Hi all!

This is my first cycle (started Nov 19) officially charting with Fertility Friend. I thought I'd create a post for those who are new to charting so we can share our charts, get answers to questions, and just give each other support along the way. So far I have found that at the very least it has given me something to focus on while I wait for ovulation.


My Information
So far I am on cd 7 of what could be a 28 - 34 day cycle. I had my 2nd miscarriage back in August and my 2 complete cycles since then have been a bit longer than usual. I originally started looking into charting to help determine my luteal phase. I suspect that it has been 10 days or less for these past 2 cycles which could mean I have a luteal phase defect. I'm currently using the Clear Blue Fertility Monitor but am looking for a second way to pinpoint and confirm ovulation.

You can view my chart at this link (also in my signature):
http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/bernina


Charting Basics
When charting there are several signs that you keep track of each month, the most important being cervical mucus (cm) and basal body temperature (bbt). These may sound like daunting tasks at first (and a bit gross) but they are proven reliable ways to determine if you are truly ovulating and to help identify the best days to do the baby dance (bd).


Reference Material
For those new to charting I highly suggest the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler (I picked up a copy at the library). If you prefer to start learning right away, there are some great tutorials over at Fertility Friend. You can sign up for free and look through their FAQs for answers to many common questions.

I purchased a digital basal thermometer at Rite Aid drustore (USA)for around $9. I noticed Walgreens also had their own brand and have heard that Walmart carries one as well. A good thermometer and Fertility Friend are really the only tools you need.
Some may also wish to use ovulation prediction kits (or ovulation monitors such as Clear Blue) to verify their chart readings.

It's also fun to configure a counter and include it along with a link to your chart in your signature (see mine for example). I really like the counters at www.lilypie.com. Lots of cute themes to choose from plus it's a great way for people to know at a glance what phase in your cycle you are at (you can even get ones that count down to ovulation and then to testing).


Please post a link to your charts and here's wishing us all BFP's very very soon!!!!

I will be learning to chart if gets me. So this thread will be a good help! Thanks for creating it!!

want2Bamommy, here's wishing you a BFP and my you never have to even bother with charting!!!!!

sounds good to me! lol I'm 15dpo. No signs of lots of creamy cm. Headaches. Backaches. Insomnia. Major acne. Hoping to get a tomorrow.

I'm "old" to charting but thought I'd pop in here and let you know I'm always around if you need any help with them.

Hi I started charting about a week ago too! i agree definately gives you something else to think about!! glad someone else is new to this too x

Those sound like some very promising signs!!!!! Lots of baby dust and crazy glue aimed at you right now!!!

A big thank you to Magic!! You helped me so much by answering all of my crazy questions!!!

No question is crazy when it comes to BBT!

Hi I'm new to tmTTC and charting as well and agree with you guys... This site has Bern my lifeline whilst waiting to OV (which I a at now on CD10, I've got uncomfortable cramps, backache, severe bloating & creamy CM...so it's BDing time!!). I also agree that magic is the best!... Thanks you've helped me soo much already hun!
I'm glad this newbie thread has been created.

Who else is TTC after coming off BCP's??? I've had implanon & BCP's so I am still unsure what my cycles are doing, hence not knowing if I am OVing or not!
Sending good luck to everyone!! Xxx