Fertility

Madison Jensen is an alum and community member here at the Center for Sacred Window Studies.  She has lovingly created a yoga and wellness series for Preconception and Pregnancy to be shared on the Sacred Window Blog - thank you Maddy!

Enjoy these practices and learn more about Maddy at the end of the article.

Many women who experience pregnancy go through some version of a “trying to conceive” period. This stage varies significantly from person to person. Some couples get pregnant very quickly and right on track with their plans. Some try for many months before getting a positive test. Some try for many years and undergo various hormonal treatments. For some, of course, pregnancy comes quickly and unexpectedly. For the sake of this article, I will be speaking mostly to and about those who are actively trying to conceive. 

When I was trying to conceive with my daughter, I was sure the timing would work out exactly the way I was anticipating. Everyone in my life seemed to get pregnant right on track with their plans, so I assumed I would be no different. I was diligent in tracking my cycles and was sure that my knowledge of my body would lead to success on the first try. Month after month I anxiously waited, analyzing every symptom, until I could finally take a test. When it was negative, my heart would sink and I would feel a massive sense of failure and loss of control.  

I know that this is a common experience for many women, even those who do get pregnant after only 1 or 2 cycles of trying. The “two week wait” is an agonizing time of intense focus on your body. We often seek to give meaning and purpose to any symptom we’re feeling, trying to see if it sheds any light on what’s going on inside. For me and many, our body ceases to become something that we are connected and present with, and instead it becomes something that we are uncertain and wary of. We hope for it to act the way that we want, and if it doesn’t, we feel like we can’t trust ourselves. 

Let’s explore 3 grounding and energizing poses perfect for the time of preconception that will help bring balance and connection to your body. 

1. Legs up the wall

   This pose grounds the body and calms the central nervous system. It creates a healthy and robust blood flow to the abdominal muscles and reproductive organs. 

2. Cobra

   This pose lengthens and stretches through the belly, creating a positive flow of energy through the belly and heart space. It can stimulate the digestive and reproductive organs.

3. Bridge

   This pose strengthens the back and abdominal muscles and energizes the body. It also gives all the benefits of inversion postures, but in a restorative space. 

She has pursued yoga in a holistic and inclusive space and has lead groups and individuals in studios, hospitals, and many homes always with an emphasis on listening to your body, personal adaptation, and practicing yoga regardless of body or experience level. She is passionate about women’s wellness and uses yoga to support mother and baby through pregnancy and beyond as a Certified Prenatal Yoga Therapist. She is an ICEA trained birth doula and has trained with Sacred Window Studies, an Ayurvedic postpartum caregiving center.

As a practitioner of holistic wellness, Maddy has long since used nutrition and wholesome foods to nourish her family and community. She has a passion for seasonal ingredients and the role they play in promoting vitality and healing in our bodies. She loves bringing her gift of cooking delicious meals to nourish you and your family.