Thanks for all your congrats messages ladies. Lpsmum, the sad truth is that we probably are one of those couples (although a fair bit of concentrated BDing preceded that particular BFP)!
I've been keeping a low profile for several reasons: we're moving house this weekend so I've been busy packing for that; re. the pregnancy, it's still very early days and I previously mc'd at 5.5-6 weeks so I don't feel justified in assuming everything will be ok - yet; and I guess I also feel a bit uncomfortable posting any well meaning advice when I am where I am and I know what you guys are going through...
...That said, I still feel drawn to this thread and I am genuinely interested in what's happening for you all.
Lilysma, I've found myself thinking a lot about your predicament and doing a bit of googling Internet research. There are quite a few positives in the pattern you describe: only BFing 2-3 times per day (not at all at night); AF returning after 18m; your cycle (usually) being regular; and OPKs (and presumably temps?) suggesting that you are OVing. These are all signs that you're already well on your way (if not already back to) full fertility. On the negative side you say that temps are usually dropping about 10DPO (which suggests a luteal phase defect); and that - for the last 3 months - you've started spotting before AF arrives. This leads me to wonder whether something has changed in the last 3 months to bring about a luteal phase defect/low progesterone levels? Before the spotting appeared were your temps staying elevated from 10DPO+?
I've read that stress/anxiety can cause fluctuations in progesterone. Dramatic weight loss and increased exercise can also be to blame. Think it's really positive that you are TCOYF and seeing a specialist. They can presumably run basic tests to check your post-ov progesterone levels? I wonder if going the progesterone route would be a gentler and easier solution to weaning, trying clomid etc. Some of the stuff I've been reading talks of the need to use sufficient levels of progesterone. Suppositories are available in addition to cream. Perhaps an idea to start small and, if necessary, work up to a greater dose? All that aside, I definitely think it helps to feel empowered by indulging in a bit of 'alternative' therapy (acupuncture, nutrition etc.).
sbf and LittleSilver - I'm following your progesterone cream updates with interest. Wondering if I should maybe consider using it up to week 12 of pg. Am anxious about things going downhill about the week 5/6 mark, as that's when I mc'd before, and that's when the spotting started with DD. Some really promising signs going on there for you sbf. My fingers are crossed that your HPTing in Cornwall is a BFP!
iloveholidays - sorry you were disappointed but good in many ways that AF has returned so you can start charting. It definitely made a huge difference to the accuracy of our TTC attempts. I can't recommend it highly enough.
QueenFee - Along the lines of what sbf was saying, my AF also returned at 9 months. Hope things start to move forward soon. Oh, and thanks for the tip. Did you manage to get the name of the LLL book on BFing and pregnancy/tandem feeding? I'm interested!
Dita - Welcome home! Sorry to hear about the less pleasant aspects of your trip but some positive signs there with the microscope. Keeping my fingers crossed for your test in April (or sooner!).
Jetli - thanks for your congrats. Hope the RL issues you're experiencing aren't too tricky.
Gosh this post has got ridiculously long! Sorry! I'll sign off here and get back to packing up...