Episode 121: Postpartum, Marquette, and Mira: Separating Hope from Hype

How well do fertility monitors really work during the postpartum period? In this episode of The NFP Podcast, Amy welcomes back Anne-Marie Williams, host of the Postpartum on Purpose podcast and longtime writer for Natural Womanhood, for an honest and thought-provoking discussion about her experience using the Mira Monitor with the Marquette Method after the birth of her fifth child. Anne-Marie shares why she initially believed the Mira Monitor would provide clear answers about her fertility—and what surprised her most once she began using it. Together, Amy and Anne-Marie explore the strengths of hormone-monitor technology, the challenges unique to postpartum fertility, and why no monitor is a "magic bullet." The conversation also dives into several important questions facing the NFP community today: What can fertility monitors accurately tell us—and where do they still fall short? Why is postpartum fertility often more complicated than couples expect? How should NFP instructors communicate uncertainty while still providing confidence in the methods they teach? Are women receiving enough information to make truly informed decisions? How do couples navigate long periods of abstinence with honesty, charity, and hope? Throughout the episode, Amy and Anne-Marie advocate for continued research into women's health, greater transparency in fertility education, and a compassionate approach that acknowledges both the beauty and the genuine difficulty many couples experience while practicing Natural Family Planning. Whether you're currently postpartum, considering the Marquette Method, or simply interested in the future of fertility awareness, this conversation offers a balanced, thoughtful perspective grounded in both science and faith. In this episode, you'll learn: -Anne-Marie's firsthand experience using the Mira Monitor postpartum -How Mira differs from the Clearblue Fertility Monitor -Why hormone trends matter more than individual numbers -The current state of Mira research and Marquette protocols -Challenges unique to breastfeeding and the return of fertility -Why transparency and ongoing research are essential for serving couples well -Encouragement for couples navigating difficult seasons of abstinence Resources Mentioned: 1. Anne-Marie Williams Postpartum on Purpose Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tCRiJxfKYyOZcMyRYOQ5E?si=d9782f1c4c844fcf 2. Natural Womanhood- https://naturalwomanhood.org/ 3. Marquette Method of Natural Family Planning- https://www.vitaefertility.com/marquette-method-explained/ 4. Louise Boychuk interviews on The NFP Podcast- https://youtu.be/--jJB7m5Bfs?si=tahTffpgjlJaDAeL 5. Anne Marie on Abby's Podcast- https://youtu.be/VWqmyYEvM-U?si=ElBeikTlhKctr4Ef 6. Dr. Lara Briden's Blog- https://www.larabriden.com/blog/