So I'm trying to figure out what to do. How to deal. I just got my first PPAF at the start of the month. We are TTA because we're pretty sure we are done having kids, but still sorting out what to do about it. So right now I'd like to dive headfirst into charting. However, I don't know how to do that when I'm not sleeping regularly due to Alanna still being up a lot at night. Temping won't be accurate if I'm not getting several hours of sleep before taking it, right? What have any of you done when you are at this point?

As long as I had 2-4 hrs of sleep before temping I count it as an ok temp. If after a few days/ a week of charting one temp seems really out of wack, you can X it out. Did you chart before? If you have a few older charts to look at it can help you see if you are in your normal wake-up ballpark even on bad nights. Like if I get up before 5am I will probably be 96.9-97.2 but if I get up around 7am it is usually 97.1-97.5, even if I didn't sleep much. Also, do you check your cervical fluid? That can help confirm what your temps are telling you and also give you a heads-up that ovulation is coming a few days before your temperatures spike. If you have never charted before and are TTA then you might want to use barriers or abstain for the first few cycles while you learn to read your body signs.
Right now I am charting to figure out if my body has any intention of ovulating anytime in the near future, and so far it does not seem interested. No fluid changes, no temp spikes, nada.
If there are NFP classes in your area, take one! They are so awesome - Ruth recommended them to me 2 yrs ago or so and I am so glad I took the class bec it cleared up so many of the questions I had and made me more confident about understanding my body. I sound like an infomercial, lol.
The website is ccli.org

I highly, highly recommend an NFP class. NFP is highly effective but you have to know what you're doing, chart consistently, and NEVER cut corners.

I'm on my 8th postpartum cycle of TTA now and it's going fabulous! I always conceived very quickly in the past when not avoiding pregnancy, so I'm thankful for the break that I have from pregnancy when TTA with FAM.

You have to talk to DH about where he is and make sure that he's on the same page as you to make FAM work. Lots of couples use condoms during the fertile time and some abstain or use other barriers. It depends on your comfort level, your desire and need to TTA, etc.

For us, personally, we don't have religious teachings against condoms, but we find that they really kill sensation for us, and we aren't comfortable with the possibility of a barrier failure, because we really need to TTA. So we don't do anything procreative during my fertile window. If my DH really has a hard time waiting, there are alternatives that don't produce a baby. (sorry if TMI)

Keep in mind that your highest chance of a surprise pregnancy while using FAM/NFP is from pre-ovulation days, so be extremely cautious with those while first learning NFP.

As far as temping, I would just shoot for a consistent time each morning. Getting a certain amount of hours of sleep is highly overrated, IMO. Many women get a consistent chart just from picking a wake up time each morning to take the temp.

If I can be of any more help, feel free to ask questions!

Thanks gals! You answered my biggest questions. :)

I have charted before, although it was while TTC. And I have read TCOYF, although it probably wouldn't hurt to take it out at the library again. I'll have to see if I remember my password for FF. lol. Dh and I are on the same page here.... we both realize that if I'm not consistent with charting, it won't be helpful in TTA. We simply don't like barriers, the pill isn't appealing, a tubal is not something we would consider (despite some weird lady at Walmart highly suggesting one to me the other day! rofl) and right now dh isn't at peace with getting a V so that isn't an option either. (Which I am fine with.) That doesn't leave much when you are TTA! lol I would highly doubt that there would be a NFP class anywhere nearby where we live (although I will look) so that would have to be something we plan for long term since it likely would not be local.

I appreciate your input! Off to see if I can get into FF and to find my thermometer! :)

Something that you may want to consider is the home study course from CCL. You can check that out at the website that Christine provided.

Also, christianfamilyplanning.net has an online FAM course as well.

Hi ladies! I have a question about my chart this month.... cm indicates fertility and I had a weird temp spike and I'm not sure what to make of it. Input is welcome!

I don't know if there is a special way to share the link... can someone fill me in? The link below isn't working.

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/ttc/calendar_module.php?redirect=/ttc/calendar_module.php&

Don't know how to explain how to share the chart link. There should be something in your profile that helps to share it. If you're unsure, assume fertility until you're sure.

I spent some more time searching and I think I may have figured out how to share it.

My Ovulation Chart (http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/1d4d58)

What I really don't get is why my temps are such a roller coaster of ups and downs the past few days (a degree of difference up and then down several times now). I've been temping at the same time every morning.

ETA It took a few tries, but it finally worked!

I'm pretty sure that you haven't ovulated yet. Keep on taking your temps and when they meet the conditions to be a temp rise and your cm dries up, you will know that you've ovulated for sure.

BF'ing can make temps pretty bouncy, due to the hormone fluctuations.

Thanks Ruth. I had no idea that temps could be that wacky because of bf'ing. Glad I have somewhere to ask about these things! :)