Fertility Flow Yoga

It all started when…

my OBGYN said that I would never get pregnant naturally. I was 26 years old and had abnormal Pap smears and a painful cycle. Between vitamin therapy, yoga and meditation 4 years later, cycles corrected and got pregnant naturally on the first try. Read more about our story …in the members portal.

What to expect …

1. Gentle Asanas for Balance: Explore a series of gentle and restorative yoga poses that are specifically curated to enhance blood flow to the reproductive organs, balance hormones, and reduce stress. These postures are accessible to all levels, providing a safe and comfortable space for participants.

2. Mindful Breathing Practices: Learn and practice pranayama techniques that promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Deep, intentional breathing can help regulate the nervous system, improving overall mental and emotional well-being, which is crucial for fertility.

3. Guided Meditation for Visualization: Immerse yourself in guided meditations that encourage positive visualization and affirmations related to fertility. Visualization can be a powerful tool in fostering a positive mindset and enhancing the mind-body connection.

4. Yoga Nidra for Deep Relaxation: Experience the profound relaxation of Yoga Nidra, a guided meditation that induces a state of conscious relaxation. This practice helps alleviate stress, promoting a sense of calmness and balance essential for fertility.

5. Community Support: Connect with others who are on a similar journey, sharing experiences and building a supportive community. The class environment is designed to be inclusive, compassionate, and understanding.

6. Educational Insights: Receive information on lifestyle factors that may impact fertility, including nutrition and stress management. Empower yourself with knowledge that complements your yoga practice and enhances your overall well-being.

Whether you are just beginning your journey to parenthood or seeking additional support along the way, Fertile Flow Yoga aims to create a space where you can cultivate a positive and nurturing environment for your fertility and overall health. Join us on the mat as we embrace the potential of each breath and movement towards creating a fertile foundation for the future.

Winter 2024

January 22 - March 4, 2024 (every 8 weeks - with a week off in between and recorded classes available on holiday Mondays - that do not counts as one of your 8 weeks)

Cost: 180.00 plus hst for each 8 weeks session.

Location: live online - when you register you will receive a zoom link each week.

Sessions will be recorded and shared with you the following week. There are a few recorded classes in an on-demand library as well.

While there is a growing interest in exploring the potential benefits of yoga for fertility, it's essential to note that the scientific evidence in this area is still emerging, and more research is needed to establish conclusive connections. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, there were some studies that suggested a positive impact we update our resources frequently. Here's a general overview based on existing literature:

1. Stress Reduction:

   • Reference: D. Oraka, et al., "Association between yoga practice and infertility-related stress." Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 2019.

   • Summary: The study explores the relationship between yoga practice and reduced infertility-related stress. It suggests that yoga may contribute to stress reduction, which is crucial for individuals and couples dealing with fertility challenges.

2. Hormonal Regulation:

   • Reference: R. Nidhi, et al., "Effect of a yoga practice session and a yoga theory session on state anxiety." Perceptual and Motor Skills, 2009.

   • Summary: This study investigates the impact of yoga on state anxiety. While not specifically focused on fertility, it highlights the potential of yoga to influence stress levels and, by extension, hormonal regulation.

3. Mind-Body Connection:

   • Reference: D. Shapiro, et al., "Yoga as a complementary therapy for women with breast cancer: A randomized controlled trial." Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2007.

   • Summary: Though not fertility-specific, this study explores the benefits of yoga in the context of breast cancer. It provides insights into the mind-body connection and the potential for yoga to improve psychological well-being.

4. Improved Blood Flow:

   • Reference: S. Khalsa, et al., "Yoga effects on brain health: a systematic review of the current literature." Brain Plasticity, 2015.

   • Summary: While not directly addressing fertility, this systematic review discusses the effects of yoga on brain health and circulation. Improved blood flow may have potential benefits for reproductive organs.

It's important to consult with healthcare professionals and our fertility specialists for personalized advice. Additionally, keep in mind that individual responses to yoga can vary, and the overall impact on fertility is a complex interplay of various factors.

To stay updated on the latest research, subscribe to our newsletter for fertility that comes out 2-3x a year.

There is also a body of research that explores the relationship between stress and fertility. Here are a few academic references:

1. Reference: Lynch, C. D., Sundaram, R., Maisog, J. M., Sweeney, A. M., & Buck Louis, G. M. (2014). "Preconception stress increases the risk of infertility: results from a couple-based prospective cohort study—the LIFE study." Human Reproduction, 29(5), 1067–1075.

   • Summary: This study investigates the impact of preconception stress on infertility risk, emphasizing the importance of considering stress as a potential factor in reproductive health.

2. Reference: Nepomnaschy, P. A., Sheiner, E., Mastorakos, G., & Arck, P. C. (2009). "Stress, immune function, and women's reproduction." Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1153(1), 365-376.

   • Summary: This review explores the complex interplay between stress, immune function, and women's reproduction, shedding light on the potential mechanisms through which stress may affect fertility.

3. Reference: Louis, G. M., Lum, K. J., Sundaram, R., Chen, Z., Kim, S., Lynch, C. D., & Schisterman, E. F. (2011). "Stress reduces conception probabilities across the fertile window: evidence in support of relaxation." Fertility and Sterility, 95(7), 2184–2189.

   • Summary: The study examines the impact of stress on conception probabilities across the fertile window, providing evidence for the role of relaxation in fertility.

4. Reference: Thoma, M. E., McLain, A. C., Louis, J. F., King, R. B., Trumble, A. C., Sundaram, R., ... & Buck Louis, G. M. (2013). "Prevalence of infertility in the United States as estimated by the current duration approach and a traditional constructed approach." Fertility and Sterility, 99(5), 1324–1331.

   • Summary: While not directly focused on stress, this study provides an overview of the prevalence of infertility, highlighting the importance of understanding contributing factors, including stress.

5. Reference: Gollenberg, A. L., Liu, F., Brazil, C., Drobnis, E. Z., Guzick, D., Overstreet, J. W., & Redmon, J. B. (2010). "Seminal fluid quality in relation to urinary tract infections and male accessory gland infection." Journal of Andrology, 31(5), 474–479.

   • Summary: This study explores the association between male accessory gland infection and semen quality, contributing to the broader understanding of factors influencing fertility.

These references provide a glimpse into the scientific exploration of stress and its potential impact on fertility. Keep in mind that the relationship between stress and fertility is complex, and individual responses may vary. Consult with our healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance.

More testimonials

Sarah's Story: Finding Serenity Amidst Challenges After struggling with infertility for several years, I decided to incorporate yoga into my routine. The Fertile Flow Yoga class became a sanctuary for me. The gentle poses, calming breathwork, and supportive community created a space where I felt centered and more in tune with my body. While my journey to parenthood had its challenges, the serenity I found through yoga undoubtedly played a role in my overall well-being.

Lisa's Reflection: Embracing Mind-Body Harmony As a single woman navigating fertility treatments, Fertile Flow Yoga became my refuge. The class not only offered physical benefits through gentle poses but also emphasized the mind-body connection. The guided meditations and visualization exercises provided a sense of empowerment and helped me face the challenges with a newfound resilience. Yoga became an integral part of my self-care routine during this transformative journey.

Chris's Experience: Beyond Physical Exercise Initially skeptical about the impact of yoga on fertility, I joined the class at the encouragement of my healthcare provider. Surprisingly, the holistic approach of Fertile Flow Yoga went beyond physical exercise. The emphasis on stress reduction and relaxation had a profound effect on my mental well-being. It was a crucial element in creating a positive environment for fertility, and I'm grateful for the unexpected benefits it brought to my life.

Justin and Kaitlyn’s Story: We both did yoga teacher training with Denise over two years and we started trying to conceive and it was taking a long time. Eventually we started fertility treatments and that was interrupted by the pandemic. We did the fertility yoga with Denise and helped to make some of the videos and much to our surprise we ended up getting pregnant naturally.

Some of the names have been changed and testimonials amalgamated to represent some of the changes that are possible when we use yoga and meditation as an intervention and practice to create the best conditions for pregnancy naturally and/or through assisted technology, even when considering adoption.