How to Learn the Fertility Awareness Method [Strategy Break Down]

How to Learn the Fertility Awareness Method or Natural Family Planning

Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) allow those with a female reproductive system to track their signs of fertility. These observations are then noted onto a chart and rules are then applied. Observations made can vary between each method. The rules applied can allow users to make informed decisions about unprotected intercourse – whether they would like to achieve or avoid a pregnancy. 

In this post, I’m going to go through the different ways in which someone might learn a FABM. Some of these pathways are more recommended than others but I feel it’s important to go through all of the options, as well as their pros and cons. 

Word of mouth

Word of mouth can be a good idea if you have a close friend who is already experienced with charting their fertility and is naturally a good teacher. However, the obvious drawback here is that they are unlikely to be professionally trained to teach the method they use and their knowledge may be limited to only what they have experienced in their own charting. For example, your friend may have only charted during ‘normal’ cycles while you may be in the postpartum season so might need more specialised advice. 

Learning FAM online

There are a whole host of internet sites and forums dedicated to the discussion of FAM and natural family planning (NFP). Some sites can be great for getting others opinions on charting issues or just generally being able to browse a huge number of other people’s charts and data to get a feel of different possibilities. I learned a lot by being a member of this Facebook group.

The con here though is that you can never be sure whether the information, hints or tips you’re receiving is complete/accurate as not everyone in the group is at the same level of learning or experience. If you’re seriously trying to avoid pregnancy, the accuracy of the information you take in about a method is an important factor. 

Fertility Awareness Method books

I wrote a post covering my favourite books surrounding the subject of FABMs a while back but I wanted to touch on the subject again here. There are some great books out there that provide the method details as well as the rules in which to follow regarding different FABMs and they can be a solid option for those who cannot afford an instructor. The downside is that you cannot ask specific questions you might have to a book and the level of depth will always vary between different publications.

Working with a FAM instructor

In my opinion, the best choice when learning a fertility awareness-based method is to work with a suitably qualified instructor. An instructor will be able to take you through your chosen method with time for you to ask any questions you might have. They will also be able to tailor their advice to your circumstances or provide hints and tips for anything you’re struggling with.

The main downside to this is that cost can often be prohibitive, however, I have personally noticed some instructors/teaching organisations offering subsidised fees, pay as you feel or free if you’re coming from a particular church or organisation (if relevant to the particular prospective client). Recently, I shared a post on how to find the right FAM instructor for you – check it out here.

I hope that this has helped to break down the various methods in which someone can learn a fertility awareness method or natural family planning. If I’ve missed anything or you have any questions, please feel free to comment below.