So now that AF is finally here

[carterandcalliesmom]

how do I go about learning how to chart? (I don't have the money to buy TCOYF yet)
Thanks ladies!

[caileighs_mom]

I just went on fertilityfriend.com and signed up and its free for 30 days or so as a VIP membership and then free from there on for just standard information. They sent me emails every day with a tutorial to walk you through the whole process. Go buy a basal thermometer and start temping! Same time every morning (if you can) before you get out of bed. Then chart your temps and FF does the rest. Pay attention to your CM to get an idea when ovulation is coming (along with temps). I also used OPKs (ovulation predictor kits) every time and relied on that more than temps since I only charted for one month and my temps were pretty erratic (sp?). But I did get PG that month. One caveat - charting can become obsessive and nerve wracking (IMO) so try not to get too caught up in it.

I know there are other sites like fertility friend that maybe others will post.
good luck!

[carterandcalliesmom]

Thank you - I am not TTC though :) (yet anyway). I don't even know what a basal thermometer is or where to buy one? (I feel pretty stupid!) My periods are so out of whack I am hoping charting will help me get to know ME better, if that makes any sense?

[Macabe]

If you're TTA, fertility friend may not be the place for you. It's really focused on TTC, and it's even in the terms of service not to use it for birth control.

[carterandcalliesmom]

If you're TTA, fertility friend may not be the place for you. It's really focused on TTC, and it's even in the terms of service not to use it for birth control.

Ok, thanks for letting me know! Maybe I will check it out later on when I am TTC :)

[kohlby]

I find that ff isn't as accurate as the TCOYF website - which has a free trial. It's important that you know how to chart without a computer doing it for you, espeically if you use ff. A basal thermometer can be bought in the regular thermometer section. The difference is a regular digital is accurate to .2 degrees either way - so a .4 spread total. A basal one is accurate to .1 degrees either way, so a .2 spread. Many women do fine with a regular thermometer. But espeically if you're charting to avoid, a really accurate thermometer would be a good idea.

[Elizabethdaisy]

well glad it finally came and you are not streesing anymore. go on to the website of TCOYF and read about it there until you can get the book or check it out at the library.