[MomtoCTSK]

So I new to all of this and I would really like to start charting the correct way, well I am a part-time worker and on the weekends I work grave shift 11pm-7am but the rest of the week I don't work , thanks to DH's great employment and my savy realty skills, so what do I do for temps, there is no way they will be at the same time everyday? Does this mean a chart will not work for me or is there a way around this that a newbie wouldn't know? Thanks

[ShawnaCAN]

Don't worry! You can definitely chart! You've essentially got two options. You could learn a CM-only system of charting like the Billings Ovulation Method, the Creighton Model, or Family of the Americas Ovulation Method - all will teach you get really in depth with understanding your CM patterns so you don't even need the extra confirmation of basal body temperatures. OR, you simply take your temp whenever you first wake up after at least 2 hours of sleep, no matter what shifts you're doing. Your charts might be a little bouncier than others due to the shift work, but you should still be able to see the overall pattern. If you find after a few cycles that the shift work really is messing up your temps too much, then you can re-consider the possibility of training to use a CM-only method of charting.

I agree with Shawna. You can definitely chart, and it might be really beneficial to use OPK's in conjunction with temping/chekcing CM since you are on shift work.

[sjkduke]

I agree! OPKs are wonderful tools to help you pinpoint when you O.

Good luck, and WELCOME!!!!