Create Your Own Fertility ChartWhen you use natural family planning, you create your own fertility chart. Keeping good records is an important part of natural family planning - and a fertility chart is the best place to keep all of your information. Do three things - and you can get started charting today!
* Choose a chart or charting method
Let's start with the chart... Select a Charting Method You'll UseYour chart can be on plain paper, online at some website, or even on a computer program.
Your most important consideration should be how easy it is for you to use.
I keep my chart by my bed in a nightstand drawer. I note my basal body temperature in the morning, and my other observations at the end of the day. I find that having my chart on paper is faster and easier for me. I use a computer a lot - but with my paper chart, I don't have to log on or sign in, I just pick up a pen and write. :)
You may indeed prefer to use a program on your computer, or an online fertility charting service. Click here to
learn more choosing the right fertility chart method for you.
When you're looking for a fertility chart, look for one that has a place to note the following items:
*Basal body temperature I prefer the Couple to Couple League's Daily Observation Chart. I find it has a space for everything I need to chart and more. I especially like the sections that help me keep track of my shortest and longest cycles, as well as my earliest day of temperature rise.
Basal ThermometerOnce you have picked a chart, or a charting program, you need a basal thermometer. Basal thermometers are different from regular thermometers. Most regular thermometers are designed for high or feverish temperatures. Basal thermometers are designed to measure a lower range of temperatures and do it more accurately.
Learn more about
selecting a good basal thermometer.
Decide to Start Your Chart Today!Creating your own fertility chart is not difficult, and it really doesn't take more than a couple of minutes each day. The biggest obstacle that keeps women from charting is procrastination! Make a promise to yourself that you will keep charting every day. Decide today that you will make daily observations, and record them on your chart. If you already have your basal thermometer - take your temperature right now. Try out your thermometer, and get used to how it works. Put it by your bedside, and tomorrow morning take your temperature as soon as you wake up. If you are worried about forgetting to take your temperature, make a little sign or leave a note for yourself next to your alarm clock. If you don't have your thermometer yet, make your internal observations, and note them on a piece of paper. When you get your chart - then you can transfer your notes.
Make Your First Fertility Observations TodayIf you are ordering paper charts, they may take a few days to arrive. Don't let that stop you from starting your chart today. Just note your observations on a piece of paper, and when your chart arrives you can transfer the information to your new chart. To learn more about making your fertility observations, please see my page on the Signs of Ovulation . You will learn about the three main fertility signs and how to do your observations.
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