Our Fertility Classes & Services are open to all who are trying to conceive however you are trying to conceive. Whether you are in the early stages of thinking about getting pregnant, trying naturally, or seeing a Fertility Specialist. We welcome you with an open heart and an open mind!
YOGA FOR FERTILITY and Pre-CONCEPTION
Weekly Class
The Mayo Clinic recently acknowledged that chronic stress can lead to a variety of health and emotional problems. Yoga is an effective method to reduce stress and anxiety. But in addition, yoga for fertility can help to detoxify the body while relaxing tight muscles and connective tissue. The specific areas in Yoga for fertility of the low back (sacral plexus) hips, groins and pelvis begin to improve in blood flow and circulation-which can aid in healthier gynecological function.
Yoga that includes a physical practice as well as deep relaxation, breathing techniques and meditation reminds us that our bodies, minds and emotions are not separate. Bringing balance to any one of these areas will have a ripple effect on balancing the whole system. Asanas (or poses) can benefit and improve the function of the reproductive system by increasing circulation and building strength & flexibility, especially around the pelvic area.
As the body relaxes, the mind calms and the nervous system is aided by the breath to help lower stress hormones like cortisol, which can impede reproductive hormone function. This can potentially be beneficial for fertility. Learning to
listen to the body’s natural rhythms through yoga and breathing can bring a deep sense of peace and connection to our own innate healing capacity, helping women and couples feel more empowered on their journey.
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Yoga for Fertility Benefits:
- Increases energy and blood flow, especially in the heart and pelvic area.
- Stimulates the reproductive system directly by focusing on the ovaries and uterus.
- Supports and helps to regulate the endocrine (glandular/hormonal) system.
- Reduces levels of stress hormones in the bloodstream.
- Adapts poses according to the phase of the woman’s monthly cycle.
- Calms the mind and reduces negative thinking.
- Opens the two-way communication channel of mind/body.
- Uses yoga, meditation, and visualization to help synchronize messages between the conscious mind, the subconscious mind, and the body.
- Balances and builds energy.
Frequently Asked Question about Yoga and Fertility
Q: Who is your Fertility classes, services, and workshops designed for? Is it only for people who are undergoing fertility treatments or should I come if my partner and I are just thinking about conceiving?
A: Our Fertility programs are for any woman and her partner who is in the process of trying to conceive or is planning to in the near future, whether it is with fertility treatments or not.
Q: Will yoga really help me conceive?
I can’t give you a definite yes as there is no hard scientific evidence that supports that. I do know that the poses oxygenate the pelvic organs increasing physical and energetic circulation. They release tension from the abdomen and can help to regulate hormonal function by eliciting the body’s innate relaxation response. In addition, they impart an overall feeling of well-being and peace of mind.
Q: My partner and I have just started trying to conceive. What yoga do you recommend for us?
A: I recommend a regular yoga practice, one that bolsters your energy. Yoga is fantastic for building and maintaining overall good health, including hormonal balancing and reproductive health. If you already have a regular practice that feels good to you, feel free to continue it (some recommended modifications are in the following question). If you are just beginning on the yoga path, start by finding a teacher who inspires you. Take notice of how you feel after your yoga class. Do you feel energized or depleted? Look for a feeling of well-being in your body and mind.
Q: Are there yoga poses that shouldn’t be done while trying to conceive?
A: I recommend no deep twisting for several months before and during the time you are trying to conceive. However, open face twists are fine. I think of this as a time to make space for the life you are trying to create, literally and figuratively and deep twists tend to squeeze the reproductive organs. I recommend modifying anything that feels like it is squashing or compressing any of your organs. This is not hard science but came from my own experiences – yours might be different and each person is encouraged to find their own middle ground. For me, this became a time of slowing down and working on a subtler level, making my practice gentler. Always, but even more so during the time we were trying to conceive, we wanted our yoga practice to be supporting and nurturing, building our energy for our upcoming pregnancy and eventual childbirth.
Q: Is yoga safe to practice when I’m going through fertility treatments?
A: There’s no conclusive evidence that says unequivocally that yoga is safe while undergoing fertility treatments. However, a gentle practice, emphasizing restorative yoga, throughout IVF treatment is a relaxing complement. If you are undergoing IVF, I recommend taking it very easy for the few days between egg retrieval and transfer as well as for a few days to a week after the transfer. I think it’s a good idea to take it easy after any medical procedure. I recommend removing strong inversions and not doing an intense physical practice. The restorative poses should be fine, but if something feels too intense, even a gentle restorative pose, be sure to modify it or carefully come out of the pose.
Q: Is restorative yoga also beneficial for my husband/boyfriend/partner?
A: Yes, absolutely! Everyone can benefit from the physiological effects of restorative yoga. If you are interested in learning more about restorative yoga look into Judith Lasater’s book, “Relax and Renew, Restful Yoga for Stressful Times.
Q: Do you have nutritional recommendations?
A: I have found that people’s bodies and their relationships to food are extremely individual and varied. I subscribe to the moderate road. I recommend cutting out caffeine, alcohol, and lowering sugar intake. In addition, eating in a way that’s easy on your digestion seems sensible as your body needs energy for conception and other functions. As this isn’t my expertise, recommend checking into Julia Indichova’s website, www.fertileheart.com, or finding a nutritionist who specializes in women’s health.
Pregnancy Planning~ Early Pregnancy~ Fertility
Bi-Monthly Class
Many moms will spend more time choosing the theme for their baby’s nursery than researching their care provider and pregnancy/birth options. Our early pregnancy class is designed to familiarize newly expectant parents with everything from prenatal vitamins to how to choose a care provider that’s right a perfect fit!
In this class, we will address topics such as nutrition, exercise, prenatal care, routine testing, options in care providers, building your birth team and how to handle the unsolicited but well intentioned advice of friends and family. Get to know the who’s who in midwives, obstetricians, pediatricians and doulas.
Advanced registration is required.
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