Fertility Awareness for Midwives: Integrating FAM into Community Practice with Kate Chantry

Fertility awareness methods (FAM) offer midwives a powerful, evidence-based framework to support cycle literacy, natural family planning, and postpartum care. In this episode, Lisa interviews Kate Chantry, a licensed midwife of 14 years, who shares how she integrates FAM tools and teachings from the Fertility Awareness Mastery Mentorship (FAMM) into her rural Wisconsin midwifery practice.

Timestamps

00:00 – Lisa introduces Kate and the FAMM Practitioner Series
04:15 – Kate shares her menarche story and early period perceptions
10:30 – Navigating midwifery school, painful periods, and bodywork training
15:00 – How Kate first discovered charting and FAM
21:40 – Postpartum charting struggles and returning to FAM with confidence
28:20 – Supporting Amish families and using FAM as primary birth control
33:55 – Lessons from working with real client charts in the FAMM program
39:00 – Dispelling rhythm method myths and redefining charting efficacy
47:10 – Advice for midwives considering FAMM training
50:45 – Where to find Kate online

Key Takeaways

Fertility awareness for midwives bridges a critical gap in postpartum care and cycle education.
Kate uses FAM to counsel clients who want to avoid hormonal birth control—especially within the Amish community.
Through FAMM, she now confidently supports clients beyond charting basics—offering structured support for fertility, contraception, and cycle irregularities.
Understanding the difference between true symptom-thermal methods and the rhythm method is vital for effective use and client education.

Resources and Mentions

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Disclaimer

This podcast episode is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional with questions regarding your health or treatment.