FMI - For Mama's Information

Yoga for Fertility with Megan Tomlinson

A review of MokSana's unique yoga class

I was intrigued when I saw Yoga for Fertility on the schedule at Victoria's MokSana Yoga Center in Chinatown. I contacted the teacher, Megan Tomlinson, to ask her some questions and see if I could try out her class to see what it is about. She was happy to answer questions, and one July day, towards the end of the 6-week course, I joined the group of women who were gathered together for support and help on their journey toward motherhood.

I was surprised that the class was not entirely physical. I was expecting to find a "medically studied and confirmed" approach to using specific postures for hormones and pelvic preparations. Megan shared after class that she starts the course more physically and moves into the psychological aspects as each week passes, focusing on themes that include awareness, acceptance, self-study, and other aspects of the Yogic philosophy that are are easy to incorporate into our daily lives.

During the class, Megan shared some of her difficulties that she experienced before and during her two children's births, which let the women in the class know that she has been in their positions and that she understands what they are going through. This is a potentially emotional time for women, so I'm sure the boxes of tissues in the room have been used on more than one occasion.

As I went through the class, I was surprised at myself for forgetting about the psychological difficulties of preparing to conceive when you have had trouble. We went through some difficulties when we were try to become pregnant, so I could empathize with the others. I appreciated the time and sensitivity Megan showed to make women feel comfortable and open to the experiences they were going through or about to begin.

I asked Megan some further questions to find out more about an area she feels passionately about and wants to provide help for other women.

Who is your class for? Mostly women? Do men attend? Do you have to be considered "infertile" to benefit?
This class is designed for women only who are preparing themselves for a fertility journey through natural means or for women who would like a holistic complement to various medical fertility treatments. Women certainly don't need a western diagnosis of "infertility" to attend.

How does the approach of yoga help people who are trying to conceive?
According to psychologist Alice Domar, the director for the Mind-Body Center for Women at Boston IVF, the stress and psychological symptoms associated with infertility are similar to those associated with the diagnosis of other serious medical conditions, creating levels of anxiety and depression equivalent to cancer, HIV status or heart disease. The approach of yoga both on the mat and off can help people on the fertility journey by reducing stress, freeing the physical body and ultimately providing a path in which we can connect to our higher Self. In doing so we can increase the chances of conceiving but most importantly, provide an opportunity for finding peace in the journey.
 
How does your class differ from a regular yoga class?
There are many common elements to that of a regular yoga class, but yoga for fertility is designed to focus on releasing stress and improving circulation of blood and energy in the hips, pelvis and reproductive organs through various asanas (postures). There is guided meditation specifically geared to help cultivate a positive relationship with the body and the reproductive organs. This class also has a strong focus on connecting with Self so that a woman can find confidence in herself when faced with the many decisions that may come up during this journey.
 
What level of class do you teach?
Yoga for fertility is a gentle, all-levels class. The first half of the class is generally a gentle moving flow style practice while the second half of the class is more of a yin style where poses are held with the support of various props.
 
Is yoga for fertility able to address specific requirements of people who have been to doctors and know what is happening, or not happening, in their bodies?
Some of the women who come to the class are on the second and third rounds of IVF treatments while others might still be discovering where and why they are having difficulties conceiving.

Anything else you would like to tell people about your class, yoga in general, or about improving your chances to conceive outside the yoga studio?
Approximately one in six couples will face issues relating to fertility. However, the awareness in the general public is still quite limited. This class has offered a number of women a great deal of support in terms of community. There are some women who are just beginning their journey and have been able to hear the experiences of women who have been on this path for some time. The community aspect of the class has been so beneficial for everyone involved. I feel blessed to be a part of a wellness program for those on the fertility path called LIFEstreams. This is a collaborative approach in making available the best possible expertise in the areas of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Emotional and Psychological Support, Nutrition and Yoga. More information can be found at www.lifestreams.ca.

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