[ElizabethS]

I was wondering if anyone here would mind if I joined in and asked a few questions, as I'm new to the whole charting thing. I want to get into charting to AVOID pregnancy. I just had my DD in April, and have had normal periods now for 3 cycles. So even though I am still breastfeeding I feel it's OK to start charting now..my CM changes throughout my cycle and everything seems to be back in working order.

Is there a better forum for this or is this where I would post questions? I am trying to find a good (Free!) and RELIABLE website that I can chart on as well, any advice? Good/bad sites?

[ShawnaCAN]

I'm sure you're more than welcome here, but you might want to pop over to the NFP/FAM board too - we have a lot of resources specifically for charting to avoid, and that's what many of the ladies over there are doing.

[MamaAnna]

I've heard a lot of good things about that board for women that are TTA. Of course you can still ask charting questions here. Whether you're TTC or not charting can be confusing at times or you may just want reassurance that your chart is showing that BFP or BFN that you're hoping for.

I also You're very welcome here! Nice to *meet* you!

[shortcake]

Hey, of course, you are welcome here! I charted to avoid for almost a year before TTC baby #1.

I don't know what everyone else said as far as free charting online, but I use Fertility Friend, the free version. I used to use TCOYF, but that's like $40. And I can't use it anymore because I got a Mac.

Anyway, welcome! Your daughter is adorable by the way!

I was wondering if anyone here would mind if I joined in and asked a few questions, as I'm new to the whole charting thing. I want to get into charting to AVOID pregnancy. I just had my DD in April, and have had normal periods now for 3 cycles. So even though I am still breastfeeding I feel it's OK to start charting now..my CM changes throughout my cycle and everything seems to be back in working order.

Is there a better forum for this or is this where I would post questions? I am trying to find a good (Free!) and RELIABLE website that I can chart on as well, any advice? Good/bad sites?[/b]

[ShawnaCAN]

I don't know what everyone else said as far as free charting online, but I use Fertility Friend, the free version. I used to use TCOYF, but that's like $40. And I can't use it anymore because I got a Mac.[/b]

A word of caution about using FF to TTA - it's a neat website, but don't rely on it's interpretations alone for TTA! It's designed for TTC and doesn't really go into enough detail for avoiding purposes. Ovusoft, the program that goes along with Taking Charge of Your Fertility is much more comprehensive for avoiding. But as with any website, software, or program - they should never be relied on alone for TTA. They are helpful tools, but should not be used as substitutes for having proper training in how to interpret your charts on your own. The most effective way to use charting to avoid is to take a course that teaches you how to do that, either online or in person - but with a certified instructor for personalized support as you learn. Then you can use any website you want as a charting tool, because you will know when the program is making an error since you have the knowledge and skills to interpret the chart yourself.

Some of the most popular programs/websites for TTA are:
www.ovusoft.com (goes with Taking Charge of Your Fertility)
www.nfpcharting.com (for Billings Ovulation Method or Creighton Model charting only)
www.go28days.com (does not interpret for you, you do the interpretations yourself)
Cyclepro software from the Couple to Couple League

[shortcake]

A word of caution about using FF to TTA - it's a neat website, but don't rely on it's interpretations alone for TTA! It's designed for TTC and doesn't really go into enough detail for avoiding purposes. Ovusoft, the program that goes along with Taking Charge of Your Fertility is much more comprehensive for avoiding. But as with any website, software, or program - they should never be relied on alone for TTA. They are helpful tools, but should not be used as substitutes for having proper training in how to interpret your charts on your own. The most effective way to use charting to avoid is to take a course that teaches you how to do that, either online or in person - but with a certified instructor for personalized support as you learn. Then you can use any website you want as a charting tool, because you will know when the program is making an error since you have the knowledge and skills to interpret the chart yourself.

Some of the most popular programs/websites for TTA are:
www.ovusoft.com (goes with Taking Charge of Your Fertility)
www.nfpcharting.com (for Billings Ovulation Method or Creighton Model charting only)
www.go28days.com (does not interpret for you, you do the interpretations yourself)
Cyclepro software from the Couple to Couple League[/b]

Shawna knows what she's talking about! I use FF because I've been charting a long time and know when I'm fertile.

[sjkduke]

Hi there, and !!! I'm sorry it took me so long to come in here and welcome you!

Of course you're welcome to come in here and post! We welcome anyone--even those who aren't charting at all! (Like me!)

But, like everyone else said, the girls over at NFP and FAM are so much better equipped to answer your TTA questions....but please don't be a stranger here!