Cycle Qs

[Linda in OZ]

Hi, I was doing some browsing through the various posts, but it was getting too confusing for me :nut '
When someone says a 28 day cycle, is that from the start of AF to the start of the next AF? or is it from when AF finished until AF starts again? And when would ovulation occur amongst all this?
Am I right in assuming that if AF started on the 1st, and on a regular 28 day cycyle I would begin ovulating on the 14th, being fertile for a couple (how many?) of days and then bleed on the 28th?
I have an 8mo dd that is b/f with minimal solids, I might give her a piece of apple to gnaw on or a fingerfull of whatever I am eating, but she is still feeding quite frequently and waking during the night for feeds as well. I haven't had a visit from A/F, but I have had some very light spotting. This is what intruiges me, I have never spotted before ever. But I have never breastfed this long before either. Is the spotting common? Is it an indication that A/F will be visiting soon?
For what it's worth I am tta
TIA

[cathochick]

Cycle length is calculated from the first day of menstruation to the day before the next menstruation. The first day of menstruation (Cycle Day One) is usually defined as the first day you need a feminine hygiene product.

Ovulation occurs 10 to 16 days before the next menstruation. Variation in cycle length occurs in the time before ovulation occurs. Stress or illness in the early part of your cycle can delay ovulation, resulting in a longer cycle overall.

I never experienced spotting before until my fertility returned after childbirth.

The example of a 28 day cycle with ovulation occurring on the 14th day is the textbook ideal. Very few women experience the textbook ideal.

You are fertile when you are having cervical fluid and for a few days afterward. Spotting is an indication that fertility may be returning. It would be best to pick up a book and begin charting right away if you plan to use NFP to avoid.

--Jessica

[Linda in OZ]

Thanks for that, af turned up today so that would explain the spotting I guess, Time to start a diary :)