Feeling like the gatekeeper of your sex life?

How to get your husband involved in charting

In this free mini course, Christina walks you through a number of ways husbands and wives can chart together, plus the most important role of men in charting!

KEEPING A CHART TOGETHER [FREE MINI COURSE] 

Feeling like the gatekeeper of your sex life?

How to get your husband involved in charting

In this free mini course, Christina walks you through a number of ways husbands and wives can chart together, plus the most important role of men in charting!

KEEPING A CHART TOGETHER [FREE MINI COURSE] 

Natural Family Planning education for couples

NFP is more than just family planning.

I know, I talk ALL over this website about how family planning is just one aspect of fertility awareness. But, it is a super important one! And if you are at a stage in life where you are trying to achieve or avoid, this is the place for you.

But, I want to encourage you that NFP is about far more than TTA or TTC. It's also about getting to know your body and your shared fertility as a couple...and how God has designed it for your holiness and union.

I'd love to teach you how. Pick your stage below!

 

Natural Family Planning education for couples

NFP is more than just family planning.

I know, I talk ALL over this website about how family planning is just one aspect of fertility awareness. But, it is a super important one! And if you are at a stage in life where you are trying to achieve or avoid, this is the place for you.

But, I want to encourage you that NFP is about far more than TTA or TTC. It's also about getting to know your body and your shared fertility as a couple...and how God has designed it for your holiness and union.

I'd love to teach you how.

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If you have been thrown out of a doctor's office for refusing birth control or seeking natural alternatives...

If you are tired of not getting answers about your health...

If you are desperately trying to achieve a pregnancy...

If achieving a pregnancy right now terrifies you...

If you're striving to discern and live God's will for your marriage and family...

You are welcome here.

  This is the place where women finally get the health info they deserve (and should have been given as preteens).

  This is where men actually get to be involved in the process of shared fertility.

And this is where couples are given the tools and resources to discern God's will for their family.

If you've looked around my site and thought, "Why did no one teach me all this before?!" then you are in the right place.

Whether you are engaged, already married, or a single woman preparing for your future vocation, Natural Family Planning has so many benefits, starting with uncovering information about how your body works, the purpose of cycles, the fluctuation of mood and energy levels, and even potential health issues.


As a means of avoiding pregnancy, it is extremely effective (as effective as contraception), environmentally friendly, and has no dangerous side effects, since it does not alter or inhibit your body in any way. And as a means of achieving pregnancy, it provides extremely valuable information for accurately identifying when a pregnancy could occur and any health issues that may make conception more difficult.


Most importantly? NFP aids in a greater understanding of God's design for your body, fertility, and marriage.

Wait...what is NFP?

It's the question you've always wondered but at this point you're too afraid to ask. No judgement! This is the place to ask questions.

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a large umbrella term for any method of regulating pregnancy that uses natural fertility markers to determine when a woman is capable of getting pregnant (as opposed to blocking pregnancy altogether with contraception or barrier methods). 

All NFP methods follow the same general pattern of observing and tracking fertility cues and using those cues to interpret whether or not a woman could conceive that day. Couples then follow guidelines regarding intercourse depending on whether or not they want to avoid or achieve a pregnancy.

The differences among methods lie in which fertility cues they employ, how detailed the observations of those cues are, and which rules are used to determine the start and end of fertility each month (the couple’s “Fertile Window”).

Natural Family Planning is the only method of family planning approved by the Catholic Church. It's not contraception; rather, it allows for the responsible parenthood by encouraging the couple to discern with God what is prudent for their family each cycle.

Wait...what is NFP?

It's the question you've always wondered but at this point you're too afraid to ask. No judgement! This is the place to ask questions.

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is a large umbrella term for any method of regulating pregnancy that uses natural fertility markers to determine when a woman is capable of getting pregnant (as opposed to blocking pregnancy altogether with contraception or barrier methods). 

All NFP methods follow the same general pattern of observing and tracking fertility cues and using those cues to interpret whether or not a woman could conceive that day. Couples then follow guidelines regarding intercourse depending on whether or not they want to avoid or achieve a pregnancy.

The differences among methods lie in which fertility cues they employ, how detailed the observations of those cues are, and which rules are used to determine the start and end of fertility each month (the couple’s “Fertile Window”).

Natural Family Planning is the only method of family planning approved by the Catholic Church. It's not contraception; rather, it allows for the responsible parenthood by encouraging the couple to discern with God what is prudent for their family each cycle.

NFP Methods 

While having a bunch of methods to choose from can make the discernment process more difficult, it is actually a beautiful gift! Each method specializes in certain types of fertile signs and ways of working with an instructor, and some even include healthcare components.

Billings
Boston Cross Check
Couple to Couple League
Creighton (Fertility Care)
Cycle Beads
Family of the Americas
Marquette Model
NFP International
FEMM
​Sensiplan
Symptopro

 

I am a certified teacher of the Boston Cross Check method, which teaches couples ways to use the fertility markers listed below separately, or in various combinations, to suit their desired efficacy and planning needs. We use:

  • Basal Body Temperature (oral or with wearable Tempdrop device)
  • Hormone monitoring using the Clearblue Fertility Monitor
  • Cervical fluid (with optional cervical checks)
  • Personal chart history
  • Basic cycle formulas

We also offer additional protocols with LH Tests and Proov Progesterone strips for clients who wish to incorporate those elements.

With the BCC method, you work closely with your instructor to learn all of these fertility signs and figure out which combination works best for your body, lifestyle, and fertility goals. That's one of my favorite things about it, how customized it is to each couple's unique situation and how it can easily flex with you as life changes.

WANT ME TO TEACH YOU?

 

I am a certified teacher of the Boston Cross Check method, which teaches couples ways to use the fertility markers listed below separately, or in various combinations, to suit their desired efficacy and planning needs. We use:

  • Basal Body Temperature (oral or with wearable Tempdrop device)
  • Hormone monitoring using the Clearblue Fertility Monitor
  • Cervical fluid (with optional cervical checks)
  • Personal chart history
  • Basic cycle formulas

We also offer additional protocols with LH Tests and Proov Progesterone strips for clients who wish to incorporate those elements.

With the BCC method, you work closely with your instructor to learn all of these fertility signs and figure out which combination works best for your body, lifestyle, and fertility goals. That's one of my favorite things about it, how customized it is to each couple's unique situation and how it can easily flex with you as life changes.

WANT ME TO TEACH YOU?

WHY BOSTON CROSS CHECK?

So first, I don't engage in "method wars." I'm not going to say that one NFP method is better than another - each are wonderful options, and it's amazing that so many options exist for so many different scenarios!
 
What I will tell you is why I love Boston Cross Check for Natural Family Planning:
 
  • You will be taught LOTS of options for biomarkers. So we don't just rely on one biomarker; you can check basal body temperature, cervical mucus, ovulation, and more to be reeeeeeally sure you've identified your fertile window.  This is especially helpful if you are very strongly trying to achieve or avoid a pregnancy.
  • Because of all those biomarkers being tracked, it's considered a particularly conservative choice for NFP.
  • It's so individualized. Again, because we learn to track so many different biomarkers, we can adjust things to your personal goals for family planning and your unique lifestyle. You'll learn all the biomarkers we offer, but we'll work together to help you choose which ones work the best for you.
 And because of all of that, you get to know your body really, really well...which as a body literacy advocate, I'm a huge fan of. Because the more you know the design of your body, the more you can come to know the Creator who made it.

WHY BOSTON CROSS CHECK?

So first, I don't engage in "method wars." I'm not going to say that one NFP method is better than another - each are wonderful options, and it's amazing that so many options exist for so many different scenarios!
 
What I will tell you is why I love Boston Cross Check for Natural Family Planning:
 
  • You will be taught LOTS of options for biomarkers. So we don't just rely on one biomarker; you can check basal body temperature, cervical mucus, ovulation, and more to be reeeeeeally sure you've identified your fertile window.  This is especially helpful if you are very strongly trying to achieve or avoid a pregnancy.
  • Because of all those biomarkers being tracked, it's considered a particularly conservative choice for NFP.
  • It's so individualized. Again, because we learn to track so many different biomarkers, we can adjust things to your personal goals for family planning and your unique lifestyle. You'll learn all the biomarkers we offer, but we'll work together to help you choose which ones work the best for you.
 And because of all of that, you get to know your body really, really well...which as a body literacy advocate, I'm a huge fan of. Because the more you know the design of your body, the more you can come to know the Creator who made it.
why learn NFP with me?

Because I'm low-key obsessed with cycle awareness and body literacy.

I mean, you don't want someone who's just kind of meh about it, right?
 
why learn NFP with me?

Because I'm low-key obsessed with cycle awareness and body literacy.

I mean, you don't want someone who's just kind of meh about it, right?
 
"Obsessed" is a fun way of saying I am really knowledgeable about this topic. In addition to being a certified Boston Cross Check instructor, I am also the founder of this ministry, which focuses on cycle awareness and NFP education for all ages and stages, and have spoken at events and been interviewed as an expert in this field.
 
I read body literacy books for fun. My day job is talking about periods. I've reviewed hundreds of charts.
 
And I've not only been teaching BCC for ten years - I've also used it myself that whole time, too.
 
As a fun bonus, if you are a fellow Catholic or Christian, I can totally wax eloquent on how our cycles can make us holier.
"Obsessed" is a fun way of saying I am really knowledgeable about this topic. In addition to being a certified Boston Cross Check instructor, I am also the founder of this ministry, which focuses on cycle awareness and NFP education for all ages and stages, and have spoken at events and been interviewed as an expert in this field.
 
I read body literacy books for fun. My day job is talking about periods. I've reviewed hundreds of charts.
 
And I've not only been teaching BCC for ten years - I've also used it myself that whole time, too.
 
As a fun bonus, if you are a fellow Catholic or Christian, I can totally wax eloquent on how our cycles can make us holier.
OKAY, I'M READY TO LEARN!

Rachel

Christina was incredibly easy to work with and was a huge help as I prepared to use NFP in my marriage. She helped me navigate some tricky aspects of my charting, and has always been available for follow-up questions!

Stephanie

Christina is AWESOME!!!!!!! She is so attentive and responds quick to all of my questions. I have recommended her to so many!

Will

Christina has been fantastic working with my fiancee and I as part of our required NFP instruction before marriage!

As a Friend of Read Your Body, I am also happy to offer 3 months of free access to the Read Your Body app for all client course packages! The option for charting BCC with RYB will be provided in all sessions. 

Plus, when you take a Boston Cross Check course with myself or one of my practicum trainees, you not only get access to our individualized support tailored to your unique family planning and circumstantial needs, you also get these awesome bonuses as part of the Pearl & Thistle family!

  • Invitations to private body literacy/NFP events 
  • Access to Client Portal, which provides videos and handouts to help you feel more confident using the method
  • Regular emails about method, protocol, or fem-tech developments (and to give you a heads up if I'm taking time off)
  • Special 40% discounts on all Cycle Prep programs
calling all the single ladies

Yes, single women can chart!

In fact, I highly encourage learning to chart while single, as it can help reveal invaluable health information and set the foundation for the future.
 
I do offer Boston Cross Check instruction for single women, but if you would prefer to learn charting without a full family planning method, check out Charting for Single Women!
 
 
calling all the single ladies

Yes, single women can chart!

In fact, I highly encourage learning to chart while single, as it can help reveal invaluable health information and set the foundation for the future.
 
I do offer Boston Cross Check instruction for single women, but if you would prefer to learn charting without a full family planning method, check out Charting for Single Women!
 
 
a note to engaged couples

Congratulations on your engagement! I remember my own engagement as a time of intense joy and also a flurry of activity, and it's okay for both to exist at the same time.

I know you're bombarded with alllll of the things that are "vital" for preparing for your wedding...but I promise you NFP is actually one of them.

The best time to learn to chart is when your period first starts...the next best time is right now! Trust me, it's so much better to learn this before your honeymoon than adding this into all of the newness following your wedding.

As an engaged couple, you'll want to make sure you have completed Sessions 1 & 2 (see below for explanations) before your wedding, though I highly recommend Session 3, too. That would mean starting no less than 1.5 months before your wedding, but ideally 6 months before.

Please know of my prayers for you as you prepare for your vocation!

- Christina

Also, P.S. - totally normal for cycles to be out of whack during times of stress - aka planning a wedding. We can chat about that too! :)

 

Boston Cross Check™ Courses

Boston Cross Check™ uses a standardized fee system in order to be transparent and ensure that all clients receive the same pricing, regardless of which instructor they choose. Most program fees can be split into payments. If you have concerns about being able to afford program fees or ongoing support, please communicate those and I will try to assist you!

METHOD INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

This is the basic BCC course for anyone in "regular cycles" (not postpartum or peri-menopause). There are four sessions, which cover a full year of instruction and unlimited chart checks and consultations.

  • Session #1: Client intake, overview of NFP methods, charting signs with BCC [90 minutes]
  • Session #2: (scheduled about 1 month later) Calculating start- and end-of-fertility with BCC with lots of practice charts! [90-120 minutes]
  • Session #3 (scheduled between 4-5 months later) Common charting issues, full client charting review [60 minutes]
  • Session #4 (scheduled at the 1-year mark) Looking ahead, full client charting review [60 minutes]

BOOK NOW - $200

POSTPARTUM PROGRAM

There are special protocols for breastfeeding women. This course can be taken regardless of whether you had been charting with BCC before pregnancy (yes! it is possible to learn a new method postpartum!).

Everyone's timeline is unique, but generally this program includes: 

  • Session #1: (scheduled 6 weeks postpartum) Introduction [90 minutes]
  • Session #2: (scheduled upon return of cycles) Return of Fertility [45-60 minutes]
  • Session #3: (scheduled six cycles later) Wrap-Up [30 minutes]

Plus unlimited charting assistance via email or Zoom check-ins as needed, from time of instruction through 6 cycles postpartum.

BOOK NOW - $300

PERIMENOPAUSE PROGRAM

BCC offers specialized protocols for women entering the menopause transition. Women should inquire about when they meet the cycle criteria for this phase! Instructors can provide a very quick assessment of cycles for signs of perimenopause via email. 

BOOK NOW - $200

ONGOING SUPPORT:

Are you worried about losing support after the course is over? Clients who have completed the Method Instructional Program are welcome to contact Christina for 1-time consultations/check-ins ($25) or to pay a flat annual retainer ($75) for unlimited consultations. 

CONTACT CHRISTINA

FAQs

Are you currently accepting clients?
In order to best serve my current clients, I often go through periods of time where I am not able to take on new instruction. I always am happy to receive inquiries and if I am not able to accept you soon enough, I will be happy to refer you to another instructor and/or method provider that may be able to meet your needs sooner!
How much does Boston Cross Check cost?
Fees for instruction can vary based on what sort of instruction you are needing, and whether you need long-term follow up. In general, you can expect to pay about $200-$300 for a course, but are encouraged to reach out to get a direct quote. I believe very firmly that NFP should be accessible and affordable for all couples, so if you are experiencing financial hardship, please do not hesitate to ask me about payment plans or a sliding fee scale. Ongoing costs for the method will be determined by which fertility signs you wish to incorporate. There is a one-time cost for a thermometer, which can range from less than $10 for a simple basal body thermometer, or to $100+ for a wearable device. The hormone monitor is also a one-time cost of about $100, and within regular cycles you can expect to use 10-15 test sticks. These expenses should be FSA/HSA eligible. If any of these costs seem to be an impediment to learning the method, please let me know! I have worked with couples in the past to speak with pastors and other potential donors to defray expenses
Are you a medical professional?
No. Boston Cross Check does not require instructors to be medical professionals, although there are some NFP methods which do. A BCC instructor is trained to identify potential health concerns based on cycle presentation, and to offer any suggestions about how we might address them without medication. If an issue seems to be beyond our scope, or we need additional information that can only be obtained through medical tests, your instructor will help you know what to ask your doctor and will follow up with you based on results. Some people prefer to have “seamless” fertility care, where they learn a method with a health professional who also is able to diagnose and treat any issues that may come up. If this is important to you, BCC might not be a good fit, but be sure you are familiar with other aspects of the methods before you choose one simply based on having a nurse/doctor.
Can I learn BCC postpartum?
Yes! BCC has a very robust protocol postpartum. Clients will be taught all of the different protocol options, and led through return of fertility. As your cycles return, we will work together to determine whether you would like to continue learning BCC for standard cycles, or whether you would like to return to a different method (if you used one before).
Is there a book that can teach me BCC without using an instructor?
Boston Cross Check is a method which is designed to be delivered by a qualified instructor, as this is the best way to achieve maximum efficacy with this (or any other!) method. We do not publicly publish our protocols, nor do we supply protocols to those who are not clients.
How do you conduct your classes?
I schedule courses either weeknights after 8 PM EST or on Fridays during the school day, depending on availability. If you are local to Boston, we can coordinate instruction in person (either at my home office, or I can travel to you). If you live farther away or prefer a remote option, I conduct sessions via Zoom.
How responsive are you to client messages?
In general, I try to respond to client messages via email with 24 hours. Whenever I will have an expected delay in communications (e.g., vacation) I will send out an email to all of my clients in advance.
Is Boston Cross Check just basically Marquette with temps?
Couples familiar with the Marquette Model may find many similarities between MM and BCC when utilizing the hormone monitor; however, these are two distinct methods and even with the monitor there are slight protocol differences between them. BCC began as a sympto-thermal method and has incorporated the hormone monitor into its unique approach to cervical fluid and temps, making it very easy to use and highly adaptable to your needs. I am happy to discuss the particular differences between methods during consultations.
Do you only accept couples as clients?
Learning NFP as a couple has many benefits, and I expect that any engaged couple looking to learn the method prior to getting married will attend classes together. However, many single women may want to learn an NFP method to monitor their health or gain proficiency prior to becoming engaged. Additionally, couples who are already married (especially those with children!) may find it difficult to attend classes together. I therefore do not require couples to always attend sessions together and respect that all couples may have different comfort levels, needs and preferences.
Do I need to be Catholic to learn Boston Cross Check?
​NFP is a wonderful way to learn about fertility, regardless of your religion. If you are not Catholic, you are very welcome to take a course! Please be advised, however, that BCC does not allow for barrier methods during the fertile window and I will never advise a client on how to deviate from protocol by using methods which are against Catholic teaching.
Already an NFP fan?

Now it's time to share it.

You desperately want to share the beauty of NFP with others...but you also don't want to be that nagging church lady. I'll help you find the balance.

BECOME A CERTIFIED NFP AMBASSADOR

Already an NFP fan?

Now it's time to share it.

You desperately want to share the beauty of NFP with others...but you also don't want to be that nagging church lady. I'll help you find the balance.

BECOME A CERTIFIED NFP AMBASSADOR