Energetics of Fertility Q & A

Below are some questions and my response that were asked during a webinar I did with Dr. Jill Blakeway, Founder of the Yinova Center on 2/27/2023.

1.    Do you have advice on balancing your mindset and setting realistic expectations for fertility?

I would encourage this person to start investigating and getting curious about what makes them feel good, what do they enjoy, whether that be people, activities or environments and start incorporating more of that. Balance is always ebbing, flowing,  shifting, and changing and even more importantly, so is our relationship to it. To think that balance is stagnant or fixed is a misnomer.

I am reminded of how when some people when start meditating, think they will enjoy it once their thoughts stop. But in reality, the thoughts are always there. What changes is our relationship to it. Opening to this perspective allows for less rigidity and more flexibility, which I think helps to embody a spirit of balance from within.

2.    How can yoga assist with blood circulation, IVF, and implantation?

Yoga brings blood, oxygen and nutrients to the reproductive organs. This is literally what makes cells grow! I recommend that while you are trying to conceive, you incorporate more restorative postures that focus on hip opening to help clear stagnant energy and bring blood and nutrients to the reproductive organs.

Restorative yoga uses very simple postures and supports them with props, which are then held for an extended period of time (3-10 minutes) while incorporating specific breathwork. This illicits a parasympathetic nervous system response, which not only helps to reduce stress levels and cortisol within your body, but also helps to slow down the brain waves and help you find a sense of presence, peace and ease from within.

 Last but not least, yoga feels good! It’s a win-win situation.

To reiterate what Dr. Blkeway said, stressed people do get pregnant! The ttc journey can be stressful and can at times make you feel as though you’re being blasted open. Mind/body techniques such as Fertility Yoga and acupuncture offer you ways to maintain a sense of steadiness and ease from within, enabling you can go through fertility treatments and remain whole and connected, no matter which path your journey may take you.

3.    People always say “relax” because stress is bad when Trying To Conceive: how can one find peace and not feel “resentful,” especially when seeing people getting pregnant while they're still on the TTC journey?

This question makes me think of the Olivia Rodrigo song, Jealousy. There is a line that says, “their win is not my loss.” Every time I hear that I think of my clients and those ttc. While we want to maintain this perspective, we also want to acknowledge that seeing our friends with what we want is tough!

My three pronged approach to managing our energy is as follows:

1.     Name it to tame it: Naming feelings and identifying where the sensations are playing out in your body helps to dissipate the charged emotion.

2.    Feel it to heal it: No bypassing here! In order for feelings to be released they must be experienced and move THROUGH your body so they can be processed and released. This means crying, punching your pillow journaling or making art---whatever you need to do (that does not inflict harm on your or someone else).

3.     Movement is medicine: Our bodies are literally made of energy. Energy gets stuck and stagnant, particularly if you sit a lot or stagnant. That stagnant energy leads to density and negative feelings within our mind. Moving your body helps to create space within your body and clarity within your mind.

This is also a great segue way for the energetics of what you’re experiencing. The 2nd chakra is all about birth and rebirth, growth, creativity, renewal and sexuality, and not just in the literal sense. So while yes, we can think about birth as it pertains to a live human being, but what else in your life are you growing and creating and gestating? What do you want to present and put out into the world? What are you inspired by and what do you want to share?

4.    For people just starting a fertility journey or who are planning to try later in a year or so: what are the most important first steps to take?

1) I think it’s important to carve out your support systems throughout this time with people who are having similar experiences. The fertility journey is SO unique and difficult to understand for those who are not walking in those shoes. So while there are techniques we can utilize to help harness our energy throughout this process, it’s also important to protect your energy. Consider carving out supportive and healing environments with others who deeply see and understand your journey. (If you are looking for support, check out my group and private mentorship groups that bring together all of these components into one place).

2) In addition to the social component, getting on track with your nutrition is also key. The eggs that will be harvested are developing 3 months prior to retrieval. To think that you’ll clean up your diet once you get started with treatment or the month you plan to get pregnant is a misnomer. I would highly suggest staying away from fad diets such as keto or cleanses and instead opt for balanced nutrition that nourishes you from the inside out.  

3) Last but not least, find activities that you enjoy and that can serve as an outlet while on that journey so you have something to turn to that anchors you throughout the process.

8. How can I support my fertility through at-home practices?

Whatever your chosen modality is, do it! If you have practices or processes that you enjoy, set forth with great abandon! Consistency is key. Yoga is an accrual system and many of the virtues that yoga is known for, such as patience, kindness, forgiveness, friendliness and a sense of humor are virtues that we learn on the mat over time. While yes, the physical postures offer benefits such as strength, flexibility, and help to clear stagnant energy, they are truly a vehicle for us to deepen our awareness and relationship to ourselves and one another. They are an invitation for us to come back home to ourselves and to know that home is a safe place to be. You are complete perfection as you are.