https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 20 Jun 2026 12:17:06 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1892699 Wed, 08 Oct 2014 06:13:32 +0000 ValentineMommy 1892699@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks everyone for the great advice!!! I got my BBT from CVS and am using FF. Confirmed positive OPK yesterday and today. </p> <p>We'll see what my temps do now. What are they SUPPOSED to do?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1879160 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 16:09:47 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1879160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MaryM: "I actually find the scientific background of my charts helps make me more sane."</p> <p>I'm the same way! Between being in science research for my career and DH and I having to work around his travel schedule for TTC (he travels every week for work), knowing what is going on with my body makes the whole process less stressful. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1879133 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 15:52:17 +0000 MaryM 1879133@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: I chart using FF and really like it. I used the basic version for a long time and recently switched to VIP. Honestly, I'm not really sure I'm getting my money's worth. I found I was obsessing too much when I tried to record "symptoms" so I only record temps and BD session so I know how good our timing was. </p> <p>I use a basic CVS BBT. </p> <p>I first learned through Couple to Couple League, but have TCOYF and have preferred that book as a reference and brush up. </p> <p>I use OKPs sporadically and prefer the Babi brand over CVS or Wandfos. </p> <p>In response to those who say it'll drive you crazy, I think it depends on the person. I actually find the scientific background of my charts helps make me more sane. If I'm nauseated after AF and start to wonder if AF could have actually been IB, I can think back to the morning's temp and realize no. If I was KU my temp wouldn't be low. </p> <p>I think it can also be helpful if you end up having issues getting KU. In the past, my OBGYN has used my charts as indicators to diagnose PCOS and low progesterone (at different times). It can possibly help avoid extensive testing if you have a record of what your body has been doing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1879124 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 15:43:54 +0000 YogiRunner 1879124@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Agreed that charting is a great FYI from your bod! While charting can drive you crazy, it's also a great window into the amazing things your body does each month (great for me after BC, I needed to feel like natural processes were happening again).</p> <p>My BBT is CVS brand and more than effective. Anything beyond a .1 of a degree and I would go so cray-cray.</p> <p>FF seems to be a solid option, but I also have used Kindara because their founders are so smart and supportive and not afraid to say the word "vagina", but my new fave is Ovia, because it gives you daily tips and is just more fun to enter data in every day. </p> <p>Besides temp, cervical fluid is a really great indicator of monthly fertility and impending O date. I went from thinking this was kind of gross to being psyched when I had plenty of EWCM! Know how everyone hates the phrase "moist panties"? Yeah, you'll learn to love it (Ew. Went there.)</p> <p>Good luck and (try to) enjoy the journey! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1878798 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 11:42:41 +0000 maddyz 1878798@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I used the Kindara app and really really liked it. I liked the blog and info that they have online. I think you can only edit your chart in the app but you can also look at it online. The community on kindara was also really nice.</p> <p>I think it's great to chart just to get to know your body not only for trying to get pregnant. I really think every woman should do it for at least a little while. I learned SO MUCH from charting. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1878763 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 11:24:29 +0000 MrsBrewer 1878763@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: I just want to say that I am soooo thankful I was temping! If not, I would have no idea when I O'd this last cycle!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1878753 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 11:15:58 +0000 BandDmommy 1878753@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: my honest advice is don't temp. You'll drive yourself crazy. At least I did, I hated it. I think it's only helpful if you don't know when you O or if you O. I prefer OPKs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1878743 Fri, 26 Sep 2014 11:11:04 +0000 Mrs.KMM 1878743@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a BBT from CVS.</p> <p>I chart using Fertility Friend and I just have the free basic membership (not VIP). I pretty much do everything from the app on my phone but you can pull it up on the computer as well.</p> <p>We're on cycle 4 and this is the first cycle I used OPKs (just temping and recording BDing for the first 3). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876967 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 11:51:51 +0000 LindsayInNY 1876967@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MsHangry: Mine recently died a slow death (it makes this low, dull, sick-sounding beep now) but I haven't replaced it :/ Works perfectly though!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876946 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 11:45:49 +0000 snowjewelz 1876946@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>1. I have a Target one, it works fine!<br /> 2. I use FF - the free version. You can view/edit online as well<br /> 3. I only charted BBT and used OPKs! I was bad at reading CM </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876941 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 11:43:31 +0000 MsHangry 1876941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@LindsayInNY: I think I have the same thermometer :)</p> <p>I used Fertility Friend and then the last month also tracked in Glow. I just liked that Glow gave me more to read about my fertility if I wanted to. It also gently told me to be strong and hold off testing too early. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876564 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 08:19:37 +0000 ValentineMommy 1876564@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: @LindsayInNY: Thank you!! :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876545 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 08:09:36 +0000 LindsayInNY 1876545@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a basic CVS-brand BBT. It was $10-15 and purple. Works perfectly fine!</p> <p>I use Fertility Friend - the free version, both app and website.</p> <p>I temp, OPK and record BDing. Sometimes I note CM if it's obvious or noticable. That's it!</p> <p>Good luck :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876483 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 07:18:06 +0000 Adira 1876483@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ValentineMommy: Good luck to you! I hope you get your sticky BFP soon! &lt;3 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876478 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 07:14:11 +0000 ValentineMommy 1876478@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Looks like I'll be playing with FF today! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876477 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 07:13:42 +0000 ValentineMommy 1876477@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thanks all!!! I actually have TCOYF, but haven't read it cover to cover in a looooong time. I'll have to break it back out!</p> <p>@Adira: Pre m/c I had plenty of EWCM, but post m/c I seem to have much less. We got preseed (and used it last month) as well and really liked it! It works really well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876467 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 07:06:55 +0000 Adira 1876467@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hilsy85: Mine did too, but I just didn't trust it, so I ended up switching! It probably didn't matter, but I was using the Target one when my cycles were funky postpartum and the repeated temps were annoying me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876465 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 07:05:38 +0000 hilsy85 1876465@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: even with my repeated temps, it does still show a temp jump around O time, so hopefully it's fine? Since it's really teh pattern and not the individual temps that are important...maybe if this month isn't successful I'll invest in a new one :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876464 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 07:04:29 +0000 Adira 1876464@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>If you can, get a hold of the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility - it has fantastic information about your cycles, how they work, and what to look for!</p> <p>@hilsy85: I had the same problem with my Target one. I think I ended up using one I got from either Walmart or CVS instead.</p> <p>I used a Walmart or CVS BBT - I can't remember which. I liked it. I had issues with the one I bought from Target.</p> <p>I used Fertility Friend. You can use it on the computer and they have an app. You can pay for VIP (you'll get a free trial of VIP when you sign up, I think), but I never did. The free version was good enough for me.</p> <p>I also tracked CM along with my temps and occasionally I tracked cervical position, but I wasn't consistent with that. Tracking my CM though was vital to me because it's how I learned I never have EWCM, which is the most fertile CM and helps the sperm get to it's destination. I ended up using Pre-Seed to help with this issue and got pregnant both times while using Pre-Seed.</p> <p>Good luck! :goodluck: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876460 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 07:01:36 +0000 Hoots 1876460@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I use a BBT that I picked up at Kroger. I'm okay with it, but it's nothing fancy. </p> <p>App: Fertility friend. The free version is more than enough. I have a vip membership I bought on sale, so it was $25 for the year. I wouldn't buy it right away, and they give you a free 30 trial of the paid version. If you like it, wait until it goes on sale (so glad HBers told me that). You can use it on both the computer and phone. Your phone should automatically sync. </p> <p>I didn't really know what I was doing the first month, but recorded faithfully. I didn't particularly the app's tutorials. I really liked Taking Charge of Your Fertility for all the basics and explanations. (I'd also like to thank @MrsMccarthy for that recommendation. Thanks!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876459 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 07:00:07 +0000 hilsy85 1876459@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just have a basic BBT from target I think? It seems to work fine...but I sometimes get a lot of the same temps so I wonder if I need a new one.<br /> I use Fertility Friend. They have an app, and you can log in on teh computer. I use the free version, but there is a VIP one you can upgrade to--I haven't found it necessary.<br /> Some people also track cervical position. Tracking CM is usually helpful as well! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/advice-for-newbie-charter#post-1876433 Thu, 25 Sep 2014 06:34:56 +0000 ValentineMommy 1876433@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all! I'm thinking about starting to chart, but I don't know where to begin! I promised DH I would try not to focus on ttc so much after our m/c and failed first attempt at ttc post m/c, but I'm failing miserably. I thought maybe charting and understanding my cycle a bit better would be something I could focus on, while still being related to TTC. I'm rambling, I know....</p> <p>Anyway, I was wondering:</p> <p>What BBT do you use? Do you like it?<br /> What app do you use to chart? Do you have to pay for it? Can it be used on the computer as well as an app?<br /> Other than charting BBT, using OPKS, and recording BDs, what else should I be recording/looking for? </p>