Children are a great gift from God. While parenthood could never be described as easy, children bring an indescribable joy to parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, family friends and the whole community.
Just as parenthood is not easy, many couples experience hardship in their desire to have children. Many couples are not immune from the pain of infertility, miscarriage or losing a child after birth. Because it is not readily talked about in our society, couples can also feel a sense of isolation. You are not alone. Your Church family is here for you. Jesus, who loves you tenderly, is by your side. You may find it helpful to seek counselling, join a support group, talk to a loved one, a friend or a priest. The important thing to know is that you are not alone.
If you wish to look into different natural fertility methods that may be able to assist, you will find information below. This information is also relevant for couples in different situations who find themselves seeking to avoid pregnancy.
Natural fertility methods can assist with both achieving and avoiding pregnancy depending on the needs of your marriage and family. They are also helpful for women (married or single) experiencing issues with their reproductive cycle or a general women’s health issue. Below you will find information on different fertility methods and support networks available to you.
Fertility Based Awareness Methods are a general name for natural family planning methods that are based on a woman’s menstrual cycle. Research into women’s reproductive health in recent decades has enabled scientists to identify easily observable biological markers or fertility.
Fertility Based Awareness Methods are based on day-to-day observations of the naturally occurring signs of the fertile and infertile phases of the menstrual cycle. It takes into account the uniqueness of each woman. A man is fertile throughout his life, while a woman is fertile for only a few days each cycle during her childbearing years. A woman experiences clear, observable signs that show when she is fertile and infertile.
To avoid pregnancy, the couple abstains from intercourse during the fertile phase. Couples can also use FABMs to achieve pregnancy because it identifies the time of ovulation.
Any woman or couple can use FABMs. A woman need not have regular cycles. In a marriage, the key to successful use is cooperation and communication between husband and wife.
FABMs can be very effective, depending on how strongly motivated the couple is and whether they follow the rules of the method. Studies have shown that couples who carefully follow all the rules to avoid pregnancy can achieve a success rate of 97-98%.
- Shared responsibility by husband and wife
- Virtually cost-free
- Natural
- No harmful side effects
- Can be used throughout childbearing years
- Can be used in special circumstances such as post-partum, breastfeeding and pre-menopause
- Can identify wider health issues that may be present whether you are married or single
While based on the same scientific research, there are distinct ways—‘methods’ of applying FABMs. For more information on each of the methods, see this brochure or visit the Australasian Institute for Restorative Reproductive Medicine here.
The best way to learn a FABM is from a qualified instructor—one who is certified from a FABM teacher training program. Find contact details of FABM teachers below.
Fertility based awareness methods – accredited providers:
Natural Fertility Services
Sympto-Thermal Method
Ph: (03) 9287 5560
Email: nfs@cam.org.au
Billings LIFE
Billings Ovulation Method
Ph: (03) 9802 2022
Email: enquiries@thebillingsovulationmethod.org
FertilityCare
Creighton Model FertilityCare System and NaPro Technology
Medical support for fertility and women’s health issues:
Fertility Assessment Clinic
Medical advice and assistance in preparation for pregnancy and assessment and management of sub-fertility from a holistic, natural and restorative approach. Doctors work with patients using different FABMs.
Ph: 1800 885 000