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.