This Natural Family Planning method teaches couples ways to use the fertility markers listed below separately, or in various combinations, to suit their desired efficacy and planning needs. We use:
Basal Body Temperature (oral or with wearable Tempdrop device)
Hormone monitoring using the Clearblue Fertility Monitor
Cervical fluid (with optional cervical checks)
Personal chart history
Basic cycle formulas
We also offer additional protocols with LH Tests and Proov Progesterone strips for clients who wish to incorporate those elements.
With the BCC method, you work closely with your instructor to learn all of these fertility signs and figure out which combination works best for your body, lifestyle, and fertility goals.
Boston Cross Check™ uses a standardized fee system in order to be transparent and ensure that all clients receive the same pricing, regardless of which instructor they choose. Most program fees can be split into payments. If you have concerns about being able to afford program fees or ongoing support, please communicate those and I will try to assist you!
This is the basic BCC course for anyone in "regular cycles" (not postpartum or peri-menopause). There are four sessions, which cover a full year of instruction and unlimited chart checks and consultations.
Session #1: Client intake, overview of NFP methods, charting signs with BCC [90 minutes]
Session #2: (scheduled about 1 month later) Calculating start- and end-of-fertility with BCC with lots of practice charts! [90-120 minutes]
Session #3 (scheduled between 4-5 months later) Common charting issues, full client charting review [60 minutes]
Session #4 (scheduled at the 1-year mark) Looking ahead, full client charting review [60 minutes]
This course covers special protocols for breastfeeding women. This course can be taken regardless of whether you had been charting with BCC before pregnancy (yes! it is possible to learn a new method postpartum!). Everyone's timeline is unique, but generally this program includes:
Session #1: (scheduled 6 weeks postpartum) Introduction [90 minutes]
Session #2: (scheduled upon return of cycles) Return of Fertility [45-60 minutes]
Session #3: (scheduled six cycles later) Wrap-Up [30 minutes]
Plus unlimited charting assistance via email or Zoom check-ins as needed, from time of instruction through 6 cycles postpartum.
Please note: Clients who have not already completed the MIP will add $50 to this course fee to cover additional materials. It is not required that clients commit to the full MIP course following postpartum instruction, though clients wishing to use BCC in reguar cycles will need to do so.
BCC offers specialized protocols for women entering the menopause transition. Women should inquire about when they meet the cycle criteria for this phase! Instructors can provide a very quick assessment of cycles for signs of perimenopause via email. Everyone's timeline with this transition is unique, and the number of instructional sessions will vary based on which stage of perimenopause you are in, but all support comes with:
Instructional Session - Introduction to Perimenopause, plus protocols appropriate to your staging
One year of unlimited charting assistance via email
Your instructor will work with you to assess staging and set up an appropriate plan for instruction and follow-up according to your situation and goals.
Please note that clients who have never taken a BCC course before may need to take certain sessions of the MIP in conjunction with Perimenopause. Please speak with your instructor to inquire about particular fees.
No, you won't totally lost support after the course is over! Clients who have completed the Method Instructional Program are welcome to contact instructors for 1-time consultations/check-ins ($25) or to pay a flat annual retainer ($75) for unlimited consultations.
Contact a P&T Team member to inquire about availability for BCC bookings with all our different program offerings.
Boston Cross Check does not require instructors to be medical professionals. A BCC instructor is trained to identify potential concerns based on cycle presentation, and to offer any suggestions about how we might address them in the context of cycle charting. If an issue seems to be beyond our scope, or we need additional information that can only be obtained through medical tests, your instructor will be able to explain which elements of your charts indicate possible issues, and to help you figure out what to ask your doctor. Some people prefer to have “seamless” fertility care, where they learn a method with a health professional who also is able to diagnose and treat any issues that may come up. If this is important to you, BCC might not be a good fit, but be sure you are familiar with other aspects of the methods before you choose one simply based on having a nurse/doctor.
Boston Cross Check is a method which is designed to be delivered by a qualified instructor, as this is the best way to achieve maximum efficacy with this (or any other!) method. We do not publicly publish our protocols, nor do we supply protocols to those who are not clients.
Classes are always done 1:1 (never in a group!) and hosted via Zoom or another remote conferencing platform.
Couples familiar with the Marquette Model may find many similarities between MM and BCC when utilizing the hormone monitor; however, these are two distinct methods and even with the monitor there are slight protocol differences between them. BCC began as a sympto-thermal method and has incorporated the hormone monitor into its unique approach to cervical fluid and temps, making it very easy to use and highly adaptable to your needs. We are happy to discuss the particular differences between methods during consultations. You can read a more detailed summary of these key differences on the blog.
Learning NFP as a couple has many benefits, and we strongly encourage any engaged couple looking to learn the method prior to getting married to attend classes together. However, many single women may want to learn an NFP method to monitor their health or gain proficiency prior to becoming engaged. Additionally, couples who are already married (especially those with children!) may find it difficult to attend classes together. We therefore do not require couples to always attend sessions together and respect that all couples may have different comfort levels, needs and preferences.
NFP is a wonderful way to learn about fertility, regardless of your religion. If you are not Catholic, you are very welcome to take a course! Please be advised, however, that BCC does not allow for barrier methods during the fertile window and instructors will never advise a client on how to deviate from protocol by using methods which are against Catholic teaching.
BCC protocols are only designed to work with the Clearblue Fertility Monitor. If you are looking for instruction with Mira, you will need to seek out a Marquette instructor who is familiar with their provisional protocols. Please visit our blog for a more detailed explanation of compatible devices!
As a Friend of Read Your Body, Christina's clients all receive 3 months of free access to the Read Your Body app included with new client course packages! The option for charting BCC with RYB will be provided in all sessions.
Please note: endorsement of the RYB app only relates to the optional use of Read Your Body as a digital charting tool using a settings template. It doesn’t imply endorsement of any of The Body Literacy Collective’s messaging or other collaborations.
Please note: Pearl & Thistle is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to any specific Natural Family Planning (NFP) method or its training organizations. Our educators are independently trained and certified in the methods they teach.