NaPro Technology Training
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Early on as a Catholic, pre-medicine undergraduate student, I was very interested in biomedical ethics, especially regarding the topics of contraception, in-vitro fertilization, and abortion. This interest remained strong throughout medical school and prompted me to attend the Catholic Medical Association/CMA “boot camp” where we had intensive study and discussion regarding these topics. At that time, I was introduced to Natural Reproductive Technology (NaProTECHNOLOGY), which focuses on investigating and treating the underlying causes of infertility rather than reflexively resorting to artificial reproductive measures. After determining I was not as interested in surgery or OB/GYN, I decided to specialize in Internal Medicine, but my interest in NaProTECHNOLOGY remained.
From the beginning of our marriage, my wife and I have practiced natural family planning (or “fertility awareness-based methods”). We were incredibly blessed with two children in medical school and hoped for more sometime during residency. Gratefully, we conceived midway through residency but unfortunately miscarried at the end of the first trimester. Holding my son, Simeon Anthony, in the palm of my hand, I asked how this could have happened. After being told it was likely a “genetic problem” and that “miscarriage is just so common,” we mourned and prayed about when to reattempt. A couple of months later were again blessed to conceive. Sadly, at four weeks, my wife had early signs of miscarriage. We reached out to our OB’s office who told us, “We can’t do anything now. Call us back when you are further along.” Later that day, we lost our fourth little one, Joseph Guadalupe. We prayed to the Lord and asked for the intercession of Saints Gianna and Gerard for a safe and normal future pregnancy.
As my second year of Internal Medicine residency with University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center progressed, I realized I wanted to practice general medicine (i.e., not specialize). A Catholic attending welcomed me into the Cleveland Catholic Medical Association chapter where I heard about a Fertility Appreciation Collaborative to Teach the Science/FACTS Conference in Cleveland, OH. My interest in NaProTECHNOLOGY and Catholic biomedical ethics resurfaced, and I was excited to be able to attend. After learning more about fertility awareness-based methods, including NaProTECHNOLOGY, I left wondering how I could get involved.
Shortly after the conference, we were blessed with another little one. After looking at my wife’s charts—prompted by the information presented at the conference—we thought that there may be a progesterone deficiency. Nervous about possibly miscarrying this pregnancy as well, we prayed ever more fervently asking for guidance. Providentially, I received a follow-up call by a Fertility Care Practitioner who I met at the conference. After sharing our situation, she then referred me to the nearest NaPro physician an hour south of us, who accommodated us that same day! Within a few days, my wife was placed on progesterone supplementation, and we were filled with hope that this pregnancy would come to term.
After more appointments, phone calls, labs, and ultrasounds, we made it close to the end of the first trimester. Tragically, the bleeding started, and we found ourselves absolutely heart-broken holding our fifth child who we named Gianna Gerard. Supported by the prayers of our loved ones, we are making it through, one day at a time. These past several weeks, we have been learning the standardized medical charting system and are meeting again with a NaPro physician, hoping to find out the underlying reason for our miscarriages.
The resolve to learn about the different reasons for infertility and miscarriage could never be stronger. While initially hesitant about pursuing NaPro training as a non-OB/GYN provider, I firmly feel called by the Lord to get trained in the medicine of NaProTECHNOLOGY so as to provide this service in Cleveland—and even virtually/remotely. Following His prompting, I trust that He will make this a reality during this last year of residency. The program is about six months long with two weeks spent at Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha, NE. So far the Lord has granted me a partial scholarship through a new non-profit group in Cleveland, but the remaining cost is still very high ($4605). My heart breaks for everyone who has to endure the suffering of infertility or miscarriage, and I pray that I would be able to help alleviate even just one couple’s suffering. I would be so grateful for your prayers and for any special gift of $50, $100, $200 or any amount you can! I have until the end of the August to raise the funds. I would be happy to talk about this further with anyone interested; my contact info is below. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Sincerely,
Jesse Felts, MD
440-221-9915
[email redacted]
From the beginning of our marriage, my wife and I have practiced natural family planning (or “fertility awareness-based methods”). We were incredibly blessed with two children in medical school and hoped for more sometime during residency. Gratefully, we conceived midway through residency but unfortunately miscarried at the end of the first trimester. Holding my son, Simeon Anthony, in the palm of my hand, I asked how this could have happened. After being told it was likely a “genetic problem” and that “miscarriage is just so common,” we mourned and prayed about when to reattempt. A couple of months later were again blessed to conceive. Sadly, at four weeks, my wife had early signs of miscarriage. We reached out to our OB’s office who told us, “We can’t do anything now. Call us back when you are further along.” Later that day, we lost our fourth little one, Joseph Guadalupe. We prayed to the Lord and asked for the intercession of Saints Gianna and Gerard for a safe and normal future pregnancy.
As my second year of Internal Medicine residency with University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center progressed, I realized I wanted to practice general medicine (i.e., not specialize). A Catholic attending welcomed me into the Cleveland Catholic Medical Association chapter where I heard about a Fertility Appreciation Collaborative to Teach the Science/FACTS Conference in Cleveland, OH. My interest in NaProTECHNOLOGY and Catholic biomedical ethics resurfaced, and I was excited to be able to attend. After learning more about fertility awareness-based methods, including NaProTECHNOLOGY, I left wondering how I could get involved.
Shortly after the conference, we were blessed with another little one. After looking at my wife’s charts—prompted by the information presented at the conference—we thought that there may be a progesterone deficiency. Nervous about possibly miscarrying this pregnancy as well, we prayed ever more fervently asking for guidance. Providentially, I received a follow-up call by a Fertility Care Practitioner who I met at the conference. After sharing our situation, she then referred me to the nearest NaPro physician an hour south of us, who accommodated us that same day! Within a few days, my wife was placed on progesterone supplementation, and we were filled with hope that this pregnancy would come to term.
After more appointments, phone calls, labs, and ultrasounds, we made it close to the end of the first trimester. Tragically, the bleeding started, and we found ourselves absolutely heart-broken holding our fifth child who we named Gianna Gerard. Supported by the prayers of our loved ones, we are making it through, one day at a time. These past several weeks, we have been learning the standardized medical charting system and are meeting again with a NaPro physician, hoping to find out the underlying reason for our miscarriages.
The resolve to learn about the different reasons for infertility and miscarriage could never be stronger. While initially hesitant about pursuing NaPro training as a non-OB/GYN provider, I firmly feel called by the Lord to get trained in the medicine of NaProTECHNOLOGY so as to provide this service in Cleveland—and even virtually/remotely. Following His prompting, I trust that He will make this a reality during this last year of residency. The program is about six months long with two weeks spent at Pope Paul VI Institute in Omaha, NE. So far the Lord has granted me a partial scholarship through a new non-profit group in Cleveland, but the remaining cost is still very high ($4605). My heart breaks for everyone who has to endure the suffering of infertility or miscarriage, and I pray that I would be able to help alleviate even just one couple’s suffering. I would be so grateful for your prayers and for any special gift of $50, $100, $200 or any amount you can! I have until the end of the August to raise the funds. I would be happy to talk about this further with anyone interested; my contact info is below. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Sincerely,
Jesse Felts, MD
440-221-9915
[email redacted]
Organizer
Jesse Felts
Organizer
Cleveland, OH