Marquette Model

What is the Marquette Model of NFP? 
 The Marquette Model (MM) system of NFP brings 21st century technology to NFP by using the ClearBlue Easy Fertility Monitor, a device used at home which measures hormone levels in urine to estimate the beginning and end of the time of fertility in a women's menstrual cycle. The information from the monitor can be used in conjunction with observations of cervical mucus, basal body temperature, or other biological indicators of fertility. The MM was developed by professional nurses and physicians at Marquette University in the late 1990s. A recent (2007) study published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing demonstrated a 97-98% efficacy of the MM in avoiding pregnancy when taught by a qualified teacher and correctly applied.

Instructors:

Shaunda Brooke, BSN, RN (Mandan)

 The first time I learned about NFP was about 10 years ago when my older sister began the process of becoming a Marquette Method instructor. With my background in healthcare, I immediately became interested in this natural method of fertility.  Fast forward to 2019, I met a man, who would later propose to me. Through the Diocesan marriage preparation program, we were required to take a course on NFP and we were taught by none other than my older sister. We now have one daughter and are expecting our second soon.

 As Catholics, we understand the importance of saying “yes” to living God’s plan for love and life. We first said “I do” at the alter and we practice NFP as a way of cooperating with God and always saying “yes” to his plan for our marriage. We have been blessed with the precious gift of life and, in practicing NFP, we are continuing to learn to entrust our marriage to God.

 After examining the various methods, my husband and I chose to learn and practice the Marquette Method. We felt it was the most simple and effective to use. It does require some additional materials (a monitor and some test strips), which slightly increases the cost. Additionally, as a Registered Nurse I appreciate the evidence based research that is continuously being conducted to provide couples the most up-to-date information. I enjoy working with married or engaged couples who are either learning about NFP to start or grow their families or couples simply wanting to learn about their reproductive health, or identify common women’s health issues.

 The Marquette Method helps couples understand the biology of fertility. While there is a scientific aspect to NFP, the method is taught in harmony with the teachings of the Catholic Church to assist married couples in either achieving or postponing pregnancy. This course consists of three sessions for the couples.
   •  Session 1:  2-hour introductory session;
   •  Session 2: 1-2 hour (approximately 1 month following Session 1) of chart review, special
       circumstances discussion, and follow-up; and
   •  Session 3:  A private meeting with the couple (approximately 1 month following Session 2).

 The cost is $200 which includes the user manual, charts, and supplies. The required Clearblue Fertility monitor and test strips are not included in the cost. Each couple will have to purchase their own monitor if they choose to use it. While purchase of the monitor is strongly encouraged, it is not required. I will also follow-up with couples as needed after the 3 sessions at no extra cost.

 For more information, please contact Shaunda at 701-590-0548 or email her at [email protected].

Dr. Christina Kostelecky (Richardton)
I am a Chiropractor, and have been in private practice in Dickinson since 2008. Over the years, I have enjoyed becoming part of this community and helping people meet their healthcare goals. I am a Catholic convert, and prior to this all I had heard about NFP was how it was the reason why Catholics have such big families, because it doesn’t work. Well, ladies and gentlemen, I am here to tell you that it does, in fact, work! When used properly, it works very well! I am excited about helping couples understand and appreciate the gift of fertility so they can use that knowledge to either achieve or postpone pregnancy through natural, safe methods.

As a Chiropractor and as a patient, I can appreciate the need for couples with medical conditions to be able to take control of their family planning. My husband and I have been able to use this method successfully in our marriage despite my serious and sometimes complicated medical situation.  The fertility monitor has been great for us to use because it detects objective signs of fertility, which is helpful for people whose other signs of fertility tend to be unclear.

I am teaching the Marquette Method of NFP for the Bismarck Diocese, and will also take couples outside the diocese if needed. Classes for the foreseeable future will be online, however if in person classes are held the location would be Richardton. Each couple will attend 3 sessions, ideally a month apart. There is a group introductory session initially, then a second and third private session with the couple. These private sessions are where we discuss special circumstances and individual concerns, and review charting. The total cost will be $200 and does include the course material either in digital or physical format, depending on how classes are held at the time. Clearblue fertility monitor and test strips are not included in the cost. Purchase of these items is NOT required to take the class but will be necessary if you decide that this is the method you will want to use. I will follow-up with couples indefinitely after the 3 sessions at no extra cost.

Christina can be contacted here.