My parents practiced natural family planning. When I was a teenager they joined the Couple to Couple League. Part of their training was to teach the process. It was then that they discovered they were doing it backwards. I am the ninth of 13 children.

I'm about to get married soon and my fiancee and I started learning NFP. I know that this is sometimes hardly understood topic and at the end people tends to misunderstand contraception vs family planning but the main message is to be open to life! is not thinking about not having children but is looking the best time to look for them with God in the first line of the marriage. Thanks for sharing! keep making this videos! The world needs more saint families.

Thank you guys so much. I love this series as it gives the truth and it is from both perspectives in a marriage.

Good video! A few things I would like to add (as a husband in an NFP using marriage): 1. Regarding people claiming NFP being the same as contraception: it’s helpful to think of NFP as inaction - it being an abstaining from sex during fertile times (inaction) vs. using contraception. I think a helpful comparison is losing weight by skipping a meal (inaction) vs. eating whatever you want and then throwing it up - the end result may be the same, but they are fundamentally different things. Another helpful thing to think of is an unmarried couple practicing abstinence is not the same as an unmarried couple who is having contracepted sex - the same thing applies within marriage. 2. One point I want to push back against is claiming that divorce rates are very low BECAUSE of using NFP (though the open communication is a plus, and I’m sure helps), rather, I think it more likely linked to the fact that if the couple accepts the church’s teaching on NFP, they also accept the church’s teaching on not getting divorced! 3. One thing you didn't really touch on is WHY contraception is a sin - but honestly, this is a much larger topic than a 10-minute video or short comment can cover - the church's primary teaching on the subject is Theology of the Body (768 pages long!) - I suggest starting with Theology of the Body for Beginners by Christopher West (a mere 168 pages). It really takes a mindset shift, particularly in a post-modern world where "reality is what you make it, what it feels like to you, your own personal truth" (etc.) - to a mindset that things actually have a real concrete nature and purpose.

Great! I’m not even married and already conscious about my menstrual cycles and hormone levels but never been teached about it. I’ve researched this by myself and God has lead me.

My husband and I used NFP. I’m post-menopausal now, so obviously, we aren’t still using it. I agree that it is hard. But we had an issue that was never really addressed. I have Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. My estrogen levels tended to run high and for too long and my progesterone was not enough. So the first six months of our marriage, when we were trying to avoid pregnancy, we almost couldn’t have sex at all because my cervical mucus was indicating fertility for three weeks out of the month. I know that I wasn’t really fertile for three weeks out of the month, but if we went by cervical mucus, we had to assume that it was possible pretty much anytime. I wonder if there are other women who have this issue. After the first six months, we wanted a baby, so we never had to avoid sex, which is kind of awesome except that we wanted kids and were never able to have any, which wasn’t so great. The temperature charting basically told me why I wasn’t getting pregnant. IF I ovulated, which did not happen every month, my temperature would dip and then go up like it was supposed to, indicating that progesterone was being produced. Temperature is supposed to stay up for 7-10 days. Mine only stayed up for 3-5 days, indicating that my body stopped producing progesterone too soon. We conceived on our honeymoon, which was not planned. I did a home pregnancy test when we got home and it was positive. My temperature charting indicated that I had ovulated. The next day, my period started. By the time I got to the doctor, the pregnancy test was negative. So I had a very early miscarriage. Most likely, I had conceived, but the zygote never implanted in my uterine lining. A few years later we were still trying to get pregnant. My period had started. I was at work. I went to the bathroom and when I wiped, along with the blood that was on the toilet paper was a tiny pink piece of tissue. One of my cousins is a nurse and used NFP and she told me that if I ever saw a piece of pink or gray tissue in my period blood, that that was a very early miscarriage. She had experienced this several times. So I conceived again without realizing it, but had a very early miscarriage again. This could’ve happened more times than I know about. And we never did end up having kids other than those very early miscarriages. We did fertility treatments up to a point that we thought was reasonable. Nothing worked. It came to a point where it was going to be financially and emotionally draining, so we stopped. After that, we didn’t actively try to get pregnant anymore, but we didn’t do anything to avoid pregnancy, either We ended up with five godchildren. I was a substitute teacher for two years for elementary grades, and I was a full time teacher for six years for grades K-2. I also volunteered with my church’s religious education program one year as a teacher’s aide for 5th grade and two years as a teacher for 4th grade. My husband was one of the parking lot assistants during that time. I was adopted as a baby. I ended up finding my birth family and now I have two great-nieces and seven great-nephews. Right now, they range in age from infant-14. So God has blessed us with children. Just other people’s children, not our own.

I loved the explanation at 5:43!! It totally hit the nail on the head for me and made even more clear sense to me than before.

Nicely said, Jacqui cracks me up with her excitement to respond and amazing personality. Thanks for sharing this necessary knowledge on NFP with us. God bless you all ascension team 💖💖💖. 💖💖💖

1 Corinthians 7:5 [5]You must not deprive each other, except by mutual consent for a limited time, to leave yourselves free for prayer, and to come together again afterwards; otherwise Satan may take advantage of any lack of self-control to put you to the test.

I think the big point that is being glossed over in this video is the fact you must have grave matter to use nfp. Wanting to space kids apart isnt grave matter. Physical reasons of the mothers life is in jeopardy to have more kids, economic issues of debt or unable to afford another child but not using an excuse of well I want to go on vacation every year or have the newest smart phone, and lastly social disorders of having to raise a child in concentration camps or something horrendous as that. If I were using nfp I would be rethinking why and making sure there isnt an underlying lie I've told myself that has me on it. The catholic church does approve of nfp but only for grave reasons not just because people dont want kids.

Definitely going to keep this for when I want to start a family

I have never heard of this being practiced!!! What a beautiful thing, I am actually Protestant and haven’t really asked questions about this and I’m my church I don’t recall it ever being discussed. But I love that. I am a young woman and previously thought when I get married, if need be, I wanted to wait to have a baby until me and this future husband were financially stable and would have to use contraception. This is so much better and more beautiful and free under God’s will. But I like what y’all preach about changing your mindset to being open to God and what he wants, and that it is really selfish when I try to control the miracles of his hand in any aspect of my life! Thanks guys so much it’s is always good to listen to you guys and be reminded of who I am in Christ and what he wants for me.

Dear Ascension Presents: Could you consider doing a series on saints and how their messages/experiences apply to us today? It would be especially helpful if it was in a format that parents can transfer to their children. It would be helpful to keep that information In front of us so that we can relate to our children when teaching life lessons, instead of relying only on current events. Thank you!

Glad that you talked about NFP, but I think it would have been better to accompany it with a more thorough discussion on what it means to "... be fruitful and multiply ...", particularly the *_fruitful_* part, because I think some people are very hardcore on the *_multiply_* part while either neglecting the *_fruitful_* part or perhaps sometimes misunderstanding it. For example, I've seen a comment on how using NFP to avoid having babies "is evil" ... one lady also commented on how she will have 40 babies because she loves babies and pretty much the sole purpose of marriage is to have babies. Although she is probably exaggerating and I love her very prolife stance, how true is that, and how fruitful / effective would it be to really do that (or similar)? I mean, she and her husband would have to be both super-rich *and* have tonnes of time and resources to give to all their children in order for that situation to be fruitful / effective (or else God Himself would have to intervene -- which, of course, He could ...). That's *A LOT* of relationships to manage and _relationships are _*_hard!!!_* ...

I had my first period when I was 12 and experienced terrible symptoms of all sorts until the age of 15. I found an amazing NAPRO/NFP family doctor who discovered that I had low progesterone and ever since then have been taking it in order to increase my levels. I have never been healthier and my symptoms have decreased remarkably. Any other doctor would have put me on the pill instantly but thankfully I had her. Now, my risks for miscarriage are so much lower and I am better than ever. Do the research! Don't slap a bandaid on a potential health issue.

Thank you for your loving grace filled honest witness in days of ambiguity, even on sensitive issues.

I appreciate your honesty.

Thank you so much for your videos, so useful!! God bless your family

I love this, we’ve been married 30 years and had not used contraception. My uncle was my baby doctor. He delivered me and my first baby. He was a great doctor who from the beginning of my needing an o gynecologist explained everything. I was very blessed to have him in my life. We need more people like the two of you letting people know they do not need contraception. Thank you for your boldness. Love you

One thing to note: Saying that NFP can only be used in rare situations according to the Church is incorrect, as NFP is used not only to avoid pregnancy (while still leaving room for the less-expected) AND to achieve pregnancy.

*What about a video for couples who’ve had a miscarriage or struggle with infertility?????*

I completely agree with you, It makes so much sense.

It's been 6 of marriage and 5 years of Nfp i too want to educate my children with this wonderful teaching but I still have more to learn

Everyone freaking out in the comments about NFP only being used as “Catholic birth control” need to calm down. I’m a newlywed and NFP has brought me and my husband SO much closer. We are using NFP to “avoid” pregnancy for now because my husband is looking for a job and we want to bring children into our home only when we can financially take care of them, but we are open to the possibility of conceiving! That’s the whole point. AND as soon as we have a stable income, we are going to use NFP in order to conceive! It works both ways! Women are only fertile just a couple days per month, and NFP helps you know the best day to conceive.

Do you have recommendations for recourses for young girls about to hit the puberty stage to learn about charting, TOB, etc in a good way that’s age appropriate or even for parents as a guide to these conversations? NFP was never explained to me by my parents, who don’t agree with it, and I’ve 2 daughters whom I hope to raise with the awareness of our bodies.

Lololol. You guys are wonderful. So blessed. Thankyou for your wisdom.

I probably have Endometriosis and doctors just keep trying to put me on the pill for it. Apparently it will "keep the disease from spreading" but I really do not want to take them. Any advice?

I am so against birth control because it has so many chemicals. NFP makes so much sense since we are only fertile 2 days out of the entire month!!!!

Another great and informative video in this series!

How many days do you abstain from intercourse? I use the Marquette method and we have to abstain a little more than two weeks every cycle. For us it is too much time. Any suggestions?

I am for NFP, but using it with a right reason. It can be also sinful, so not everyone (in every situation) is allowed to use it. Can you talk also about it? And why are you two using it?

Hello What is the method called that you used I can’t catch what you said Also where do we learn how to do it ? Please help and God bless

Ascension Presents True faithful Catholics are beautiful people! And Jackie and Bobby are our KZfaq angels ;-)

I heard that you used to have hormonal acne. I currently have hormonal acne after stoping the pill. I was wondering how you tackled acne transitioning to NFP and not using the pill. I’m also getting married in July and we plan on practicing NFP!

What method and where I can buy it? Is the NFP different types of it? Advies please 🙏🙏

Please where I can buy exactly this not marquette, I found in internet many, but I don't have idea where I can buy it. Of what is the right one for buy. 🙏🙏🙏

Not Catholic but I agree...this is great. Excellent video!

Can one be closed to fertility and open to life at the same time?

Geeze, I'm shocked at how much heat they are catching in the comments! This method (their particular one, Creighton), is a gift! Life is busy, life is crazy, and God gave us a way to have as many babies as He wishes for us.

I would like to practice NFP, if only to give my future husband and I time to adjust a bit to married life, and in consideration of our mental health at the time.

Much love brother and sisters

Its important to note that there is no "infertile" part of the cycle, percentage wise. The percentage just changes at different stages.

Question for next week: what is about women who work night shift or use medication which messes up nfp? I heard from a girl that you have to have a regular sleep ryhtm for it to be accurate.

Do you guys withdraw during non fertile days?

I was put on the pill at age 12 for having a heavy period. 12 years later I was taken off because it had given me growths in my liver. I’m honestly not sure if NFP will work or not because of the damage the pill did. My periods are so irregular I’m not sure how to track them. I can get a few in a row that are 4-5 weeks a part and then maybe not have one for 3 months.

What if I were to tell you that at first St. Augustine the Doctor of Doctors of the Church originally supported NFP between married couples using a calendar system which was also done by the Manicheans. But latter on St. Augustine condemned the practice being that it still removes God from the equation in which married couples are suppose to be open to life at all time during the sexual act which shouldn't be withheld during specific days of the month. Much latter on NFP was deemed acceptable by the Church during the Second Vatican Council over the issue of financial hardships of married couples. But in reality it was about population control.

Good job guys. Simcha Fisher has a good book on NFP. Covers church teaching, challenges, a call on to be more loving and surrendered to God even though nfp is hard.

Jackie and Bobby, I have enormous respect and admiration for you but in all honesty we could not have done it.

Do you guys have a private social media page? Really enjoy your vids.

*What about a video for couples who’ve had a miscarriage or struggle with infertility?????* Everyone talks about NFP but forgets about the couples who struggle even to conceive or have a full term pregnancy

Am I wrong but from my understanding NFP is only allowed in GRAVE circumstances. This video makes it out that its just allowed generally. It isn't.

Where are the other 2 videos?

NFP must be a high wire act because, as you say still, "you're trying to avoid pregnancy," which is a sin, no?

Can someone who is not regular on period do natural family planning?

What is the painting on your mantle of Mary and Baby Jesus called? It looks beautiful

Are there not specific conditions for avoiding pregnancy? For example serious illness. I can’t imagine that using NFP on a regular basis in order to avoid pregnancy can be right without a serious reason?

I think it would just be better to go unplanned. That way, you are neither avoiding having children or directly seeking them out. You are %100 percent open to the chance of having children. Yes, it might make it harder when you are seeking to have children, but you know for a fact that you aren't avoiding it.

Is pulling out consider Contraception sorry for the bad wording I used to sin

Can you make a video on how to know when you are ovulating?

Shot in the dark 😆 god bless you both. I’m wondering why Bon Jovi is springing to mind 🤔 but I don’t want to give love a bad name.

Also, I do think they had some form of NFP 100 plus years ago. You know in the Bible the way a young woman's nurse would go in and find out if the woman was fertile to conceive with her husband and would then tell her husband. I should look more into that.

For everyone concerned with the thought that observing your cycle is a form of contraception, here is an excerpt from Familiaris Consortio not discussed at length in the video: When couples, by means of recourse to contraception, separate these two meanings that God the Creator has inscribed in the being of man and woman and in the dynamism of their sexual communion, they act as "arbiters" of the divine plan and they "manipulate" and degrade human sexuality-and with it themselves and their married partner-by altering its value of "total" self-giving. Thus the innate language that expresses the total reciprocal self-giving of husband and wife is overlaid, through contraception, by an objectively contradictory language, namely, that of not giving oneself totally to the other. This leads not only to a positive refusal to be open to life but also to a falsification of the inner truth of conjugal love, which is called upon to give itself in personal totality. When, instead, by means of recourse to periods of infertility, the couple respect the inseparable connection between the unitive and procreative meanings of human sexuality, they are acting as "ministers" of God's plan and they "benefit from" their sexuality according to the original dynamism of "total" selfgiving, without manipulation or alteration.[90] In the light of the experience of many couples and of the data provided by the different human sciences, theological reflection is able to perceive and is called to study further the difference, both anthropological and moral, between contraception and recourse to the rhythm of the cycle: it is a difference which is much wider and deeper than is usually thought, one which involves in the final analysis two irreconcilable concepts of the human person and of human sexuality. The choice of the natural rhythms involves accepting the cycle of the person, that is the woman, and thereby accepting dialogue, reciprocal respect, shared responsibility and self- control. To accept the cycle and to enter into dialogue means to recognize both the spiritual and corporal character of conjugal communion and to live personal love with its requirement of fidelity. In this context the couple comes to experience how conjugal communion is enriched with those values of tenderness and affection which constitute the inner soul of human sexuality, in its physical dimension also. In this way sexuality is respected and promoted in its truly and fully human dimension, and is never "used" as an "object" that, by breaking the personal unity of soul and body, strikes at God's creation itself at the level of the deepest interaction of nature and person.

Peculiar how Jackie says, "NFP is not contraception but it's a form of birth control." Definition of 'Birth Control" : the practice of preventing unwanted pregnancies, especially by use of contraception.

I wish I could ask Ascension Presents/ Jackie & Bobby this question... I am hearing in some of the Catholic videos mentions of “Natural Law”. I would like to know if this means that Catholics are very insistent on breastfeeding? It is as natural as Natural Family Planning. I’m really sad how in many areas of the U.S. it’s still not seen as so super important. I would say it’s a human right for the child. I’m not sure why society doesn’t get that.

I’m wondering if having sex during your wife’s period is a mortal sin?

Is it sinful to use birth control as a means of alleviating endometriosis? I’m unmarried and I’m waiting for marriage to have sex, but I cannot even function most days of my cycle, even when I’m not bleeding. I’ve been prescribed bc by a medical physician and have been taking it for 2 years and it has alleviated my pain. I recently have inquired about the RCC and I am preparing to enter full communion with the church, but I am worried that my use of prescription medication is a mortal sin. I don’t know what to do, I have prayed about it but I am lost.

I always interpreted the teachings of the chuch about sex that the act has to be open to life. So seeking out the time when not to get pregnant is not quite consistent with the church's teaching in my opinion. I may be wrong. Any comments?

*What about a video for couples who’ve had a miscarriage or struggle with infertility?????* Everyone talks about NFP but forgets about the overwhelming number of Christian couples who struggle even to conceive or have a full term pregnancy.

While NFP has the positives of learning a woman's cycle and delaying/avoiding conception when there are extremely serious reasons, it makes me so sad to have it touted as a necessity for married couples. God is generous with us, and we should be generous with souls for him. The mentality amongst many NFP users is essentially worldly... Avoid pregnancy, with no substantial, dire reason.

I'm not going to lie. We use condoms because we have 4 kids and we just can't have any more kids (13,12,12,3) financially 😣

Thank you for this Video, and making one about the negatives of NFP. I Will say, the comment section is abhorrently prideful, and quite disgusting, some repeat commenters are the saddest samples of pride. No one, none of these negative accusers are personally living and experiencing the psychological, Mental, financial, nor personal lives of those [happily] using NFP. For those normal people looking to learn about NFP, don't be discouraged by radicals, and enjoy the video. Prayerful discernment, and YOUR spiritual directors' advice is all you need 😊 no one here matters honestly, and remember as Fr Alar says, "If the church says its Ok, Heaven says its Ok"

Is using NFP bad? I just don’t want to have more than one child because I mean pregnancy is scary

Ok so I need help... I've been married for 5 years and we have 1 daughter (20 month old) I had a traumatic post partum journey... I had a really long labor, about 3 weeks after having my daughter I had severe post partum hemorrhaging because the doctors left some placenta inside me.... and then I also suffered from postpartum depression, which I told my doctor many times how I felt and he kept saying I was fine.. I wasnt and am not... I'm terrified of the thought of more children plus my husband and I both work full time jobs it's hard making ends meet... I'm scared to have more kids.... I'm trying to trust God but because of the depression I had and sometimes have I don't want anymore kids... my husband and I use a condom... is it still a mortal sin ? Considering my situation ?? And why doesnt the church talk about like post partum depression and stuff like that, no one ever does ... all we hear is be fruitful etc... but its hard!!! Any advice is welcomed !!!!! Please help!

This makes no sense. Using a condom is using a piece of plastic to prevent pregnancy, and NFP is using timing of a woman’s cycle to prevent pregnancy. But the heart and intention of both methods is the exact same: to prevent pregnancy.

This is only to be used in absolute necessary not from selfish wants to not want children

Living in the city of sin. I really wish the catholic church would focus on educating our young and couples on the beauty of NFP and the effectiveness. It is not taught and spoken of enough.

I dont do NFP for religious reasons but I feel guilty for the fact that an egg and sperm can meet but can't implant with birth control... I feel more in control and Bette understanding of my self

me and my husband practice nfp but also when we're are having sex he will pull out and finish on my stomach. is this against morality in the bible?

I see it is not all black and white, avoiding to have a child with NFP. Thank you for making this video! Needed it lol! Edit: God bless you and your family!

I was so happy to be free from the world's pressure to use artificial birth control in my marriage

Could you please come to speak in Pennsylvania??

Why haven’t y’all talked about the concepts of marital/conjugal debt as well as the guidelines within which NFP can be licitly used? That needs to be discussed, especially when talking about the difficulties and yet the beauty of what called has called married couples to in their vocation. Those teachings being: "With regard to physical, economic, psychological and social conditions, responsible parenthood is exercised by those who prudently and generously decide to have more children, and by those who, for serious reasons and with due respect to moral precepts (seriis causis moralibusque praeceptis observatis), decide not to have additional children for either a certain or an indefinite period of time.” (Humanae Vitae, 10)." And Pope St. Paul VI is simply pulling from Pope Pius XII list from his “Address to the Italian Catholic Union of Midwives” in 1951: "Serious motives, such as those which not rarely arise from medical, eugenic, economic and social so-called “indications,” may exempt husband and wife from the obligatory, positive debt for a long period or even for the entire period of matrimonial life.” More on those subjects: - fatherjerabek.com/2019/05/23/the-marital-debt/ - taylormarshall.com/2014/08/nfp-and-serious-reasons-what-are-these-reasons.html

If the natural destiny of the conjugal act is a baby, and the natural destiny of NFP is no baby, then how can we say it is natural?

This was very informative and encouraging to watch. Thanks guys. Goodness, Jackie but where did you find Bobby !? Where did he find you :-D Bobby perhaps look into doing some series on sex and sexuality with a number of your male friends ( single and married ) if possible. It's super encouraging to and hear a man who genuinely values holiness and learning and growing as a person. I've just personally not had much exposure to that and it can be very discouraging as a single woman staying committed to not settling for a man who simply doesn't value or believe the same things. Also for guys who may not have immediate access to healthy male mentorship to keep them encouraged.

NFP means naturally family planning, literally. Planning a family. It's not to control/delay birth in any way, shape, or form. Its to aid in bringing children into the world: which is the sacrament of marriage. If your using NFP as a method of birth control to avoid pregnancy its not part of Catholic teachings.

NFP doesn't work for everyone, it takes all the spontaneity out of intimacy, and most couples end up in a sexless marriage. Its not a great solution and if you use it as contraception what's the difference? Btw, the pill is not the only form of contraceptive out there...

when they say not to use the pill bc it makes you not notice you have PCOS but yet the pill is what a doctor prescribes to regulate your hormones better....

Can I ask a question. I am catholic and live in Scotland. There are no young adult groups in my diocese and the legion of Mary and prayer groups that I attend in various parishes , I at 23 am always by far the youngest. When I try online dating on catholic or christian websites there is only a handful of Catholics on it from the UK and hardly any from Scotland. I am a university graduate registered nurse, I am very pretty because I am always approached by secular men at work, at the bust stop, when I was at university. What can I do to meet a catholic husband. The people that I went to catholic school with are all non practising bar a few that only go to mass on Sunday but are dating non Christians and some are cohabiting. It seems so easy in America to find a catholic or even christian spouse. I am tempted to attend an evangelical church and marry a non catholic christian but that will be a very unequally yoked relationship from the get go. Please help.

Hi Jackie!! What a truth !! NFP is the only way to go BC is cutting off Gods gifts which are babies!! God bless you both in your ministry!! Ps: good topic suggestion for next is about the man making the living and the wife making the home!! From my experience when both the woman and man work full time something suffers and it’s usually the homelife and kids!! Part time is ideal for moms to keep her interests alive but her primary job is her home 🏡 and family!!! Many women and men may say “it takes 2 full time workers to make it” no it doesn’t DO WITH LESS. Rent instead of buy, have one car, no camper boat 72 inch TV! Or unmarried women reading this marry a man with a good career!!!

Serious motives, such as those which not rarely arise from medical, eugenic, economic and social so-called “indications,” may exempt husband and wife from the obligatory, positive debt for a long period or even for the entire period of matrimonial life.”

What is NFP? I don't really understand.

You all totally skipped over CCC 2368. One needs to have “just reasons” to use NFP and a just reason is not to have sex without conceiving.

Do you ever question the Catechism or other Catholic literature, or do you just accept it and abide by it no matter what? I mean this as respectfully as possible. Also, who writes the Catechism?

Kinda trying to understand but you’re saying you have to be open to life, and you can’t use contraception because that means you’re blocking pregnancy. However, you can use NFP because there is still a chance that you can get pregnant? But isn’t NFP just using natural means to block pregnancy? And if so, how does that differ from contraception? because the only means of contraception that is 100% is abstinence which means there still is a chance to get pregnant on the pill and with condoms and stuff. So either using NFP would mean you’re not open to life and avoiding pregnancy or using contraception means you’re open to the small chance of life but you’re avoiding pregnancy because it can’t be both right? Not trying to argue I’m just confused by the concept. I hope someone can answer my questions. Not catholic btw but I’m interested in learning about the faith

..cause you really don't want to waste this time..💏✌

1:22 actually the sassy answer is "Your FACE is enough birth control!"

Currently 5 months pregnant with my unplanned NFP baby 🙃

Great video really good advice i have used NFP since converting to Catholism it is very effective and so much more healthy !

Is rhythm method wrong?

I preffer have 25 babbies