In this episode, Dr. Shahine explores the benefits and research supporting Yoga for Fertility with master instructor and author of the first book on the subject, Lynn Jensen. 

People on fertility journeys often say they feel like their bodies don’t belong to them anymore. Between the tests and the treatments and the theories, it’s easy to see how people can feel disconnected physically and emotionally.

Lynn Jensen’s Yoga for Fertility classes helps heal bodies AND minds. Lynn has a specialization in yoga for the fertility journey, so her students can trust that they’re maximizing their physical and emotional wellness.

Lynn is a Registered Yoga Teacher through the Yoga Alliance and a Certified Yoga Therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapists since 2013. 

Not only does Lynn have highly specialized training, she’s been through the journey herself. Her classes often turn into impromptu counseling sessions, and her students make lifelong bonds with her and each other.

In this podcast, Lynn and Dr Shahine talk about the many ways yoga heals and strengthens the body for fertility and the mind for the challenges of the journey. 

Find Lynn and sign up for classes at her website, https://yogaforfertility.net/.

In this episode you’ll hear:

[00:00] Intro to Episode 45 

[03:23] Lynn’s Fertility Story and Origins of Yoga for Fertility

[08:46] What Makes Yoga for Fertility Different from Other Practices?

   [10:30 Chakra system and relation to hormones

   [11:21] Dr. Shahine describes a class she took with Lynn

   [12:28] Yoga poses changing through the menstrual cycle 

   [13:41] Lynn’s favorite pose during the two week wait

[14:48] The research that supports the benefits of Yoga for Fertility

[21:03] Lynn’s advice on exercise during fertility treatment like IVF

[25:37] Lynn describes a typical class

[28:39] Lynn guides Dr. Shahine through a breathing exercise

Questions from Instagram @drlorashahine:

[33:10] Sandy: Is it ok to do yoga during an IVF cycle?

[33:28] Katrina: Who are your classes for? Egg freezing? Couples?

[35:18] Anne: Can yoga help patients with miscarriage?

[37:19] How to find a certified yoga for fertility instructor?

[38:29] Tribute to Lynn from a former student

[39:11] How to find Lynn and Yoga for Fertility: https://yogaforfertility.net/instructor/

Resources mentioned in the show: 

Domar A, et al. Impact of group psychological interventions on pregnancy rates in infertile women Fertil Steril 2000 Apr;73(4):805-11. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(99)00493-8.

Dumbala et al 2020. Effect of Yoga on Psychological Distress among Women Receiving Treatment for Infertility. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32669765/

Thakur 2021. Effect of yoga on polycystic ovarian syndrome: A systematic review.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=yoga+and+fertility&filter=simsearch1.fha

Yoga Can Improve Assisted Reproduction Technology Outcomes in Couples With Infertility. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29112941/

Return to Zero: HOPE Kiley Hannish. Support for miscarriage, recurrent pregnancy loss, stillbirth: https://rtzhope.org/

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