[**Jenn**]

For those of you who know when you ovulate, how do you know? What surefire signs does your body produce?

I'm charting CM to avoid right now. I'd chart temps too but Lochy is a night nurser and I'm up 2-3 times (no more than 3 hours sleep maximum at a time) so it wouldn't be accurate. The only thing is, that I used to only get lots of EWCM when I was fertile but I've had it for the past month or so (with maybe one or two semi dry days here and there). I still have not had a cycle return and I'd like to avoid getting pregnant my first post partum ovulation this time. We are careful but obviously you can't be 100% careful unless you obstain.

Is there anything else I should be looking for?

P.S. I really thought I O'd on the 7th--lots more EWCM than normal the 4-5 days leading up and then really bad left ovary pains on that day. Then I was semi-dry the two days after and then the EWCM came back (not as much but still significant). So I'm sure it was just another Mother Nature fake out. Even though we're avoiding right now, I'd still really like my fertility to return so I know what I'm up against and what to look out for so I can avoid more effectively.

Any thoughts/suggestions/insights are greatly welcomed!!!

[*Anna*]

Do you feel ovulation pains? Do you use OPK? I temped and knew when I o'ed every month. But with your lack of sleep that isn't going to work. What about check cervix position? Did you read Taking Charge of YOur Fertility?

[Garfieldbear]

When I ovulate, I get a bulge where my right ovary is located...I feel a dull ache in that area as well. But not all women feel ovulation pains, I guess you should really study your body to see its unique characteristics (I heard some women do things like sneeze when they ovulate, or have a heightened sense of smell...anything goes, apparently!)

[petalfuzz]

Since you're breastfeeding, it's much harder to tell, I'll bet!! EGCM is related to hormones and with all the BFing, your hormones won't be like our non bfing-gals. Whatever you figure out is best for you!

I'd still take your temp after 3 hours rest anyway--mine doesn't vary that much. It'll be the same whether I take it upon waking or wait a half hour, so just take your temp alot!