click here to download your free chart. 

These charts are are freely available to Clients of Natural Fertility NZ who have been taught the Sympto-Thermal Method of charting.  Natural Fertility NZ does not recommend the use of these charts by anyone who has not been taught by an NFNZ Accredited Fertility Educator.

We just love hearing your news and particularly success stories from our "to conceive" clients.  Lalage, a member of our Hamilton team, was really thrilled to hear about a client's pregnancy and we can't do better than repeat the story as told to her by a very excited expectant Mum.

After eight emotional years of helping raise three of my husband’s four daughters, I was more than ready to have my own child.  After nearly two years of trying to conceive, we sought some advice and did some tests.  I didn’t want to wait too long to find out if there were any issues as I was already in my 30’s and my husband in his 40’s.  Tests revealed that we would not be able to conceive naturally and we got put in the IVF queue. 

It would take a year before we were eligible for funding and then another year on the waiting list.  While we were grateful for the opportunity, I still yearned for a natural conception and we kept trying to conceive.  During this time, a good friend suggested we try Natural Fertility and for my birthday gave me some money towards a one-on-one consultation with one of the educators.  I tucked the money away and after nearly a year of no results, finally booked the consultation. 

We wondered why we hadn’t gone earlier as there was more to cycles and fertility than we’d understood. Lalage also challenged me personally to look at some other priorities that I wanted to change in my life and I was able to reduce some stress, change some work priorities and lose some weight.  We followed the tracking system for about six months and then took a break, as after more than three years of trying (and three years of a rather emotional journey) we wanted to take some pressure off. 

I had learned so much about my cycle that I was able to still keep track of ovulation without much thought at all.  Even though we were trying to take the pressure off for a while, I decided it was still worthwhile making the most of the small window of opportunity available to us every month.  What do you know - last Christmas we received an early Christmas present... my wish for a natural conception came true!  We were delighted to touch base with our IVF nurse to tell her the good news - it was as much of a surprise to them.  Our second wish also came true recently – after my husband’s four daughters we were delighted to hear we are having a boy!  We are really grateful to Natural Fertility for the guidance and personal support they gave us and really recommend others give them a go. 

We got our miracle and we also hope you get yours!

We've had a really exciting couple of months at Natural Fertility NZ with new Educators gaining their accreditation, changes in clinic locations and, very sadly, three of our long-serving Educators moving on.

Welcome Catherine (Dunedin), Kirsten (Kerikeri) and Rebecca (Wellington)

Catherine Mahoney is our new Dunedin Educator and she is holding clinics (by appointment only) at 29 Cargill Street and you can contact her by calling 027 477 6026 or by email on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Kirsten Johnstone has opened a new clinic in Kerikeri where she will be delighted to see you at Room One, 6 Homestead Road, Kerikeri but do contact her first for an appointment by calling  021 338 320 or by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Rebecca Rolfe has taken over from Mary Walburn at the Wellington Clinic which remains unchanged at Margaret Sparrow Clinic, 6th Floor, 35 Victoria Stret, Wellington.  All clinics are by appointment only and you can contact Rebecca by calling her direct on 021 125 9583 or by email on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

It was so sad to say "au revoir" to Mary Walburn, Pam Munro and Karin Martin - we refuse to say goodbye so au revoir it is - until we meet again - 

For your fertility to flourish it needs a healthy body  which means having the right balance in nutrition.  In this section we highlight the importance of good nutrition to fertility and Emma Leavens of Nutritional Therapy  will be providing hints, tips and recipes to help you keep healthy and naturally fertile.

You can visit Emma at www.nutritionaltherapy.co.nz or contact her by email on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fertility & Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a disease that occurs in 15-20% of all women, and in up to 50% of women who have trouble conceiving.  It is most commonly diagnosed in women aged 25-40 although symptoms usually begin in the teen years and it is often initially misdiagnosed as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 

So, what is Endometriosis?  Endometriosis is when tissue (cells), similar to that found in the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found outside the uterus in places such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and bowel.  These cells respond to oestrogen (just like the endometrium in the uterus) which means they can become inflamed and bleed resulting in scarring.  This can cause problems if you are trying to conceive.

What’s the cause?  The cause is unknown in spite of many theories so research continues.  There is no cure, but endometriosis can be treated and managed. 

What are the symptoms?  Symptoms can include: painful periods, pain with ovulation, painful intercourse, pain with bowel movements, constipation, diarrhoea, difficulty conceiving, abdominal pain, lower back pain, pain before or with urination, frequent urination, sudden need to urinate, pre-menstrual symptoms, mood fluctuations and depression, tiredness fatigue, exhaustion, low energy, abnormal menstrual bleeding. 

Is it painfuf?  The amount of pain is not always related to the extent of the disease.  Some girls and women with mild endometriosis can suffer severe symptoms while others may have advanced progression of the disease but with few or no symptoms.

How is it treated?  Endometriosis treatment can involve surgical intervention (removing or releasing scar tissue), medication to reduce pain and inflammation, hormonal treatment to reduce the growth of endometrial tissue (Progestins, Mirena and the oral contraceptive pill) and management through diet and lifestyle changes, regular exercise, the reduction of stress and incorporating complementary therapies. 

 Question - I have Endometriosis and want to conceive but it just isn’t happening.  How can Natural Fertility NZ help me?

• There are many myths and misconceptions about the menstrual cycle and fertility.  Natural Fertility NZ Educators are highly trained health professionals who will help you differentiate fact from fiction.
• 
  Endometriosis can compromise fertility in some women.  By charting your menstrual cycle we can ascertain what is happening with your fertility. 
• 
  Some women with endometriosis find intercourse painful and this can be frustrating when trying to conceive as the frequency of intercourse may be reduced.  By learning about the most fertile time in your cycle, intercourse can be timed to maximize your chances of conceiving.
• 
  Recording your menstrual cycle along with endometriosis symptoms over several months provides a valuable history if a referral to a fertility specialist or gynaecologist is required.
• 
  Learning about your menstrual cycle and fertility is an empowering process.
• 
  Linking specific endometriosis symptoms to different phases of the menstrual cycle can be helpful in planning self care and the management of symptoms.

Want to find out more about Endometriosis?
Visit Endometriosis New Zealand  the Registered Charity formed to provide information, education, support and foster research on http://www.nzendo.co.nz or http://www.me.school.nz  the website specifically for girls and young women, parents and teachers to understand the condition, learn about treatment options and best practice care

Hardly a day goes by without an article in the press about infertility.  Its affect on a couple can be devastating.  However, a low sperm count does not necessarily mean infertility or prevent achieving pregnancy.  A lower than optimum sperm count can be due to lifestyle factors which you can control.

The three biggies that affect quality sperm production are:

1. excess consumption of alcohol
2. carrying excess weight
3. using recreational drugs

The New Zealand Pregnancy Book - A guide to pregnancy, birth and a baby's first three months

Authors: Sue Pullon and Cheryl Benn

Publisher - Bridget Williams Limited, Wellington

Third Edition released 2008

A book designed for New Zealand and all who live here!

At Natural Fertility NZ our professionally trained educators work alongside you to answer your questions and offer ongoing support. For personalised service click here to contact a qualified and Accredited Natural Fertility NZ Educator.

Article: Added to site 10 October 2008
Breast is best is a catchy phrase and with all the adverse publicity surrounding infant formulas recently, Natural Fertility approached Louise James, Breastfeeding Advocate with Women's Action Trust, to explain just why Breast really is Best here's what she said: