Jill Mahrlig Petigara E-RYT MA

This book has a lot to offer women interested in boosting their fertility, health and fitness level. I also believe this book would be helpful to any woman; it's not just for women looking to get pregnant because these exercises and descriptions detail how yoga poses can benefit general feminine health (ex: poses for pelvic floor, balance, circulation, etc.). There is a lot of repetition in the pictured poses (beginner and intermediate levels) but the pictures are clear and the descriptions are easy to understand and follow. What I found most interesting is that this book specifically outlines what each pose is actually good for in terms of your cycle and general health. It's actually called "Why Do This?" For me it's really refreshing to have a detailed healthful reasoning for embracing yoga, meditation and stress reduction for general and feminine health.… (lisätietoja)

Unfortunately, I was already pregnant by the time this book arrived! I did have a healthy yoga practice prior to conception, and after reading Yoga and Fertility, I know I will continue my practice for future reproductive health. The book is divided into two sections: routines for the first half of your cycle and routines for the second half of your cycle. The poses are meant to stimulate the ovaries leading up to ovulation, then provide more blood flow and circulation to the pelvic region. The authors provide information on meditation and mantras, as well as success stories.… (lisätietoja)

This book would be a good resource both for any women struggling with infertility, or those who are just starting their efforts to conceive a child. The two authors, having experienced infertility themselves, are compassionate and forthright about what yoga can and cannot do, which is sadly rare in books of this type.

The main message of the book is that yoga will help you bring your body to a state that will help with fertility issues, but, more importantly, will give you a way to negotiate the difficult emotional ground of dealing with infertility. To this end, they include several stories of women who used yoga while trying to conceive, and these run the range of people who successfully got pregnant without medical help, those who used IVF or donor eggs, and several who turned to adoption as a way to have a child. All are presented sympathetically, without judgment.

The sections dealing with the yoga itself are clear and informative. Each pose is explained carefully - the illustrations are minimal and unfussy, but the descriptions are clear - and the reason for doing it is explained as well. There's a section for the first half of your menstrual cycle, one for the second half, and additional sections for dealing with specific circumstances, such as PCOS or undergoing IVF or other procedures. The book also talks about complementary treatments (such as acupuncture), meditation, and nutrition, and is just as straightforward and unpreachy here as in the rest of the book.

If you're looking for miracle cures or quick fixes, this is not the book for you. But if you're looking for guidance in how to make the journey towards motherhood less stressful, I encourage you to take a look.… (lisätietoja)