The key to natural family planning is the ability to correctly observe and interpret the signs of fertility.
Secretions are compared to shea-butter and the juice of okra (lady’s finger). The pasty shea butter represents the poorly fertile mucus, while the okra juice resembles the secretions present around ovulation.
We represent the cycle using material that is available everywhere in nature:
red stones = menstrual days
dry sticks = infertile days
green leaves = fertile days.
Training sessions take place in an environment where the learners feel comfortable: at home in the village, in a courtyard or under the shadow of a tree.
Individual monitoring and counselling of women for 3 menstrual cycles is important to refine self-observation skills.