Episode IX: Natural Family Planning

In this episode of The 16-bit Catholic, we talk to Katie Falk, twitter.com/nfpandme, and Kayla Peterson, twitter.com/alluringworld, about their Web site, www.iusenfp.com. We debunk myths about Natural Family Planning, such as that it's less effective, not good if you have irregular menstrual cycles, bla bla bla. Plus, we talk about the benefits of the method as well.

Click here to play.

About iusenfp.com

iuseNFP.com is a website designed by women, for women to communicate the importance of Natural Family Planning (NFP). It is a non-religious, non-sectarian website which all are encouraged to visit. We desire to provide women and men with the facts about NFP and a safe and encouraging place as they learn to use NFP. We will promote NFP as the only family planning practice which follows the Natural Law, organic, and 100% pro-person. Through the use of NFP we desire that men and women see themselves as equal partners with the responsibility to prudently manage their family, to recognize their bodies as deserving of the respect which only NFP promotes, and gain self knowledge which will lead to greater overall physical and emotional health.

You can also follow them on twitter at twitter.com/iusenfp and facebook.com/iusenfp

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Hey Granny, guess how Lucy was created?

Sometimes you do your best to explain something wonderful, but end up with your toes touching your tonsils.

I try calling my Granny once a week, just to talk about anything that is on our minds. Many times that topic of discussion is Tuesday's NCIS episode, Allicia's pregnancy, or the generally boring way of life that is Waldron, Ark.

Today, however, that topic turned briefly to NFP.

It started out innocently enough. We were talking about how much of a blessing Lucy will be, and I said to her that sometimes the best blessings come unexpectedly. Allicia and I didn't exactly plan on Lucy being created when she did, but since we were both open to having a child, it's not like we were freaked out or panicking over the new life.

"I'll bet y'all will probably do a better job of being careful in the future," Granny told me.

"Yeah, we will," I said, starting down a path I wish I could get back. "The thing is, with Natural Family Planning there are signs that point to the possibility of pregnancy if you engage in sexual activity, but we just didn't pay enough attention to them."

Forget my amateur attempt at explaining NFP. Did you catch that? I used the phrase "engage in sexual activity" with my 71-year-old Granny.

Sexual activity? That's something you just don't say. Spousal bonding. The marital embrace. Intimacy. Hell, I could have just not said anything. I'm no prude, but using that phrase is something that just shouldn't be done when you're on the phone with your grandma.

I don't think my Granny thought anything of it. And thank God for that. Lucy should be the only sign to anyone that "sexual activity" took place. My big mouth shouldn't kill off the possibility of a stork delivery.

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