Women- Only Workshops: Fertility Awareness for Conception and Contraception

The workshop includes two study sessions of usually four-to-six women. A third follow-up meeting is private. Each group meeting is 3-5 hours (depending on number of participants). The workshops take place either at Michal’s home in Jerusalem or in the home of any woman who wants to host and help organize a group (at a 30% discount) within Israel. Women who are interested in participating can read more about the method from the information sheetand sample charts . Each woman receives a packet of printed materials, fertility charts, and a special basal thermometer.

In the first session, we learn about:

  • The scientific principles of the natural method
  • Sexual anatomy and physiology
  • The menstrual cycle- its laws and its meanings
  • Body-Mind aspects of the menstrual cycle
  • Techniques for identifying and monitoring one’s fertility signs

Between the first and second session, there is a learning period of approximately one month or cycle in which each woman tracks her fertility signs on a special chart and learns to recognize what her fertile and infertile times look like. This month is necessary for learning how the method works in a specific woman’s body- before learning the rules of method itself.

In the second session, we learn:

  • The rules for implementing the method
  • Additional contraceptive methods which can be used together with the natural method
  • Understanding the concepts of effectiveness and safety regarding all contraceptive methods
  • Internal exams- secretions and cervix
  • Natural remedies for common gynecological problems

The third private, follow-up meeting:

After a practice period in which a woman charts at least 4-6 continuous cycles, the client schedules a private session with Michal. In this session, a woman learns how to summarize her personal cycle patterns as well as implement other rules and short-cuts which provide additional freedom in using the method.

Each client is encouraged to consult with Michal by phone/fax/computer, according to individual need.

Whoever chooses to learn the natural method of contraception from an unauthorized source understands that there is a risk involved. Before you learn the method, it is important to verify a teacher’s qualifications and diplomas.

If you are interested in participating in a workshop, please fill in the form below, save it as a new word document with your full name and send to:

P A DATE: ______

CLIENT FORM FOR FERTILITY AWARENESS WORKSHOP

The information on this form relates to general health and fertility and is used to determine the appropriateness of the workshop for each woman. The information is completely confidential and will not be used or forwarded for any other purpose.

PLEASE HIGHLIGHT YOUR ANSWERS AND SAVE FILE AS YOUR FULL NAME

Name: Home phone: Cell phone: Email address: Home address: City:

Marital status: Age: Number of children: Work/profession:

No / Yes

Are you nidda observant?

What was the date of your past period?

What is your main goal in learning fertility awareness?

Birth control while breastfeeding / Natural birth control / Pregnancy / Body Awareness

Details about your menstrual cycle-during the past 6 months (Please underline your response)

Comments: / No / Yes / Do you have a natural cycle right now?
Comments: / No / Yes / Do you have a regular cycle now?
Comments: / No / Yes / Are you taking oral contraceptives now? For how long?
Comments: / No / Yes / Are you off oral contraceptives? For how long?
Comments: / No / Yes / Was your menstrual cycle regular before you took the pill?

How often do you get your period? (example: every 27-30 days)

If you don’t have a regular cycle now, what do you think might be the reason?

Contraception

Comments: / No / Yes / Are you now using another method of contraception?
How long are you using this method?
Method + time used:______
Method: + time used:______
Method: + time used:______/ What methods have you used in the past?
For how long?
If using another method now, why do you want to discontinue?

For Breastfeeding Women

How long would you like to postpone/ prevent pregnancy?
What is the date of your last birth?
How often do you breastfeeding during day?
How often do you breastfeed at night?
How often do you pump milk?
How long are you planning to breastfeeding?
What supplements does your baby receive
(pacifier, water, formula, other)?

Medical History

Comments
Which? / No / Yes / Do you take any medication on a regular basis?
explain why and for what: / No / Yes / Do you use complementary medicine?
No / Yes / Do you experience any unexplained bleeding?
No / Yes / Do you have bleeding that is not related to menstruation?
No / Yes / Do you currently suffer from a yeast/Candida infection?
When? / No / Yes / Have you suffered from yeast/Candida in the past?
No / Yes / Have you experienced any sexual pain during intercourse in the past?
No / Yes / Do you experience any sexual pain during intercourse now?
When? For how long? / No / Yes / Were you ever a vegetarian?
When? For how long? / No / Yes / Are you a vegetarian now?
When? For how long? / No / Yes / Were you ever a vegan?
For how long? / No / Yes / Are you a vegan now?
Which? / No / Yes / Do you suffer from any kind of chronic infection?
Which? / No / Yes / Are you aware of any hormonal problems?
what does it exclude? / No / Yes / Do you eat a special diet?
When? / No / Yes / Have you ever had a miscarriage?
When? / No / Yes / Have you ever had an abortion?
How many times have you taken Postinor in the past 2-3 years? ____

Vitamin Deficiencies

Comments
No / Yes / B12
No / Yes / Iron
No / Yes / Calcium
No / Yes / Other vitamins:

To what extent would you say your partner supports your decision to study the Fertility Awareness Method: (on a scale of 1 to-5, 5 is highest)

5 / 4 / 3 / 2 / 1

How did you hear about Fertility Awareness?

Other: / Friend / Practitioner / Internet