hello ladies...

MaybeBaby22 · #1 August 10th, 2009, 06:11 PM

hi! i am new to this board, and altho i am not actively ttc right now, i would love to start charting!! after reading through so many threads, im beginning to realize that conceiving may not be as easy as i may have thought...why not give myself a headstart...that way when i am ready to ttc, i will know what im doing

i actually signed up at fertilityfriend.com (one of the links suggested on the board) but i dont really know what to do next...any help is welcome, thanks ladies

MaybeBaby22 · #2 August 10th, 2009, 06:27 PM

sorry, i had a comp issue and this posted twice

Wallflower · #3 August 10th, 2009, 06:55 PM

Hello and welcome! I hope when you start TTC, you will get that BFP very quickly!!

Fertility friend (FF) is a great resource, I think you will enjoy using it! It's not all-knowing or fool proof, but it can usually help you to pinpoint about when you Ovulate.

As far as charting goes, I'm not sure how much you know yet, but start with getting a good BBT (Basal Body Thermometer) to take your temp every morning. You should take it at the same time each morning, before getting out of bed or moving much at all! Just keep it right by your bed so all you have to do is grab it.

Then you just enter the temp into FF each day. You can also track cervical mucus, cervical position, etc. but you may just want to start with temperature!

You are looking for a sustained thermal shift to indicate that you have ovulated. Usually it takes a few cycles of charting before you start to get to know your body and what it typically does.

Sorry if you knew all that already! All the ladies here are very helpful, so we can help you with any questions you have as you chart! Hope that helped! Good luck!

Coley · #4 August 10th, 2009, 06:58 PM

to the Wonderful World of Charting!! I'm Nikki!!

It sounds like you're off to a good start with setting up a Fertility Friend account.

I'll give you the same advice that I give all newbies.

1. Pick up a BBT (Basal Body Thermometer) They cost about $10 bucks at your local Rite Aid, CVS, Walgreens, Target or Walmart. This really is key because it measures your temperature in hundredths (98.00) as opposed to a fever thermometer (98.0)

2. Pick up a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility. It contains loads of information about your menstrual cycle and goes into great detail about charting. It's one of the best books out there on the subject and I highly recommend it.

3. Hang out on this forum and read some of the threads, ask questions and get to know the ladies. We're all happy to help answer any questions, give you clarity or opinions whenever you need them.

I think it's brilliant that you're starting to chart before you actually want to TTC. It'll really be helpful to know what your body is doing and when it's doing it. I look forward to getting to know you much better in the coming days, weeks and months.

Admin-pattyandthemoos · #5 August 10th, 2009, 07:03 PM

Hi there! Glad you decided to come over. Everyone posted good info on getting started. We also have a Fertility Charting school (it is a work in progress) that has some useful links to help you out.

It will take you a little while to figure out what you are doing but if you start temping every day and asking questions you will get the hang of it. We get a lot of newbie charters here so feel free to hop right in.

MaybeBaby22 · #6 August 10th, 2009, 07:14 PM

thanks so much ladies!! i have actually looked at several of the links provided and im planning on picking up a bbt asap...thanks so much

Coley · #7 August 10th, 2009, 07:19 PM

Glad to be of help!! Look forward to seeing more of you!

MaybeBaby22 · #8 August 10th, 2009, 07:20 PM

and thanks patty, its nice to have a familiar "face"

CandaceDianne · #9 August 11th, 2009, 04:43 AM

I am glad you decided to get a head-start...it will help tremendously to really understand what your body does.

I hope once you TTC you will get your BFP right away!!

I agree with Coley's suggestions too!! Oh, and if you decide to checkout the TCOYF book from the library, there may be a wait!

I couldnt believe there were 3 people on the waiting list at the local library!

Also, check Craigslist becuase I found a copy on there for about $5!

Coley · #10 August 11th, 2009, 05:21 AM

LOL!! I'm tellin' ya! It's a popular book. That's why I just went and bought my own copy from the bookstore. I never thought to check on Craigslist... but then again, I've had mine for YEARS! LOL!

Arya · #11 August 11th, 2009, 06:49 AM

Hello and welcome

One thing about charting, once you start, you will get addicted and will need a twelve step program if you want to stop hehehe Much luck with getting your bfp soon!

MaybeBaby22 · #12 August 11th, 2009, 02:28 PM

thanks so much ladies

im hoping ill be able to really get into the swing of things, i am def going to check the libraries website right now

Wallflower · #13 August 11th, 2009, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arya

Hello and welcome

One thing about charting, once you start, you will get addicted and will need a twelve step program if you want to stop hehehe Much luck with getting your bfp soon!

LOL! So true!

kbpeanut · #14 August 11th, 2009, 11:44 PM

I agree with everything that has already been said...but just wanted to toss in my 2 cents. I went of BCP last October, and we are TTC#1 so was very new to all this. I started temping/charting in Feb, and I was just starting to regulate from coming off BCP. It did take me a few cycles to get the hang of it, but I once i did, I felt much better. What a great idea to think ahead...looking back, i wish i had been so smart!

Then I found this wonderful board last month, and since then, I have felt leaps and bounds better! The ladies here are fabulous, and you can come here with any and all questions...no matter how small. You will find fast friends here, I promise!

Again, ditto to everything that has already been said, and welcome!!