Evidence of many eminent researchers show that conditions such as infertility, hormone imbalances, miscarriage, low birth weight, breast feeding problems, learning problems and poor resistance to infections are often preventable. Natural Fertility Management (NFM) if based on research by FORESIGHT, an association for the Promotion of Preconception Care established in the UK in 1978 and a Sydney based Naturopath and author Francesca Naish. Prior to conception couples are screened for vitamin and mineral deficiencies such as zinc, iron, selenium and toxic metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium. If we consider that sperm formation may take up to 116 days and ova require 100 days prior to ovulation for maturation to ensure optimum health of sperm and egg at the time of conception it is advisable to take preventative action for a minimum of 4 months prior to planned conception. Vitamins and herbal preparations are prescribed to assist with detoxification of chemicals that may have also built up in the body. Allergies to food and chemicals are reduced and the use of caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes discouraged. Where possible drinking filtered water and eating organic and unprocessed foods are also recommended. Many couples notice they experience much better health and feel positive towards achieving their goal........a healthy child. Nutritional support continues during pregnancy, prior to birth and after birth to enable optimum health for mother and child. Natural fertility management incorporates the use of various holistic methods for avoiding or achieving conception. Infertility problems are also examined and evaluated through a variety of diagnostic programs. Conception and Contraception programmes available. CONSCIOUS CONCEPTION Fertility is a complex issue that involves both prospective parents. Conceiving a child is a very special, though often unconscious, event. For others, it may be problematic. Natural Fertility Management offers you a program of preconception health care for conscious conception or to overcome fertility problems, using holistic natural medicine, detoxification, stress management and timing techniques. Is preconception health care a new idea? No. Many traditional societies practiced preconception health care, such as the Ancient Greeks and Romans whose conceiving couples abstained from alcohol prior to and during pregnancy due to its damaging effects on the foetus. Veterinarians, stockbreeders and farmers all feed special diets to their animals prior to conception attempts. Why is there renewed interest in this practice now? Currently, one couple in six is infertile, one woman in five will suffer a miscarriage, one baby in ten is born prematurely, one in thirty is born with a congenital defect. At least one child in every ten suffers from learning or behavioural problem and one child in five suffers asthma. However, medical research has revealed that all these conditions are frequently preventable with preconception health care. Are there any studies, which demonstrate the effectiveness of preconception health care? FORESIGHT, the Association for the Promotion of Preconception Care, was established in the UK in 1978. A study involving 1100 couples is currently being run with Surrey University. Another 2-year study of 367 couples was completed in 1992 where originally 59% of the couples had prior adverse reproductive history, including 38% miscarriage and 37% infertility (1-10 years). Upon completion of the study, 89% of all the couples had successful births of healthy babies, including 81% of those who were previously infertile. No baby was born before 36 weeks and none was lighter than 2368gm. There were no miscarriages, no perinatal deaths and no malformations as well as a reduced risk of premature labour, low birth weight and pre-eclampsia. No baby was admitted to Special Care. In comparison to any similar sized population sample who do not practice preconception health care, approximately 70 miscarriages and 12 malformations usually occur. Natural Fertility Management extends this program to include herbal medicines for reproductive and hormonal difficulties. What are the benefits of preconception health care? Preconception health care can help to: resolve infertility in both females and males decrease the risks of miscarriage, premature birth and stillbirth decrease the risk of congenital malformations improve general and reproductive health avoid postnatal depression What is the most important component of preconception health care? Most importantly, both partners equally undertake preconception health care: 50% of the genetic material comes from the female and 50% from the male. The other essential component of preconception health care is optimal nutrition. Every step of reproduction, from the production of sperm and maturation of eggs to the formation of healthy breast milk, is reliant upon an essential supply of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids. Conception Program & Kit includes: 2 x 2 1/2 hour personal consultations, preferably for both parents Individual computer-calculated charts for lunar fertile times for next 10 years Instruction in optimal timing of fertility at mid-cycle through the observation of cervical mucus, basal body temperature & other symptoms, with monthly cycle charts to record observations Instruction in the use of the bio-rhythmic lunar cycle & how to combine with your hormonal cycle to optimise fertility Comprehensive printed material Book: Natural Fertility by Francesca Naish Relaxation and auto-suggestion tape for synchronization of lunar & hormonal cycles for optimum fertility, confidence, motivation and stress management Naturopathic treatment: dietary, lifestyle, detoxification, herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation for both parents, including zinc deficiency tests Current year moon calendar, fertility thermometer & time zone calculator Counselling to assist the understanding of issues & stresses of fertility problems Referral to medical doctors for testing of a comprehensive range of infections that can compromise reproductive health Referral for heavy metal testing that can impair fertility Support available for assisted conceptions, e.g. IVF, GIFT CONTRACEPTION Natural Fertility Management is the safest and most empowering method of avoiding conception presently available. The program teaches you to understand and work with your fertility cycles, by observing body signs of cervical mucus and basal body temperature, and combining this knowledge with your personal bio-rhythmic lunar cycle. Natural Fertility Management has a 97-99% success rate compared to the Pill at 97-99.5%, the condom at 97-99% and the diaphragm (with spermicide) at 97-98%. Natural Fertility Management can be used by all women at any stage in their fertile life, from puberty through to menopause, even when cycles become irregular, such as coming off the oral contraceptive pill, breast feeding and peri-menopausal. These methods have been developed by Francesca Naish, a naturopath, herbalist and hypnotherapist since 1975. Since then she and her associates have assisted over 10,000 women and couples with their fertility management. Her methods are used by increasing numbers of health professionals in Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, USA and UK as well as being taught to over 1,000 NFM practitioners.