This method of natural family planning encourages co-operation and mutual respect between the woman and man, thus enriching their relationship. As the Billings Ovulation Method® is a natural method, respecting fertility instead of suppressing it with drugs or devices, it is acceptable to couples from all cultures and religions.
The Billings Ovulation Method® was developed by husband and wife team (the late) Drs. John and Evelyn Billings of Melbourne, Australia, and has since spread worldwide. It has been subject to a profound amount of scientific research since 1953 and this research continues.
To learn to use the Billings Ovulation Method® accurately, it is highly recommended to learn from an Accredited Teacher. It is a very simple method, but users who self-teach do find it harder to reach confidence. They may experience lower effectiveness when attempting to avoid pregnancy and/or more abstinence than is actually necessary. This can be avoided easily with the help of a Teacher.
Basic Instruction & Follow-Up Schedule
- Initial Instruction/Online Introduction
- First Follow-up (2 Weeks)
- Second Follow-up (4 Weeks)
- Third Follow-up (6 Weeks)
- Fourth Follow-up (Three Months)
- Fifth Follow-up (Four Months)
- Sixth Follow-up (Six Months)
- Remaining Follow-ups every 1-3 months
*This schedule is an approximation. The number and timing of Follow-ups will be tailored to the needs of each client. Once both you and your Accredited Instructor feel that you have become proficient in the use of the Method, regularly scheduled Follow-ups will cease. You can always request one, as needed.
Post partum clients are offered regular follow up through the entire return of fertility transition, regardless of how long it takes to resume ovulatory cycles. You will not be left to navigate the transition alone!
The Fee for Service is a suggested donation of $250 for unlimited follow up in the first year, $50 for refreshers. You will still receive full support if you cannot afford a donation at this time.
Once learned, the Billings Ovulation Method® can be used in any phase of a woman’s reproductive life, including:
- regular cycles
- irregular cycles
- anovular cycles
- after childbirth
- breastfeeding
- peri-menopause
Benefits:
- absolutely no health risks or side effects
- 99% effective for preventing pregnancy
- scientifically verified
- safeguards reproductive health
- requires no drugs, devices, barriers, or chemicals
- allows family planning to be a shared responsibility between man and woman
- increases communication
- affordable
- trusted by millions of couples around the world
The use of the Billings Ovulation Method® is not compatible with barrier or hormonal forms of contraception, either during the learning period or for family planning purposes. The high effectiveness of this method for avoiding pregnancy involves periodic abstinence.
How to make the most of your Follow Ups:
- Keep your appointments or give sufficient notice if you need to re-schedule. By keeping your appointments, you will gain confidence much more quickly than by missing or postponing them. Keeping your appointments also shows courtesy to your Instructor. She may have altered her schedule or arranged child care in order to give her undivided attention to your appointment.
- If following up by phone or Skype, use a quiet space where you will not be distracted during your conversation.
- If you have started any new medications since the last Follow Up, have their names ready
- Have your chart ready for clarifying and editing
- If you have non-urgent questions in between follow ups, write them down so you do not forget to ask them.
A Refresher and follow up is strongly recommended in the following situations:
- Post partum
- Peri-menopause
- If it is imperative to avoid pregnancy effectively
- If attempts to conceive have been unsuccessful
- If it has been a number of years since your Initial Instruction. A “chart check up” from time to time never hurts!