Dear Natural Family Planning,
Let’s be honest.
Sometimes I don’t like you. You frustrate me.
Like when I was so worried about getting pregnant right after the birth of my second daughter, that my husband and I didn’t get close, if you know what I mean, for about five months. Needless to say, this was not a fun time.
Or how my cycles have a very short infertile timeframe each month.
I hate how ignorant the majority of the medical community is about you. Sometimes it makes me feel embarrassed, like when the OB/GYN’s nurse asked me if you were like the Rhythm method. Or, even though my doctor knows I’m using you, she still tells me at my follow-up delivery appt. to use a condom until my period returns to make sure I don’t come back into her office with a surprise pregnancy.
But you know what, NFP? More than you (or rather, factors surrounding you i.e., my lack of knowledge, my body, others) frustrate me, I’m so thankful for you!
I feel blessed that my husband and I cherish and value the time we get together. I know that our odds for separation decrease significantly because we use you. I know that we’re being open to life if that is God’s will, even though we’re not trying to have another baby at this time.
I’m grateful that I’m not putting any life-destroying chemicals in my body that could also cause serious health complications and even my death. I am confident in knowing what’s normal for my body and would be able to detect any unusual changes or symptoms. I also know that if Adam and I feel that God is calling us to have another child in the future, it will be easier for us to achieve pregnancy. Thank you for being a method that embraces my femininity instead of trying to suppress it!
I’m thankful for people who have been able to develop methods using science and technology for more peace of mind. You are definitely not the rhythm method! I want to use you accurately (which, thanks to using the Marquette model, has been easier than ever), so that I can show people that you are good, smart, and 99% effective at avoiding pregancy. But as much as I want to do that, I’d know that a baby conceived during a typically infertile time would be a miracle and blessing from God.
I’ve been blessed with two beautiful little girls, who I can’t imagine my life without! Neither one was necessarily deliberately planned, especially the youngest due to a wonderful “mistake” on my part. (I should have waited the more conservative four days after peak day instead of three to assume Phase 3 – Thank the Lord, I didn’t!)
I wish more people were aware of, and open to, your goodness and benefits. God’s way is never easy, but it is certainly freeing! Thanks, NFP, for teaching my husband and I how to be more selfless.
With much appreciation and loyalty,
Stefanie
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Natural Family Planning Awareness Week is July 21-27.
For more information on NFP, check out:
Women Speak on Natural Family Planning Series
Also, be sure to check out other NFP Week posts at NFP and Me!
A Dreamer's Wife 