Hugh and Emma’s Love Story

Real couples really do use NFP, and we asked them to tell us their NFP story. We will be sharing them here on the blog — the good parts and the struggles. Each of these couples is writing their own love story, and have chosen to do so by following God’s plan for marriage.

Here is Hugh and Emma’s story.*

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Were you initially skeptical about NFP?

Not really. We had no doubts, but we trusted the method!

How did you learn NFP?

Through CCL’s Live Onsite Class. It was a good experience learning from another couple. They were very informative and shared some very personal details which helped us learn a lot.

Was it difficult to learn?

The actual learning of NFP was not difficult, but getting into the habit of identifying my daily symptoms of fertility was more difficult (trying to wake up at consistent time to get temperature, trying to remember to check cervical mucus).

Who participates in observations, charting and interpreting?

We both have the CycleProGo app on our phones, and my husband regularly checks it to see where I’m at in my cycle. I also add fairly detailed events for days such as “stress,” “illness” or anything unusual that goes on to help pinpoint how external stressors impact my cycles.

Has anything surprised you about learning NFP?

Yes, it has helped me diagnose health issues. It was my teaching couple that suggested I get my thyroid tested because my basal temperature was consistently low in the 95-96 degree range. Sure enough, thanks to her, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. I also learned from the doctor that I work with that I most likely have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and as a result have started working on some dietary approaches to help with this.

What changes have you seen in the dynamics of your relationship since starting natural family planning?

I’d say that we just talk a lot about where I am at in my cycle, and my husband is better able to understand my emotions (i.e. I am generally quite emotional during Phase III before my period starts).

*Names have been changed for privacy reasons.

Do you have an NFP love story to share? Contact Ann Gundlach at CCL at 800-745-8252 ext 1033. Or share this story with someone who needs to hear it!

New from CCL! Your Love Story: A Guide to Engagement and Marriage by William Turrentine. Learn more at www.ccli.org/yls.