charting...

[southernmommie]

What is your favorite way of charting? Do you use an online chart, software chart, or paper chart you print out yourself? And why? What are your experiences?

[Rainy229]

Great question!

I use a paper chart, 'cause I'm not devoted enough to take the time for as many details on an online chart. I take my temp in the AM, and check CP/CM at least twice during the day, and just before bed, record everything on my chart on my nightstand.
There's just something about having a tangible record I can touch and feel. It's also something that DH can look at and tell where things are at (he doesn't like to talk about bodily functions... squeamish would be an improvement...)...
As for my experiences... if what kind of chart I use can determine a BFP or BFN, perhaps I should switch to online... I've not had any issues with using my paper chart - but I'm not trying to determine much - just presence of ovulation, timing of dtd, and hoping for that elusive BFP... that is I'm not trying to pinpoint anything uber-specific...

HTH!

--Rainy

[karmab]

i really like fertilityfriend.com. i tried the tcoyf one, and i did not like it. have you used any of the online charting sites? ff has a free version that is very adequate, or the vip version is very inexpensive. i like too that i can use it on my phone, so when i travel, i've got it right there anytime i want it. i also like the support, so if i have a question, i ask the ff staff guides and they are really super knowlegable and very helpful. i also like the chart gallery- there are 120,000 charts in their archives, and you can search them for all kinds of variables, which has also helped. it's a good site.

i dont know if you've seen it or not, but here's my chart for an example:

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/2caf4e

[konayossie]

Another vote for Fertility Friend. I tried TCOYF.com after loving the book, but it was awful--the load times, and not nearly as many details to mark (I'm the opposite of one of the PPs--I love to obsess over the details while TTC!). FF has got all kinds of gadgets that are fun to play with, as karmab mentioned. It's cool, and has gotten even better since I first used it a couple years ago.

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

I used paper charts back before I got access to the internet. Then once I got internet I found fertilityfriend.com and charted there and it was by far the best place at the time to do so. I still kept my charts on paper though because things happen and I didnt want my charts lost.

[southernmommie]

I've used all 3 types. I've used TCOYF for a little bit. I've used FF for a while and I've done the paper route for a while too. I'm getting an idea of what is liked most by others and by what I like the most so that when I'm ready to start charting again, I'll have an idea of what I want to go with. It'll either be FF or paper. Seeing how charting is so erradic while breastfeeding when menses resume,so who knows.

[AdamsV88]

Originally Posted by karmab

i really like fertilityfriend.com. i tried the tcoyf one, and i did not like it. have you used any of the online charting sites? ff has a free version that is very adequate, or the vip version is very inexpensive. i like too that i can use it on my phone, so when i travel, i've got it right there anytime i want it. i also like the support, so if i have a question, i ask the ff staff guides and they are really super knowlegable and very helpful. i also like the chart gallery- there are 120,000 charts in their archives, and you can search them for all kinds of variables, which has also helped. it's a good site.

i dont know if you've seen it or not, but here's my chart for an example:

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/2caf4e

I LOVE fertility friend and use it as well... Paper charts dont work for me because it never fails, my daughter always manages to find it and destroy it on me... she even stole my bbt thermometer one time and messed me up with my charting that month lol.

[FairyMe]

Originally Posted by karmab

i really like fertilityfriend.com. i tried the tcoyf one, and i did not like it. have you used any of the online charting sites? ff has a free version that is very adequate, or the vip version is very inexpensive. i like too that i can use it on my phone, so when i travel, i've got it right there anytime i want it. i also like the support, so if i have a question, i ask the ff staff guides and they are really super knowlegable and very helpful. i also like the chart gallery- there are 120,000 charts in their archives, and you can search them for all kinds of variables, which has also helped. it's a good site.

i dont know if you've seen it or not, but here's my chart for an example:

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/2caf4e

. I update mine on my blackberry on my commute to work in the mornings.

[southernmommie]

Ooooh. It works with the Blackberry! That is awesome. I love my blackberry and use it all the time for everything!