[ShawnaCAN]

((((((((((((((Teresa))))))))))))))))

You don't have to abstain until after a thermal shift. As you know, it only takes a tiny bit of CM to conceive - but when you have none, you can consider yourself infertile based on the TTA rules. Without CM, the sperm can't survive. Each type of NFP has slightly different rules about charting and avoiding, but I'm just going to give you the very basic information for Billings. It would be a good idea to wait about 2 weeks, to get a CM baseline without seminal fluid to make it confusing.

Following a m/c, ovulation usually occurs at some point in the first 6-8 weeks. Sometimes not until later than that, but I've seen it quite early too (3-4 weeks).

Chart the m/c as the beginning of the cycle.

Charting the CM:

Pay attention to sensation: what you feel as you walk around during the day.
The external genitalia is SOOO sensitive that you can feel even the tiniest bit of mucus as a sensation, when it would take 10 times the amount to see with the naked eye. This might be different than how you've observed CM in the past, but the sensation usually changes before the visible mucus arrives - so it's your earliest sign of fertility. Try to avoid internal exams as this is less accurate and can make it more confusing. It might be difficult to describe what you feel with FF because it doesn't really have categories for that, so just describe what you feel on a paper record or you can use another charting system that is better suited for that.

After you are finished bleeding, a plug will form in your cervix to protect the uterus from outside infection. Sperm cannot get through this plug. If you feel no sensation and see no mucus, you are infertile and can follow the TTA rules. The first sign that you feel anything or see anything indicates that the plug is coming out, sperm can get through, your body is thinking about ovulating.

TTA Rules:

Pre Peak Rules
1. Avoid genital contact on days of heavy bleeding (because you won't be able to tell if there is CM or not those days!)

2. If you are dry (feel nothing, see nothing) you can have sex on alternate nights, as long as you remain dry. No morning sex (because you haven't had a chance to observe your fertility for the day then) and only every other night. That allows time for seminal fluid to leave the body the day after. Then you have a day to evaluate and make sure you are still dry. If so, that night is available.

3. If you feel or see mucus and/or bleeding/spotting - WAIT. This is a sign that the ovaries are active, the plug is coming out of the cervix so sperm can get through. Wait while the mucus/spotting is present and until you idenitfy a Peak OR have 3 full dry days again if there is no Peak at that time. 3 dry days gives time for the plug to reform in the event that ovulation was not successful at that time. It also ensures that estrogen has settled back down to a low level. After you wait for 3 dry days, you can go back to alternating nights as per rule 2.

Peak Rule
Once you've identified the mucus Peak (or in your case, a thermal shift) - wait for 3 days past the Peak. Intercourse is available any time from the 4th morning after Peak until menstruation.

Peak is when the sensation develops and changes over a matter of days, becoming slippery, and then drying up abruptly. Peak is the last day with a slippery feeling.

I know this might seem like a lot of information in one sitting, please don't hesitate to send me a private message if you'd like me to walk you through it all, ok?

Or if I've communicated any of this in a way that makes it confusing, just ask for any and all the clarification you need.