1Simply put, yoga props can support your fertility and make accessing yoga poses (asanas) possible! I’ve been practicing yoga for over 20 years now and even in the cases where I don’t need props since I have the flexibility needed in a pose, most often I still opt to use a prop!
How Yoga props can support your fertility
Props are there as support for your fertility and who doesn’t need or want more support? When I use props I’m able to get into a pose with more depth because I feel more at ease and can connect to my breath.
I also feel more stable so I can integrate more subtle alignment instructions offered by the instructor. Lastly, a lot of the time, since I don’t have a dance or gymnastics background, I need the prop so I can get into the pose in the first place!
Specifically with regards to yoga for fertility, yoga props are needed to go into deep restorative poses like supta baddha konasana (pictured below) which promote hormone balance, mood stabilization and have a calming effect on your nervous system. The possibilities of a supported yoga practice are endless. If you are going to commit time and energy to a yoga practice, I want you to set yourself up for success and to get the most out of it! That means an investment into a few yoga props that you will be able to use for a lifetime (and that you’ll be really happy you have to support you during pregnancy as well).
Here are my recommendations for affordable and great quality yoga props to get you set up for your home yoga practice:
YOGA MAT
But not just any yoga mat. A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives in August of 2017 showed that there are chemicals called organophosphate flame retardants (PFRs) that are found in most yoga mats. The study found that these chemicals are endocrine disruptors and can impair embryo development, helping your fertility. Yikes!
To avoid exposure to these chemicals, I recommend a Jade Harmony mat which is made from 100% natural rubber. Plus the company plants a tree with every yoga mat purchase! You can get a mat here: https://amzn.to/3iIqx1a
BOLSTER
I actually recommend that you get 2 of these if you can swing it! I have had my bolsters for about 15 years and they are still going! So worth it! And so many of my prenatal clients over the years have purchased these because of how good it feels to use them when you are pregnant. You can get your bolsters here: https://amzn.to/2k6V64H
YOGA BELT
The only thing I would definitely recommend here is to make sure your belt has metal D-rings on the end and that it is 8 foot in length. Here is the one I recommend: https://amzn.to/2GuMX31
YOGA BLANKETS
Not all blankets are created equal when it comes to using one as a yoga prop. The yoga blankets best for use as a yoga prop are tightly woven and heavy blankets that don’t have any give. I recommend purchasing 4 of these. Here are the blankets I recommend: https://amzn.to/2GulVIN
YOGA BLOCKS
I recommend the foam blocks. You need 2 blocks and here is a great deal for a pack of 2 blocks: https://amzn.to/2IyoZd6
Related articles: Incorporating Yoga Into Your IVF Cycle to Increase Chances of Success, 2 Ways to Instantly Calm Anxiety Due to Infertility, This Strategy Will Help Save Your Marriage During Fertility Treatments
In the IGNITE Your Fertility Membership I teach the five core practices of Fertile Hope Yoga: yoga, meditation, mindset strengthening work, gratitude, and community. I have seen time and time again how these practices support women trying to conceive (whether they’re trying naturally, in an active treatment cycle, or on a break).
You can email me with questions here.
