7 Kids, 1 Hard Teaching—How NFP Broke Me (And Brought Me Back to God)

When I embraced Catholicism, I anticipated many challenges, but none as profound as adhering to the Church's teachings on birth control.

 

Natural Family Planning (NFP) was presented not merely as a method but as a lifestyle—a commitment to understanding and respecting the natural rhythms of my body. There are modern tools that help support this lifestyle—like Tempdrop, a wearable fertility tracker that simplifies the daily effort of identifying your cycle.

 

Initially, the concept seemed straightforward: track fertility signs, often with a basal thermometer like Easy@Home or a digital monitor like Kegg abstain during fertile periods, and align our marital life with these cycles.

 

However, the reality was far more demanding.

 

With each of our seven children, the practice of NFP tested my patience and trust.

 

The periods of abstinence were challenging, often leading to feelings of frustration and isolation. If you're navigating the same struggles, resources like Couple to Couple League’s NFP Course or guided fertility journals from Amazon can help you and your spouse approach this time with greater peace and understanding.

 

Conversations with my husband became strained as we navigated the complexities of our shared commitment.

 

Yet, amidst these struggles, a transformation was unfolding.

 

By surrendering to the discipline of NFP, I began to see it not as a burden but as a path to deeper intimacy and spiritual growth.

 

It required us to communicate more openly, to support each other through the challenges, and to trust in God's plan for our family.

 

In this journey, I discovered a community of couples facing similar trials. Apps like Natural Cycles and wearable trackers like Tempdrop or Femometer Ring are making NFP more accessible and easier to manage for couples in all seasons of life.

 

Events like the "Love Beyond Measure: Mini Date Night" in Royal Oak provided a space to share experiences and gain insights from experts in the field.

 

These gatherings emphasized that NFP is not just about avoiding or achieving pregnancy but about fostering a holistic understanding of marital love and responsibility.

 

Through the lens of NFP, I learned to view fertility as a gift rather than a challenge.

 

It became a journey of mutual respect and shared responsibility, strengthening our marriage and deepening our faith.

 

For those considering or struggling with NFP, know that the path is not without its trials.

 

However, within these challenges lies an opportunity for profound growth and connection.

 

Embrace the journey, seek support, and trust that through this practice, you may find a deeper relationship with your spouse and with God.

 

For more information on Natural Family Planning and upcoming events, consider reaching out to local diocesan offices or visiting their official websites.

 

🛠️ Helpful Tools for Your NFP Journey

• Tempdrop Wearable Fertility Monitor – Great for postpartum, irregular cycles, or night shift workers.

• Easy@Home Digital Basal Thermometer – Budget-friendly and app-supported.

• Kegg Cervical Fluid Tracker – Perfect for couples using the mucus-based method.

• Couple to Couple League Online NFP Class – Catholic, comprehensive, and couple-focused.

 

They often offer resources, classes, and support groups to assist couples in this meaningful journey.

 

Disclosure: Some links may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no cost to you. I only recommend tools I trust or wish I had when I started.