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Software program makes NFP charting easy
By Julie Filby
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CNS photo/Joe Kohn, The Michigan Catholic |
Historically natural family planning (NFP) has been learned through manual charting and interpretation. Novuscor, a Lone Tree-based software company, has developed a computerprogram that assists with the art of interpretation using computer technology.
FertileView, developed by Novuscor from 2002-2005, is downloadable software for fertility management. The application allows a couple to chart a woman’s fertility signs, then it interprets the information to define optimal times to achieve and avoid pregnancy.
“For more than 35 years NFP has been learned through manual charting that consists of stickers and dots,” said Novuscor founder Tim Boh, a parishioner at St. Thomas More Church in Centennial. “FertileView offers engaged and married couples a computer program that interprets the user’s information … (and) is simple to use and easy to learn.”
Sarah Williams, 31, and husband David, parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Castle Rock (Diocese of Colorado Springs) have used FertileView since spring 2009.
“It was part of marriage prep through our church, one of several options,” Williams said. “We love the control it gives us.”
The Williams appreciated the fact that it was a computer program.
“The amount of information you can access is nice,” said Williams, mother of a 1-year-old and pregnant with twins due in January. “And I can print information off and take it to my doctor if necessary.”
FertileView was designed to be interactive with users’ physicians. Health-care professionals can purchase FertileView to maintain user data; or clients can email data to doctors.
“As a cycle diagnostic software, or ovulation software, FertileView can be shared with the users’ OB-GYN or physician for additional support,” said Boh. “This medical support model was designed to be an interactive health-care program that includes practice reimbursement for the care and support offered by the user’s doctor.”
The training time required to learn the program is an hour and half on average, according to Boh. Couples are trained step-by-step, generally while sitting at the computer.
“The training begins with building a sample chart with the user,” he said. “Through this process, we discuss all aspects of the user’s cycle and provide a personal strategy that will best support the couple.”
Williams appreciated the ease and thoroughness of the training.
“Tim and (his wife) Traci were great with tech support and helping me feel comfortable with how to chart,” said Williams. “The system is easy to use and it helps you be so aware of your own body, and makes your spouse more aware as well.”
Phil Webb, director of the archdiocesan Office of Marriage and Family Life, said it is important for couples to investigate NFP options so they make the choice that suits them best.
“Different options address different needs and different learning styles,” Webb said. “Some methods cause couples to get comfortable with NFP by practicing it over several classes and at least a couple of cycles. During this time they can learn about other factors that affect fertility like breastfeeding, stress and illness.”
For his work in natural family planning, Boh was honored with a Pope Paul VI Award in January 2010 by the Archdiocese of Denver. The award is named after the pontiff who authored the 1968 encyclical “Humanae Vitae” (“Of Human Life”) on married love and procreation.
“We’re devoted to research and application development surrounding fertility cycles and their complexities,” said Boh, who has used FertileView with wife Traci for seven years. “The (FertileView) process supports couples and their fertility goals while promoting Catholic teaching on human sexuality, marriage and family life, including conjugal love and parenthood.”
FertileView is available for both PC and Mac computers. A significantly discounted price is available to Catholic clients. For more information, visit www.cath.novuscor.com, call 303-858-0488 or email info@novuscor.com.
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