months and as needed until the user understands the application of the Ovulation Method.

Cost:
Introductory Session: Free
1st Follow Up Session: Free with purchase of materials
All other Follow Up Sessions: $8 - $25 (Sliding Fee Scale based on income)
Materials: $10 - $30 (purchased at introduction class)

Professional Education:
Family of the Americas Ovulation Method teachers are thoroughly trained and certified by Family of the Americas Foundation and meet the national standards of the Diocesan Development Program for Natural Family Planning.

   Provider:
       FertilityCare Services

Teaching Method:
Instruction in FertilityCare Services is delivered through individualized teaching appointments.  Couples enter the program by attending an introductory session, and continue instruction with an NFP teacher who will meet with them at regular intervals over the course of the first year of instruction.  Additional instruction, as needed, is always available.

Cost:
Introductory Session: $10 - $30 (Sliding Fee Scale)
Follow Up Sessions: $8 - $25 (Sliding Fee Scale)
Materials: included in sliding fee scale (paid at introductory session)

Professional Education:
FertilityCare Services Practitioners receive their education through a one-year professional program developed at Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, Nebraska.  Some instructors have been certified through the American Academy of FertilityCare Professionals.  All instructors have met the national standards of the Diocesan Development Program for Natural Family Planning.

Sympto-thermal Method


  Provider:
    Couple to Couple League
CCL Logo

Teaching Method:   * Newly Revised
The Couple to Couple League (CCL) teaches the Sympto-Thermal Method in a series of three, two-hour classes spaced one month apart.  All classes are taught by a certified CCL teaching couple.  Once the initial class series has been completed, couples are always welcome to attend all or part of any class series at no additional cost, and consultation by phone or in person is always available.

Cost:  * Newly Revised
Series of 3 classes with materials: $135.00