Totally clueless, any advice?

[mel7dog]

DH and I have recently decided I will go off the pill and "let nature take it's course". We are not necessarily TTC, only hoping it happens in the next year.

I really want to learn as much as possible about TTC, concepeion, pregancy etc, but feel so overwhlemed with all the thread that use abbreviations and thing I have never heard of.

Is there a good website or book that breaks it down to people like me who are pretty clueless? I really must become a pro if I am going to be a mom!

Thanks for the help and I am wishing everyone luck TTC after reading all your stories!

[wildcat]

I'm pretty sure most people (myself included) are going to recommend the book "Taking Charge of your Fertility" by Terri Weschler (I hope I got her name right!). I read it about a year before we started TTC (and stopped the pill and started charting at that time also). I was amazed by what I learned in that book and wished I would have known since I first got my period back in junior high! If you're looking more for "pre-conception" types of books, I'm sure people can recommend some of those, also...I didn't read any. Also, if you want to brush up on abbreviations used on the boards, I believe the group thread "TTC with Charting" has a listing of them all! Good luck and enjoy the journey, I'm now 29weeks pregnant and loving every minute of it!

[Ilovemygeek]

I second the suggestion of "Taking Charge of Your Fertility." I was skeptical about the whole concept of charting, but after reading the book everything made sense. The things you will learn a lot about your body are amazing. Even if you choose not to chart, the information in the book is invaluable.

[NicoleWisconsin]

I think the author of TCOYF's first name is Toni... I would suggest you start on a pre-natal vitamin because folic acid is so important in the first weeks, when you may not even realize you are pregnant. You can buy them over-the-counter. Good luck :)

[mel7dog]

Thanks for the tips so far!

I ordered two books off amazon :)

Taking Charge of Your Fertility: The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health (Revised Edition) (obviously)
and

The Mother of All Pregnancy Books: The Ultimate Guide to Conception, Birth, and Everything In Between (U.S. Edition)

I figure the only way to get started is to start somewhere, even if it seems overwhelming. I also read a bunch about prenatal care. I already take vitamins (with 100% folic acid) though I have been a little slack recently, so I will be faithful to them every morning.

Thanks for all the advice so far, more is appreciated!

[Camdynlyn]

I also have TCOYF. I recommend it. I also started taking my pre-natals. YAY!

[Twylla]

I've been reading the All State pregnancy and birth book, and I'm finding it to be pretty informative. You can get it free off the website.

Also, keep reading these boards. I've learned so much. I ordered TCOYF and started charting, and I'm getting as ready as possible for TTC.

Good luck!