newbie time :)

MonsterMama · #1 December 14th, 2009, 11:31 AM

Hi ladies, I was hoping I could join your forum!

I'm new to these boards...been lurking for a little while but since DH and I decided we're going to TTC baby #1 in the new year, I figured this is where I need to be to learn all this CONFUSING stuff! hahaha! I just joined FF, although I still haven't a clue when it comes to charting, temping, and such...I'm hoping to learn so much here, and make some friends in the process.

Happy Monday everyone!

Coley · #2 December 14th, 2009, 11:49 AM

MonsterMama! I hope you'll share your first name with us so we don't have to call you Monster! HA HA!!

I'm Coley (Nikki) the host of the board and you are most welcome to come and join us!!

I think it's quite smart of you to decide to begin charting and figuring your cycles out BEFORE you guys start actively TTC! You will be surprised by the wealth of information your body will supply you with!!

Since you are just getting started, I would recommend the following:

1. Pick up a BBT (Basal Body Thermometer). They are generally around $10 bucks. A BBT will measure much smaller variations in your temps than a normal fever thermometer.

2. (you've already done this part) Set up a Fertility Friend account. This is extremely useful for seeing your temps on an actual chart. I also recommend that you chart your CM & CP (cervical mucus & cervical position) in addition to your temps. They help to give corroborating information in the event temps become unclear.

3. Pick up a copy of Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. It is truly my TTC Bible!! It covers all aspects of the monthly cycle, instructions on charting, pictures of all sorts of charts as well as a ton of other information. I cannot tell you how many times I've referred to it during a month when I ran across something I either hadn't seen before or didn't understand.

And finally

4. Hang out with us!!! We've got tons of girls here who are extremely educated, ready, willing and able to answer all kinds of questions, stalk your chart, interpret your temps and encourage you to pee on a ridiculous number of sticks!!!

Here's a bit of Super Concentrated Fertility Charting Baby

to get you started. I look forward to getting to know you better in the coming weeks as you continue on your TTC Journey.

MonsterMama · #3 December 14th, 2009, 12:17 PM

I don't mind being called 'Monster', Coley! (It's my nickname among friends because I make Monsters for a living

hehehe!)

My first name is, Suma...and it's great to meet you!

Thanks so much for ALL of that information...I never realized how intense it is trying to actually *plan* a pregnancy! But this seems like a great place to talk about it all!

I will admit...I'm starting to feel the anxiety linked to successfully getting pregnant, and we're not even actively trying yet....I definitely wanted to be a part of this forum to get some "practice" in on charting so I don't screw it up next cycle

hahaha!

Thanks so much for the welcome...I will be coming here often, with probably a million questions

mrsdaiwa24 · #4 December 14th, 2009, 06:45 PM

Welcome!

Like you, I had no idea how "intense" trying to get pregnant would be! This is our fourth month of TTC and the second month of charting. I definitely have learned A LOT from these ladies!!! Good luck to you!!

HopefulMommy81 · #5 December 14th, 2009, 07:45 PM

Welcome, Suma!!! Feel free to jump in anytime and ask as many questions as you want! I hope you get to enjoy charting- I really do, even though it's nervewrecking in the 2WW when you wait for AF or a BFP! Good luck and I hope you are successful very soon in 2010!!!