388: Fertility Yoga with Sherry Longbottom

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388: Fertility Yoga with Sherry Longbottom

Global fertility rates have dropped significantly over the past few decades. Many factors influence people’s desire and ability to conceive and bear children, such as stress, lifestyle, and societal shifts. For those wanting to have children but facing challenges, fertility yoga can help in their conception and pregnancy journey. Sherry Longbottom shares her insights about fertility yoga and its benefits.

Sherry Longbottom is an author and yoga teacher specializing in fertility, prenatal, and baby and me yoga, with over 20 years of experience. Sherry offers online private and group classes as well as occasional studio pop-ups. She creates supportive spaces for individuals at every stage of their fertility and pregnancy journeys. In her classes, Sherry brings together fertility and prenatal yoga students in unique environment that allows all students to inspire and uplift one another, while supporting each other through the challenging times.

In this episode, Sherry shares some of her recommendations for yoga teachers offering support to students on a fertility journey, including recommended poses and poses to avoid. She also offers tips and insights for yoga teachers on class design, pose modifications, and the importance of mindfulness. This conversation is a heartfelt exploration of how yoga can provide both physical and emotional support for those navigating fertility and pregnancy.

Key Takeaways:

[1:09] In this episode, Shannon and her guest will be talking about fertility and how yoga can help.

[3:34] Shannon gives a shout out to the sponsor, OfferingTree.

[3:56] Shannon introduces her guest for this episode – Sherry Longbottom.

[7:04] What is the work that Sherry does and who does she do it for?

[11:08] What are some main things that yoga teachers might need to consider when deciding to offer 1:1 support for someone in the fertility journey vs. adding certain elements to a group class that might benefit them?

“Movement is great for your body.” ~ Sherry Longbottom

[16:42] Does Sherry teach online or in person?

[17:30] Shannon and Sherry discuss the external pressure that people often face when they are trying to conceive.

[20:13] Sherry shares some tips on poses she recommends for people trying to conceive as well as some things to avoid.

[23:23] What are some of Sherry’s students’ favorite poses in her classes?

[25:51] When people have been on a fertility journey for a while, there can be a lot of fear that arises. How does Sherry support her students through that?

“Just having that supportive group of women is key.” ~ Sherry Longbottom

[30:19] How does Sherry navigate both ends of the spectrum in a group setting focused on yoga for fertility i.e. someone getting pregnant vs. someone dealing with loss?

[34:42] Shannon pops in to share a message about using OfferingTree to run your yoga business.

[36:33] Sherry shares a little about her book about fertility yoga and the courses she offers for yoga teachers wanting to teach fertility yoga.

[40:55] What are IVF and IUI?

[43:43] Sherry shares more about the kinds of people who might undergo each procedure (IVF and IUI) that she sees in her classes.

[46:16] How does Sherry facilitate community building in her yoga classes?

“There’s a lot of things that are out of our control, but at least in this class, the women do feel like they’re doing everything that they can do.” ~ Sherry Longbottom

[54:17] Connect with Sherry and learn more from her via her website or on social media.

[56:00] Shannon shares her biggest takeaways from this conversation.

[65:08] Shannon shares a podcast she recently listened to about the topic of fertility.

10 Key Takeaways:

  1. Yoga and Fertility Go Hand-in-Hand: Yoga reduces stress, improves blood flow to reproductive areas, and provides emotional support during the fertility journey.

  2. Community is Vital: Sherry’s classes emphasize the importance of creating a supportive, judgment-free space where students share their stories and encourage one another.

  3. Inclusive Class Design: Combining fertility and prenatal yoga students fosters mutual inspiration and understanding, reinforcing the strength of shared experiences.

  4. Practical Teaching Tips: Yoga teachers can focus on gentle, flowing sequences, avoid intense poses like closed twists or prolonged holds, and adapt classes for students undergoing treatments like IVF.

  5. Stress Reduction is Key: Meditation, mindfulness, and restorative practices are central to fertility yoga.

  6. Partner Participation: Encouraging partners to join in relaxation techniques and lifestyle adjustments creates a shared responsibility in the fertility journey.

  7. Safety First: Teachers should understand how to modify practices for students at different stages, ensuring comfort and well-being during yoga classes.

  8. Online Accessibility: Offering live online or on-demand classes makes fertility yoga accessible to a wider audience.

  9. Building Resilience: Addressing fears and past traumas with positive reinforcement helps students navigate their fertility journey with greater confidence.

  10. Celebrate the Journey: Witnessing students achieve their goals and sharing in their joy underscores the power of this work.

Links:

Gratitude to our Sponsor, OfferingTree

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