Show Notes
On this episode, Nicole and Rakhi discuss Natural Family Planning (NFP), including the different methods and resources available, moral implications, and how to handle any challenges that may arise. They encourage us to eliminate the stigma in talking about NFP and intimacy.
This episode of Beyond Sunday is sponsored by the PIME Missionaries. The PIME Missionaries are Catholic Priests and Brothers changing lives and sharing the merciful joy of Christ with those who need it most through the PIME Sponsorships at a Distance Program. Become a PIME Sponsor today and bring lasting change to the life of a child, youth, person living with disabilities, or seminarian. Learn about the impact that you can have at pimeusa.org/52sponsorships.
(1:09) Nicole and Rakhi share that it is Natural Family Planning (NFP) week per the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. Nicole says that it is about celebrating the gift of fertility and our bodies rather than just the method.
(4:03) Nicole says that NFP has a more holistic meaning than it has before. Rakhi acknowledges that it can be difficult despite being the right thing.
(5:39) The hosts address why NFP is worth it. They say that we were made for authentic relationship and that the use of contraception is not giving our whole selves to our spouse. For young people who are single, they say it can help with understanding their bodies in order to be healthy and happy.
(7:38) Rakhi says there is a misunderstanding in that the Church is not asking us to exist purely to have babies but rather that we are not meant to be instruments of pleasure for one another. She says it is a gift of delayed gratification and self-sacrificial love.
(9:45) Rakhi shares the benefits and challenges in her NFP journey. She calls it a team sport that includes the man as well. Nicole says that when there are challenges we should remember that intimacy means more than intercourse.
(12:07) Nicole shares that there are newer, more modern NFP options, including different models and teachers. She describes the differences between the different methods and technology that can support them.
(15:19) Rakhi says the goal is to increase communication with your partner. Nicole asks husbands to be supportive of their wives and be involved, and Rakhi says these should not be taboo conversations.
(16:45) Nicole recommends using an instructor for your method and shares a resource to find teachers.
(17:30) Nicole says that if there is a struggle with fertility, you should not hesitate to take it to prayer and ask for help. Rakhi encourages that it can be hard but that intimacy is more than the sexual act and that our marriages should be about desiring the best for each other.
(19:59) Nicole says that being on contraceptives or having certain procedures can be moral if there are medical reasons.
(21:12) Rakhi says that not acknowledging how hard NFP is can breed resentment so it is ok to own your feelings and talk to someone to walk through those periods.
(23:06) Nicole says that if we’re doing NFP right it is a constant act of prayer and discernment.
(24:04) Rakhi says this week’s challenge is to eliminate the stigma around what we need help with in this area.
This episode of Beyond Sunday is sponsored by the PIME Missionaries. The PIME Missionaries are Catholic Priests and Brothers changing lives and sharing the merciful joy of Christ with those who need it most through the PIME Sponsorships at a Distance Program. Become a PIME Sponsor today and bring lasting change to the life of a child, youth, person living with disabilities, or seminarian. Learn about the impact that you can have at pimeusa.org/52sponsorships.