[~ Christine ~]

Hi ladies! I'm Christine, mom to Grant (3) and Dean (6mo). I'm new to charting so I thought I'd pop in here.

Like I said, I have never charted before. I've been lucky getting pg before, and we're not TTC right now, but I want to learn how to chart to use as part of our BC process and because we might want to TTC in about 6 months and I really want to know what is going on with my body.

That being said, Dean has been EBF until last week. I have noticed a huge difference in the amount of CM in the last month, so I'm expecting AF anytime. Should I wait until she shows to start?

[WendyBird]

If you want to chart, you should start. It might even give you a clue as to when AF really is going to show up. The biggest thing, it to make sure you can get up at the same time every morning to temp, and that you have had at least 3 hours of sleep before then. Not so easy with a 6mo ebf-er!!

I'm also ttc while bf'ing. My period came back just before my lo turned 1.

[MamaAnna]

Since BF'ing throws off your cycles it's really fine to start any time. They typically recommend starting on the first day of a new cycle so your first chart will be a complete chart. When you have abnormal cycles though whether do to BF'ing or other reasons it can be easier to just start when you're ready. Keep in mind that you may not actually ovulate while BF'ing so that can make your charts vary. You could also see odd changes in CM and CP that you wouldn't otherwise see. Still, you might be able to predict when AF will show up and it can help you determine if you actually are ovulating.

[Mommy2Dakota]

Heya! I'm a breastfeeding mom too (my daughter is 32mths!!! I know!!! We're planning to stop when she is three in July) and I have been charting for over a year. My AF came back when my daughter was 9mths but despite ttc and one early miscarriage I have discovered - thanks to charting - that I suffer a short luteal phase (time between Ov and AF). Whether that is because of breastfeeding or not nobody can seem to agree and I am taking alternate methods (vitamins. vitex and B6) to try to solve it without weaning.
I have a mixed view on charting. It is wonderful and you can learn so much about your body but it can also add stress and an obsessive stress if your constantly looking for your ovulation and waiting for a BFP and that in itself might make getting pregs harder. I'd say if you are not ttc yet you could put off charting and do the 'not trying not preventing' so you might just get a happy surprise! As you concieved easily first time round it is very likely!
Plus if you are not ovulating yet - or not even having AF - it might get a bit tedious as you are really looking for a pattern and temp shift which you won't get.
If, after a few months of not trying-not-preventing you don't fall pregs (and are having AF's) then I would say chart to see what is happening but at the moment take full advantage of your no-pressure relaxed attitude!

HTH



Jo xxx