[Admin-Rachel]

Hi everyone! I've never posted here before, but I'm not new to JM. I'm Rachel, mom of three (Sarah, 21; James, 18 & Daniel, 4) and step-mom of two (William, 10 & Clayton, 8). I just today took my NuvaRing out and will not be using any more. I had wicked nasty side effects from it and don't plan on using any hormonal BC ever again.

My SO, Neely is not on board with TTC (yet), so right now I want to start charting to avoid. I know my cycle will probably be wacky for a while till the hormones are out of my system, but I want to start getting the hang of charting. I've never done it before. My oldest and youngest were planned but only be BDing mid-cycle. My middle son was a bc oops, sorta. So I'm really green with all the charting stuff. Can you girls help me out? Tell me where to start and all that jazz?

[forest]

I would for sure pick up a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility. It is a wonderful book that will really teach you how to chart and how to use charting to avoid getting pregnant or get pregnant when that time comes again.

Fertilityfriend.com has a whole class on charting. Most of us use that site for charting. Also check out the fertility charting school sub form.

[MountainMomma]

Definitely pick up Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. It's my TTC bible! You can get a Basal Body Thermometer at WalMart or Target for around $10. You can temp either orally or vaginally. If you are a mouth breather though, you will find that vaginal temps are much more accurate.

It's very important to temp immediately upon waking, before moving, getting out of bed or even talking (if you temp orally). you have to temp at the same time every day, and you need to have a minimum of three hours of sleep before temping.

I also agree with the PP, the charting course on FF is very helpful though if I remember right it's is aimed more at people who are TTC. I think you can handle it though. I'm sure you realize that you need to do the opposite when it comes to BDing when you have fertile CM.

Good luck!

[ShawnaCAN]

Pop over to Natural Family Planning and FAM - charting to avoid is one of our specialties. Charting to avoid is a bit different than charting to TTC, so be sure to get some resources aimed at that. FF is designed for TTC, it doesn't walk you through any information for avoiding. There are other online courses you can take that teach you how to avoid with charting though! The Billings Ovulation Method: Using the Body's Natural Signal of Fertility to Achieve or Avoid Pregnancy is another good book.

[Admin-pattyandthemoos]

Originally Posted by ShawnaCAN

Pop over to Natural Family Planning and FAM - charting to avoid is one of our specialties. Charting to avoid is a bit different than charting to TTC, so be sure to get some resources aimed at that. FF is designed for TTC, it doesn't walk you through any information for avoiding. There are other online courses you can take that teach you how to avoid with charting though! The Billings Ovulation Method: Using the Body's Natural Signal of Fertility to Achieve or Avoid Pregnancy is another good book.

I was going to post the same thing. I am not as knowledgeable on charting to avoid as I am for ttc. I know a little but I worry that I wouldn't give you the best advice. The rules for avoiding are much different than for ttc. I would definitely stop over to the NFP board. They know what they are talking about.

But, I would also love it if you stuck around here with us!

[Admin-Rachel]

Thanks for the book tips. I'll see what I can find and I will for sure check out the NFP board too. Thanks!