Basal Body Temperature Basics:

Basal Body Temperature
According to the MayoClinic Health, The basal body temperature method — a fertility awareness-based method — is a type of natural family planning. Your basal body temperature is your temperature when you're fully at rest. Ovulation may cause a slight increase in basal body temperature.

You'll be most fertile during the two to three days before your temperature rises. By tracking your basal body temperature each day, you may be able to predict when you'll ovulate. In turn, this may help you determine when you're most likely to conceive.

If you're hoping to get pregnant, you can use the basal body temperature method to determine the best days to have sex. Similarly, if you're hoping to avoid pregnancy, you can use the basal body temperature method to help determine which days to avoid unprotected sex. Because the basal body temperature method alone doesn't provide enough warning time to effectively prevent pregnancy, it's generally used in combination with other fertility awareness-based methods if you're hoping to avoid pregnancy.

Why it's done

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Basal body temperature can be used as a way to predict fertility or as a part of a method of contraception, by helping you gauge the best days to have or avoid unprotected sex. Tracking your basal body temperature for either fertility or contraception is inexpensive and doesn't have any side effects. Some women may choose to use the basal body temperature method for religious reasons.

The basal body temperature method can also be used to detect pregnancy. Following ovulation, a rise in basal body temperature that lasts for 18 or more days may be an early indicator of pregnancy.

The basal body temperature method is often combined with another method of natural family planning, such as the cervical mucus method. This combination is sometimes referred to as the symptothermal method.

What you can expect

By Mayo Clinic Staff

To use the basal body temperature method:

• Take your basal body temperature every morning before getting out of bed. Use a digital oral thermometer or one specifically designed to measure basal body temperature. Make sure you get at least three hours of uninterrupted sleep each night to ensure an accurate reading.
  You may consider taking your temperature vaginally or rectally if you have trouble determining a pattern or change in your basal body temperature. For the most accurate results, always take your temperature using the same method.
• Plot your temperature readings on graph paper. Record your daily basal body temperature and look for a pattern to emerge. Your basal body temperature may increase slightly — typically less than a 1/2 degree F (0.3 C) — when you ovulate. You can assume ovulation has occurred when the slightly higher temperature remains steady for three days or more.
• Plan sex carefully during fertile days. You're most fertile about two days before your basal body temperature rises, but sperm can live up to five days in your reproductive tract. If you're hoping to get pregnant, this is the time to have sex. If you're hoping to avoid pregnancy, unprotected sex is off-limits from the start of your menstrual period until three to four days after your basal body temperature rises — every month.

Okay, now that I've copied and pasted this from the website below:

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/basal-body-temperature/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20019978

I hope you get what I mean.

NOW: Personally, I just started temping, so I can't really say that I prefer this Basal Thermometer or that... I can say that I have found a SERIOUS difference between a BASAL thermometer and a traditional thermometer you'd use to take your child's temperature when sick. 

There are thermometers that us use vaginally that take BBTs, though I honestly don't see where the difference is, other than the degree differential, which is slim.

I, obviously, have a traditional thermometer (my DP always thinks he has a fever, so yeah) also, it was what I had available when I first began temping.

HOWEVER, I have two Basal Thermometers. One from CVS (nice, but typically a little off), and one from Target (up and up brand). I keep one of these beside my bed because, as you wake up and realize you're done sleeping (lol), you should take your temperature then and there (this is a basal temperature). But it should be around the same time every morning. I'll put a photo of each of these basal thermometers below, as well as an example charting.

(Also, I will provide a link that will lead you to more information about temping as well as a free downloadable chart! You can print it and start charting toward baby!)

Get your Up&Up here: http://www.target.com/p/up-up-digital-basal-thermometer-1-count/-/A-11676081

TARGET/UP&UP

Get your CVS here:  http://www.cvs.com/shop/sexual-health/pregnancy-fertility/prenatal-supplements/cvs-digital-thermometer-basal-skuid-233142

CVS

This is my first cycle TEMPING, so I can't really go into too much personal detail. So, I spouted off the things I located at the MayoClinic web page. I hope this is not an issue.

What to Expect in the Next Few Days:

I have been gathering information regarding different female topics (started at an OB/GYN office, so yeah). So I have a range of topics to look at, in the coming days.  I feel like I could talk about birth control methods, though who would take mind to it--we're here to PLAN A CHILD, not to learn how to prevent them. We all know how to prevent them. SO, I am going to touch on a fertility issue next time. Specifically Ovarian Cysts (PCOS) and Endometriosis.

Thank you for putting up with this particularly uninteresting blog!

What TTC Moms Need to Know about OPKs.

Subject One:  WHAT IS AN OPK?
An OPK, or Ovulation Prediction Kit, is a urine test by which you can roughly predict when you are most likely to ovulate. The reason I say "roughly" and "most likely" is because, with a positive OPK, you will typically ovulate within twelve (12) to seventy-two (72) hours after your positive OPK.


Subject Two:  WHEN SHOULD YOU START TAKING OPKS?
Typically, with regard to a standard 28 day cycle with a 4-5 day period, you should begin testing with OPKS on about CD9 until you get a positive OPK (usually this happens around CD14-16). I recommend using dip tests or dollar store brand cartridges to save money, because--usually--for the first 2-4 cycles, it is trial and error... You're just getting to know your body and when it will ovulate, etc. So, you can adjust accordingly, especially if you continue with the mentioned OPKs.
After 2-4 cycles of the cheaper tests, and you get to know when you're most likely to ovulate, you can switch to the more expensive digital tests (FRERs and CBs--you know, with the smiley face).
I highly recommend new TTC moms NOT use the digital tests, as they are pricey and you're still getting used to your rhythm; of course, if you are someone that has the instinct that you're ovulating, you could go with the digitals if you feel you can do them accurately and not waste the money... (I know it sounds cocky or whatever, but it's the truth...)


Subject Three: WHAT TIME SHOULD I TAKE AN OPK AND HOW MANY TIMES A DAY?
Unlike HPTs, which are best with FMU, OPKs can be taken at any time of day. Personally, I use OPKs in the afternoon between 1 and 8 pm, once a day. If you take it once a day, you can still catch your surge that signals ovulation.
If you are someone that likes to test 2-3 times a day, try to space them 8 hours apart. I would recommend to take one upon waking with FMU (though there is no proof of more effective OPK reading with FMU), then 8 hours later, then 8 hours later in the evening. Soooo...

Example of three times a day:
9 am--First test.
1 pm--Second test.
9-10 pm--third test.

If you want to test twice a day, do them twelve hours apart.
Example of twice per day:
8 am--first test.
8 pm--second test.
Again, there is no proof that testing more frequently or with FMU is more effective. Your surge lasts about 24 hours, so if you take a test at midnight, and it's positive, you still caught it and should baby dance!
Speaking of OPKS and baby dancing: Ideally, you should have sex one-three times a day for four days BEFORE your surge and upon getting a positive OPK, baby dance 1-3 times a day after the positive for four days (meaning the day of the positive until you may actually ovulate up to 72 hours (3 days) later).


Subject Four:  WHAT DOES A POSITIVE OPK LOOK LIKE?
Unlike HPTs, an OPK is positive only when the test (t) line is as dark or darker than the control (c) line. Faint does not mean positive.

What to Look For:

Subject Five:  WHY OPKS ARE NOT LIKE HPTS:
With an HPT, a faint line is still indicative of a positive test (meaning you are more than likely pregnant, but you should test again in 2-3 days to see if the faint becomes darker; darker and darker plus increased beta hCG in blood tests means you're definitely pregnant, so congratulations!). BUT, again, a faint line on an OPK is still negative. The test line has to be AS DARK or DARKER than the control line.

Subject Six:  WHY WOULD AN OPK BE POSITIVE AFTER 7DPO WITH A VERY FAINT POSITIVE ON AN HPT?
This is a subject of debate, but I will do my best;
A positive OPK at, say 11 dpo, with a very faint HPT can mean you're pregnant. However, typically you should test with an HPT at or after 12dpo; this is NOT 100%, but usually, if you get a BFP BEFORE 12dpo, you may have mistaken the date you ovulated/conceived.


Subject Seven:  OPTIONS OF OPKS AND WHERE YOU MIGHT FIND THEM (mostly in the U.S., sorry ladies!)
Type One: urine DIP STRIPS.
    This is the cheapest option, as you can purchase them in bulk, both online and in-store.
    I have seen them online at (international):  each buyer.com in multi-packs for roughly $18/US in a combination package with HPT test strips, as well (90 OPK, 60 HPT).     Also, I have seen them in combination packs (I am unsure of the number of each and price) on amazon.com (they're BFP brand, I believe).
    I have seen them in-store at: TARGET (pack of twenty OPKs) for $21/US  and  CVS (pack of twenty OPKs) for $25/US. [So far, only looked at those two stores, so forgive me. I am sure they are at many others, but I haven't looked so I don't know for sure on count, price, etc.]
Type Two: urine collection cartridges.
   Again, very cheap but usually in packages of ONE.  Available at most dollar stores (Family Tree, I have seen. And other dollar stores in Canada. Again, have not really looked, but I do know they are one for $1/US and Canada.)
Type Three: Digital (FRER and CB)
   Seen online at: amazon.com, walgreens.com, cvs.com, etc. (Unsure of count and price, sorry.)
   Seen in-store at: WalMart, Walgreens, CVS, Mejiers (sp), other Pharmacies--usually Big Name ones--, Target, basically anywhere where you can find OPKs and other fertility aides. (typically 1-2 per pack at $25-$40/US).

WHAT I AM USING RIGHT NOW, AT CYCLE ONE WITH OPK TESTING:
I am currently in Cycle TWO of TTC, but in cycle ONE using OPKs; so I am using dip urine tests. I don't really see myself not continuing with them because they work well and are cheaper than digis. I don't really think that something with tons of features and a battery will help... Besides, I am cheap. Really, really cheap. (ridiculously cheap)



What to Expect Tomorrow/Thursday:
Basal Body Temperatures, Basal Thermometers versus Regular Thermometers, Why you SHOULD NOT use mercury thermometers, when to take your BBT, methods to take BBT, etc.


If you have more questions regarding the next blog or want further information regarding OPKs, please comment below or contact me on Instagram via a DM @ttc24wpcos and follow me, if you want.

Thank you, Ladies!
(Also, when I get to doing my supplement suggestions and no-goes, I will discuss some male supplements that I have found online as recommended for men, so bring your DP, DF, and DH with to look, if you please!)

All You Need (and want) to Know About Your PERIOD: A GUIDE

What is Menstruation/Period/Menses/AF?

men·stru·a·tion

ˌmenstro͞oˈāSH(ə)n,menˈstrāSH(ə)n/

noun

1. the process in a woman of discharging blood and other materials from the lining of the uterus at intervals of about one lunar month from puberty until menopause, except during pregnancy.

   (Google Dictionary)

   
   

   A period, or menstruation, is the shedding of the endometrium - the uterine lining. Menstruation is also known as menses. All female humans, as well as some other female mammals, have regular periods during their reproductive age. Menstruation which includes bleeding from the vagina is found mainly among humans and similar animals, such as primates. In many mammals, the endometrium is reabsorbed by the animal. As far as humans are concerned a period is a bleed from the womb (uterus) that is released through the vagina. Women have a period every 28 days approximately. However, some women may have a 24-day cycle while other may have a 35-day one. A period is part of the woman's menstrual cycle. 
   
   The word "menses" comes from the Latin mensesmeaning "months". The word "menstruation" comes from Old French menstrual, which comes from Latinmenstrualis, meaning "monthly," especially "of or having monthly courses." (Medical Resource)

   
   

   Each period may last for 2 to 7 days and can be light, moderate, or heavy. The total amount of blood loss may be 1 to 4 tablespoons (20 to 60 milliliters) for the whole menstrual period. This amount may be different among women and it may be different for you from one period to another.

   
   

   Symptoms: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a group of physical, emotional, and mental changes that you may have before your monthly periods. These symptoms are caused by an increase in hormones. They include headache, dizziness, bloating, and nausea. You may also feel very tired, have breast swelling or soreness, and problems with sleep. You may have mood changes, such as feeling grumpy, sad, or emotional. These symptoms usually go away when your monthly period starts. Ask your caregiver for more information about PMS and how symptoms can be controlled.

   
   

   
   

   
   

   
   

   WHEN DO I COUNT MY FIRST CYCLE DAY?

   According to most fertility specialists (RE), if you start a normal (steady) flow, it is your period. If this takes place PRIOR to 10pm (of whatever time zone you happen to be in), then THAT DAY is Cycle Day ONE. HOWEVER, if you start AFTER 10pm, you count the NEXT day as Cycle Day ONE. 

   Basically it's this:

   Steady flow on Tuesday at 4pm: CD1 is TUESDAY/That Day.

   Steady flow on Friday at 11:45pm: CD1 is SATURDAY.

   Hopefully this makes sense...

   
   

   
   

   Recommended treatment plan for this particular issue:

   Milo

   Heating pad

   Warm tea with honey and lemon

   Tampons/Pads

   yoga pants and comfy shirts

   warm shower/bath

   Basically whatever you know works for you.

   
   

   WARNING: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE SHOULD YOU TAKE ASPRIN WHILE MENSTRUATING.

   
   

   CONGRATULATIONS, YOU MADE IT THROUGH PERIOD TALK....

   If you would like me to elaborate more, please feel free to message me via email:

   blpoeschl90@gmail.com or add me on instagram @ttc24wpcos

   
   

   
   

   
   

   Preview of Tuesday's Blog (was going to be daily, but I frantically made this blog on Sunday and was meant to on MONDAY... oi vey. xD):

   OPKs, when to start taking them and what makes a POSITIVE OPK (not a digital one, the old fashioned dipstick/pink line ones). As well as when you can expect to ovulate after a positive OPK. Times you should take them. And the reasons why they are helpful. (More, I'm sure, but it'll come)

   
   

   Things to Come:

   Asprin while TTC; is it recommended, and is it a viable option to increase the ability to become pregnant?

A Dictionary of TTC/Infertility Terms and Acronyms

TTC Terms and Acronyms
ABB: After Baby Body
AF: Aunt Flo/Menses/Period
AP: Attachment Parenting
ART: Assisted Reproductive Technology
BBT: Basal Body Temperature
BC: Birth control (condoms, medications, etc.)
BD: Baby dance/sex
BF: Boyfriend
BFN: Big Fat Negative/Negative home pregnancy test
BFP: Big Fat Positive/positive home pregnancy test
BM: bowel movement
CB: Clear Blue (digital, standard, etc.)
CD: Cycle Day
Circ.: Circumcise
CF/CM: Cervical fluid/cervical mucus
CP: Cervical Position
CS: C. Section
DC: Dear Child
DS: Dear Son
DD: Dear Daughter
DF: Dear Fiance
DH: Dear Husband
Digi: Digital HPT
DSS: Dear stepson
DSD: Dear stepdaughter
DW: Dear wife
DP: Dance Partner
DPO: Days Past Ovulation
EBF: Exclusively breastfeeding
EC: Embryo cryogenics (freezing/frosties)
EDD: Estimated due date
EWCM: Egg white cervical mucus
FF: formula feeding
FRER: First Response Early Response
FTM: First time mom
hCG: human chorionic gonadotropin (beta hCG)
HPT: home pregnancy test
ICSI: microfertilization; laboratory fertilization of ova (sperm are injected into egg)
IC: Incompetent cervix
ISA: Independent Surrogacy Arrangement (no agency)
IUI: Intrauterine Insemination
IVF: In vetro fertilization
L&D: Labor and Delivery
LH: Luteinizing Hormone
LO: Little one
LP: Luteinizing phase (fertile phase)
ML: Maternity leave
O: Ovulation (24-48 hours after a positive opk)
OPK: Ovulation Prediction Kit
PG: Pregnant/Pregnancy
POAS: Pee On A Stick
PPD: Post Partum Depression
RE: Reproductive Endocrinologist
SAHD: Stay at home dad
SAHM: Stay at home mom
SAHP: Stay at home parent
SD: Sperm Donor
SONO: Sonogram
TCOYF: Taking Control of your fertility (aka the point of this blog)
TMI: too much information
TTC: trying to conceive
TWW/2WW: two week wait (DPO 1-14; can test AFTER 12dpo)
US: ultrasound; standard, 3D/4D, HD
VB: vaginal birth
VBAC: vaginal birth after c. section
WAH: Work at home
WOH: work outside home


Terms, Acronyms, and Information re:      Infertility
AMA/ARA: Advanced Maternal/Reproductive Age (35+ years)
Aneuploidy: Incorrect pairing of chromosomes; specifically on chromosomes 13, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, X, and Y.
AH/Assisted Hatching: physician assisted, laboratory embryonic hatching (takes place only when embryo does NOT hatch NATURALLY).
Azoospermia: absence of sperm in ejaculate (MIF)
CAV: Congenital Absence of the Vas Deferens: seen in male carriers of the CF gene.
CCCT/Clomid Challenge: Clomiphene Citrate Challenge Test; test to diagnose poor fertility potential/poor egg quality.
Cryopreservation: preserves cells (sperm or ovum) at below freezing temperatures (-196 degrees Celsius/-320.8 degrees Fahrenheit).
Cycle Review: appointment after unsuccessful IVF cycle.
Donor Egg IVF: IVF cycle in which eggs from a donor, either known or unknown, are used in place of the patient's own eggs.
DPIUI.IVF: Days past IUI or IVF; the TWW after IUI/IVF (14 days long)
ET: Embryo transfer (fresh or frozen)
FET: Frozen Embryo Transfer; two types:
       NFET: Natural FET in which no medications are used.
       CED FET: Chemically Enhanced Frozen Embryo Transfer; use of medications... Combination therapy of LOPRON and ESTRADIOL. When lining of uterus is mature, progesterone is added, then ET takes place days later. Cycle takes anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.
Fibroid: Benign (non cancerous) growth.
IC: Initiated Cycle (medication induced)
ICSI: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection. Sperm are isolated and injected into the ova in a laboratory setting, then embryo is transferred via IVF/IUI.
MM: Morning Monitoring... Blood tests and sonograms to evaluate patient's hormones, ovaries, and uterus to evaluate if patient is a candidate to begin/continue IVF treatment and how medication is responded to during the IVF cycle.
Ongoing $ Delivered Pregnancy Rate per ET: likelihood of live birth after ET.
OHSS: Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Potential (serious) side effects during fertility treatment/ovulation stimulation include:
     Severe abdominal bloating
     Weight gain
     Nausea and/or vomiting
     Diarrhea
     Constipation
     Abdominal Pain
     Shortness of breath with relief when standing upright
(only a doctor can diagnose this condition; if you are experiencing any of these symptoms and are participating in ovarian stimulation--stims--CONTACT YOUR RE OR OB/GYN IMMEDIATELY)
*Symptoms appear within ONE WEEK of egg retrieval and occur in approximately 1-3% of IVF patients.
PCOS: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
PGRT: Pregnancy Rate per Transfer; percentage of pregnancies (successful) that occur per ET.
PGD: Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis; DNA analysis of embryo before IVF/IUI.
POF: Premature Ovarian Failure
X-Chromosome Bearing: Embryo analysis resulting in implantation which produces a FEMALE offspring.
Y-Chromosome Bearing: Embryo analysis resulting in implantation which produces a MALE offspring.




Other Terms you might find Useful:
UPS: Unprotected sex; may result in pregnancy so if you're doing Natural Family Planning, please proceed with caution; especially if new to the process.
NFP: Natural Family Planning
LH: Luteinizing hormone
LP: Luteinizing peak/OP: Ovulation peak
OV day 1-2 (the 24-48 hours in which ovulation is expected to take place)
OB/GYN: Obstitrician/Gynacologist
Pelvic Exam: Annual diagnostic of cervical quality; diagnosis of Sexually Transmitted Infections, Cervical Cancer, etc.
STI: sexually transmitted disease
OVW: Ovulation Watch (two days prior to expected ovulation)
HPT/NR: Home pregnancy test that is invalid due to age, production error, etc.

Terms I Have Come Across at Random:
BAF: Cycle day one, or the first day of your period
NTNP: Not trying, Not preventing; meaning you are NOT actively TTC.
<3 = Unprotected sex; no prevention of any kind.
</3 = Protected sex; use of prevention such as spermicide, medication, or condoms.

There are many, many more terms, but this should get you going!
See y'all tomorrow!



Day One of your Two Week Wait: What to do to keep sane part 1 of 14.
First thing, DO NOT TEST IN ANY WAY. No OPKs, No HPTs. Nothing. It'll just make you upset, annoyed, etc. Just a bad idea. Instead, try this:
Day One Tip from bellybelly.com.au --> "Take a walk around your neighbourhood and figure out what will be the best route for strolls with the baby. Find areas with nice pavements and easy curbs. Go ahead and daydream. But do NOT buy a stroller for the dog."

Also, this website should give you TONS of ideas to keep from obsessing over POAS: 

http://www.babymed.com/getting-pregnant/50-things-do-2ww

PREVIEW OF TOMORROW'S BLOG:
What is a period, when do I count the start of my cycle (including the effect of time of day), why do we have periods, etc. Basically, it's all about your period (REMEMBER THE GIRL'S VIDEO/BOOK FROM SCHOOL?... Think that. But I will give as much information as I can; meaning I will go into more information than they did. Because I know, when we had our first period, that "class" did NOT prepare us for the absolute horror of the first time...). Can't wait! LOL

A bit of information about me, the goal of this blog, and why I want to do this.

THIS ENTIRE BLOG IS DEDICATED TO THE LADIES TTC EVERYWHERE AS WELL AS MY AWESOME INSTAGRAM FOLLOWERS.

Enjoy!!!

INFORMATION ABOUT ME AND MY STORY:
Seeing as you're visiting for help with natural family planning or help with tic, I will tell you about myself so that you're familiar with who I am (sorta) and what it all means to me.

My name is Brooke and I'm 24. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS, for short) in 2008 at the age of 18. I was put onto birth control (BC for short) at that time in order to help with acne and regulate my periods, along with helping to--hopefully--shrink the cysts; that being said, I was not sexually active at that time. Just so you're clear of the intention of my putting these chemicals into my body.

In 2013, I met my ex. At the time, I had an intrauterine implant (Mirena, or an IUD) and conceived my first baby. I lost this pregnancy very early on and removed my IUD in February. Since February 2014, I have been TTC with my ex, obviously I'm no longer TTC... But onwards. I got pregnant with number two in March, which also resulted in a very early loss. (So, if you're paying attention, I'm a mommy to two angels). I hope to conceive my angel with a husband later on. But for now, I'm getting to know my body without use of contraceptive use. Meaning I plan to naturally track my cycles, ovulations, etc. to better prepare for my future with a husband and trying for a family.

I have an Instagram which I am deeply engrossed in daily, and I like to keep in touch with other angel parents, ttc mothers, mothers, etc. I like to provide advice, but more than that--support and understanding.



MY INTENTIONS WITH THIS BLOG:
Now that I've given you some information about myself, allow me to explain this blog's purposes.

In Regards to Natural Family Planning...
I would like to provide insight into how you can naturally track your cycles. This is NOT 100% effective means of PREVENTING a pregnancy (if you pay attention, I will explain why later on, in more detailed postings in regards to the process itself). But, instead, this is a way to get a handle on your body's natural progression through menses.

In Regards to Naturally Trying to Conceive...
This is the bigger purpose of this blog. I am aware of natural infertility and the need for medical help, so I DO NOT intend this to take the place of professional help. (*See below for advice according to medical journals and infertility.) This is for newly trying to conceive (TTC) parents ("new" meaning just beginning and not knowing where to begin, or into a few cycles and needing a bit of advice; again, see below..)

I will be tracking my own cycles and answering questions in regards to how you can obtain some control over your fertility (again, not a medical expert, just trying to provide help to new TTC parents).

(*If you're TTC: Under 25 and unsuccessful, seek help from a fertility specialist--RE/Reproductive Endocrinologist--after ONE YEAR OF ACTIVELY TRYING TO CONCEIVE. Over 25 and unsuccessful, seek help from an RE after SIX MONTHS OF ACTIVELY TRYING TO CONCEIVE.)

Information Includes:
1) As much advice about cervical position (CP) and cervical mucus (CM)--I.E.: What is fertile, and possibly means ovulation, What means possibility of pregnancy, Etc. (will provide photo charts periodically, especially when directly speaking about CM, from an online source ONLY.)
2) Best way to track temperature (primarily orally, will possibly include vaginal--which is better in the long road--later on in the blog).
3) Ovulation Prediction Kits (OPKS) and how to read them; as well as when you should start tracking with these tests and what time is best to take these tests (will show photos; both from online sources and my own).
4) When to start taking home pregnancy tests (HPTS) after Ovulation/Possible conception (what makes a positive test (BFP) and what makes a negative test (BFN).)
5) How to count your cycle days/days past ovulation (CD/DPO).
6) Symptoms of: your oncoming period (AF), ovulation, and (if you're TTC) pregnancy.
7) If you're expecting, I will be posting the occasional "What your body/baby is doing right now" information (i.e.: baby's size, typical symptoms, etc.).
8) Tips and Tricks: Fertility Aides and how well they actually work. (Will use online sources for success rates, where to buy, etc.) Will include diet information (like smoothies, etc.) and "instruments" to get pregnant which can be bought online or in a local drugstore or supermarket.


WHY I WANT TO DO THIS BLOG...
I mainly want to do this blog to help my sisters to gain control over their cycles and use the information I dig up in order to (hopefully) naturally conceive a child.

I have seen infertility that isn't really infertility suck the hope and positivity out of entirely too many friends. I want to help the ones that are still in the process of TTC naturally learn what they can do and their options.


Thank you for reading, love and baby dust (FX) to you all! I hope you include me in your journey, as I include you in my own.  XOXOXOX
Brooke.