Yoga and Self Compassion for Fertility by Lauren White (Yoga Teacher)

Compassion is derived from the word ‘com’ (with) and ‘passion’ (suffering) and roughly translates as how we sit with our suffering.

When having difficulty with fertility, all kinds of suffering comes up. Blame, beliefs of inadequacy, attitudes of ‘why me?’, feelings of isolation and so much more. 

Traditional comments such as ‘just think positive’ or ‘don’t be so negative’ is not practical and can just add to the already guilty feelings associated with infertility. 

Instead, we can work on the practice of self compassion; treating yourself as if you would a beautiful friend. Because you are and you deserve that. 

More specifically self compassion is made up of kindness, mindfulness and humanity and these can be practiced and reinforced through a well planned yoga practice. 

Yoga is not just movement, not just bending yourself into pretzels or chanting Oms. It’s mindful movement that using a range of techniques such as pranayama (breathwork), mindfulness and relaxation to encourage you to learn more about your body and the ‘sufferings’ in your mind.

Other exercises such as hardcore gym sessions, Pilates, long distance running, etc can be great for mental health and improving physical fitness.

When trying to fall pregnant, however, some of these styles take well-needed blood away from your organs that need it, like your womb. They can stimulate a stress response by telling your body that you’re running from a threat and they can serve as a distraction from your suffering.

It’s hard to sit with yourself when all your energy is spent on reaching a goal or pushing yourself so hard to lose weight or build bulk.

Yoga doesn’t remove suffering; it allows you to find the space to sit in it, be aware of its effect on you and provides some guidance on how to be kinder, more gentle to yourself, in the knowledge that you’re not the only one sitting in this exact same place right now. Baby or not, what a lovely gift to give yourself. 

Written By Lauren White

Yoga Teacher, Masters Qualified Secondary School Teacher and Yoga Therapist in Training. She also happens to be my twin sister! 

She owns a Yoga Studio in Clermont QLD (an hour West of Emerald). Here is her website – Maitri Yoga Collective. 

*Maitri is sancript for benevolence, loving-kindness, friendliness, amity, good will, and active interest in others x