Outline of the NFPTAI Course to train Teachers of Natural Family Planning
The NFPTAI Course in Fertility Awareness leading to a Certificate to teach Natural Family Planning - symptothermal multiple index /double-check method, is held over 5 week-ends. Classes each week-end are held on Saturday and Sunday from 9.00 - 17.30 hours.
The aim of the Course is to provide the participants with a clear understanding of the scientific basis and the practical applications of natural family planning and fertility awareness. Fertility Awareness is of great benefit for couples who are trying to conceive as well as for those who wish to avoid a pregnancy. The course is open to those who are interested in Fertility Awareness and Natural Family Planning, including doctors, nurses and any other interested person.
The Course is divided into two parts:
Part 1 of the Course is on the first three week-ends, and covers normal anatomy and physiology in the male and female and charting in normal circumstances.
Part 1 Examination is held on the Sunday of the 3rd week-end.
Part 2 of the Course is held on the 4th and 5th week-ends and covers the special circumstances of post-partum, post- pill and pre-menopause.
Part 2 Examination is held five to six months after the 5th week-end.
Course Schedule: Part 1
Week - end 1 : Saturday 9.00 am - 5.30 pm
Introduction to the Teachers’ Training Course Manual
History and Ideology of Natural Family Planning
Scientific basis of Fertility
Fertility Indicators and Methodology of NFP
Revision of Scientific Basis. Introduction to charting
Introduction to Charting; Fertility Indicators and Charting Exercises
Progress Monitors (homework to be done)
Week - end 1 : Sunday : 9.00am - 5.30pm
Chart interpretation exercises continued
Chart interpretation continued
All methods of Family Planning
Correction of Progress Monitors; homework given
Week - end 2 : Saturday : 9.00am - 5.30pm
Introduction to Unusual Charts
Interpretation of Unusual Charts .
Finish Unusual Charts
Premenstrual Syndrome and use of diet in adverse circumstances.
Vaginal discharges and related conditions
Progress monitors
Week - end 2 : Sunday : 9.00am - 5.30pm
Teaching and learning Natural Family Planning
Management of client’s first three cycles
Psychology of fertility control
Group discussions / Role play
Progress monitors corrections and homework
Week -end 3 : Saturday : 9.00am - 5.30pm
interpretation of charts in groups of 4
Correction of Progress Monitors;
Applications of Rules in N.F.P. : interpretation of charts in groups of 4
Charting exercises
Week - end 3 : Sunday : 9.00am - 11.30pm
Revision of theory of NFP Revision of Chart interpretation;
Part 1 Exam (Week - end 3 : Sunday)
Part 1 Exam on the Theory of NFP and on Chart Interpretation in Normal Circumstances is held on the Sunday of the 3rd week-end. It consists of :
Paper 1: multiple choice examination paper (written 1.5 hours) on the Theory of NFP from 12.00pm - 1.30pm
Paper 2: is a book of 10 charts to be interpreted : written (1.5 hours) from 2.30pm - 4.00pm
End of Part 1
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Course Schedule: Part 2
Part 2 : Covers the Special Circumstances of post-partum, post-pill, pre-menopause.
Week - end 4 : Saturday 9.00am - 5.30pm
Brief review of the Part 1 exam. Preparation for Part 2 Exam
Subfertility
LAM (Lactational Amenorrea) and Post Partum
Charting during the post - partum period
Post Partum continued
Pre-menopause
Week - end 4 : Sunday : 9.00am - 5.30pm
Pre-menopause
Charting during pre-menopause
pre-menopause continued
Returning Fertility in the Post Pill period
Charting during the post Pill period
New Technology (ovulation monitors)
Preparation for Part 2 Exam
Week-end 5 : Saturday : 9.00am - 5.30pm
Revision of rules and charts in the special circumstances of post-partum
Infertility and Assisted Reproductive Techniques
Natural Methods of Treating Infertility
Week-end 5 : Sunday: 9.00am - 5.30pm
Revision of rules and charts in special circumstances of pre-menopause; Progress Monitors
Revision of rules and charts in special circumstances of post-pill; Progress Monitors
Preparation for Part 2 Exam
Part 2 Exam
The Part 2 Examination is held about five to six months after the 5th week-end. During these five to six months the trainee NFP teacher has to teach three clients for three cycles how to chart their cycle in normal circumstances, and the trainee has to discuss these charts at the Part 2 Examination.
The Part 2 Examination consists of an oral examination in which the candidate (or a teaching couple) is examined by two examiners on the following :
1)The candidate discusses the charts of 3 clients whom she (or they if a teaching couple) has taught over 3 cycles.
2) A book of special circumstances’ charts distributed at the final week-end is interpreted and annotated at home by the candidate and is discussed with the examiners.
3) The candidate has to show and discuss the book of teaching materials she / (they, if a teaching couple) has/have put together as their own aids to teaching. This book should set out her teaching plan for each visit of her client, and include information which should answer any expected queries from her client.