Family planning is managed by the Natural Fertility Services team. Focus areas are explained below.

Natural Fertility Control

Centacare Catholic Family and Community Services [CFCS] offers a Natural Fertility Education Service.

Natural Fertility is the accurate identification of a woman's natural cycles of fertility and infertility. Using this information, a couple can choose to achieve or avoid a pregnancy.
 

Avoiding Pregnancy

The method taught at Centacare Catholic Family and Community Services is the 'Sympto-Thermal Method', which contrary to some beliefs is highly effective. Repeated studies have placed its efficacy above that of barrier methods and equalling that of hormonal contraceptives, in avoiding pregnancy. A significant number of clients are choosing the benefits of natural methods because of dissatisfaction with other methods, where there are various unwanted side-effects.
 

Achieving Pregnancy

Many clients are also interested in learning about natural fertility in order to assist them to achieve a pregnancy. When clients understand the natural processes and functioning of their bodies - and can recognise the limited fertile time in their cycle, they can optimise their chances of conception. This can be a simple and non-invasive method that can be an alternative to, or that can precede medical intervention.
 

Breastfeeding

Another newer method of Natural Fertility is the ‘Lactational Amenorrhoea Method’ or LAM. Breastfeeding women can use this in the first six months following the birth of a baby, provided their periods have not returned. This informed use of a naturally determined time of infertility is highly effective, and avoids the use of artificial hormones whilst breastfeeding.
 

Benefits of Natural Fertility Control

The philosophy of Natural Fertility is that a couple's fertility is not a disease that needs to be ‘treated’ or eliminated, but which gives clients the knowledge and skills to make informed choices about their fertility without the need for drugs or devices. The method invites communication and cooperation between the couple, without placing the burden of fertility control on one or the other.
 

Learning Natural Fertility Control

The method is most effective when taught by an accredited teacher. Centacare has teachers of Natural Fertility, trained by and accredited with the Australian Council of Natural Family Planning, and offers private education sessions for individuals and couples. The service includes information and instruction, as well as ongoing support, and all materials. The service is open to anyone regardless of age or religious affiliation, on an affordable fee for service basis. Please phone Centacare Catholic Family and Community Services for more information or to make a confidential appointment.
 

Workshops

Centacare’s trained teachers can provide workshops for community groups, women’s groups, schools and professional health groups in this natural alternative method of family planning.

For further information you can view a copy of our Natural Fertility Control brochure or please contact us on 3252 4371 for further information.

Supported by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing and the Archdiocese of Brisbane.