Just over two and a half years ago, my husband and I made the decision to start trying to conceive, or “TTC” as the web world deems it, our first child.  We felt like it was the “right” time in our lives to do so.  I joined communities on the web like TryingToConceive dot com and BabyCenter dot com.  Not to mention any other website that had message boards full of other hopeful women (and men) TTC.  I recall reading sad stories, happy stories and anxious stories.

Well, we finally “got pregnant” and I was just thrilled!  Right away, I created my username and passwords on said sites and got the ball rolling writing messages on message boards exclaiming my excitement about our success.  I signed up for newsletters of weekly updates on the progress of my growing baby.  Then, it happened.  The miscarriage.  Dammit.  I was shattered, although it was fairly early and I ended up having a blighted ovum.  Still, after my D&C to terminate the pregnancy, the hospital asked me what I’d like them to do with the “remains”.  I opted for the D&C instead of miscarrying naturally to avoid getting an infection.  So, back to the drawing board.

I discovered through one of the websites that I frequented a book called, “Taking Charge of Your Fertility” and so I did.  I woke up every day at the same time and took my basal body temperature and meticulously charted. It was only then that I realized how amazing the woman’s body really is.  This book was practically my bible.  It helped me learn so much about myself that I have always taken for granted.  After two months of charting, I knew my “cycle” inside and out.  After month three, Hailey was conceived.  I knew the exact day of her conception.  I swore after she was born that I would continue to chart to “not” get pregnant (for a while) instead of taking the pill again.  Well, that proved to be a little more than difficult with a brand new baby.  Still, I recommend this book to everyone.  I especially think that this is a great book to have on hand for those of you with teenage daughters.  If only you could just hand them this book and say, “You want to know about the birds and the bees?  Here you go.  Read up, sister.”  I think it would really teach young girls to appreciate and be aware of their bodies in ways that we mothers can’t explain unless we have Phds.

So, I’m curious.  How many of you use or have used charting as a way to conceive or to NOT conceive?

*One of my original Chicago Moms Blog posts