Trying to conceive? Find self-acceptance using the tools of yoga
About me...
Hi, my name is Karen, and I am the founder of yogatility®. My goal is to help women have a healthy relationship with their bodies and find self-acceptance as they navigate the emotional ups and downs as they try to conceive.
For over 20 years I have studied, researched and worked in the fertility sector. I’ve worked as a senior clinical embryologist; I hold a doctorate in embryology and a degree in Pharmacology. In addition, I have a postgraduate certificate in assisted reproduction techniques and won several awards and written both scientific publications and various articles during my time as both a researcher and embryologist. I have been a part of thousands of peoples’ fertility journeys and have analysed and cared for thousands of embryos.
My extensive amount of knowledge and experience in reproductive science means that I have witnessed first-hand the profound affect trying to conceive can have on people’s emotional, physical and mental wellbeing. I wanted to use my unique insights and expertise to provide support beyond the boundaries of a lab or, clinic environment.
Alongside my passion for embryology, I am also a certified yoga teacher and an embodied yoga life coach. Like so many people, I started practising yoga to help with back pain but, what I found was so much more. I've learned that yoga is more than practising the physical yoga poses and that by implementing simple yogic principles into my everyday life, I can also embody yoga off the mat. With the tools of yoga, I feel more present, balanced and better equipped to deal with life’s inevitable challenges.
By combining my knowledge and experience of the fertility sector with my holistic skills, I’m on a mission to empower women to have a healthy relationship with themselves as they try to conceive.
What does yogatility® offer?
My aim is to provide support wherever you are on your fertility journey. Yogatility® offers a bespoke experience that aims to encourage you to work with your body, instead of against it, and find self-acceptance so that you can find balance and learn to trust yourself as you navigate your fertility struggles. It is a safe place where you can embrace and process how you really feel during your own personal fertility journey.
A deep desire to have a family can have a profound affect on every aspect of your life. During such times of intense stress you may feel overwhelmed, anxious and out of control. Our hormones become imbalanced, and our mind and body can feel disconnected. This can all make the rollercoaster of trying to conceive seem even more difficult. Instead of being consumed with the process, imagine a version of yourself where you have a better relationship with your body and have tools (in the form of yoga and breath work) to help you cope with unexpected challenges.
My approach is friendly, gentle and compassionate. I ask you to come with an open mind and forget what you think yoga should look like. My unique approach is to provide practical guidance that is rooted in yogic philosophy and marry it with breath work, yoga, cutting-edge somatic yoga, embodiment practices and nervous system regulation. Practising yoga once a week, or sporadically is always going to be beneficial, however, integrating a regular yoga practice into your everyday life is where the magic truly happens. Yogatility® aims to encourage a regular yoga practice and transfer the tools and wisdom of yoga into your everyday life. This doesn't mean an hour a day of strenuous power yoga, this means ensuring you incorporate a daily 'check in' with yourself which could be as little as 5 minutes. I will support you as you develop patterns that will provide you with self-sustaining benefits in your day to day life. This experience is all about cultivating a healthy relationship with your body and ultimately taking better care during this challenging time. Whilst you may feel out of control, one of things you can control is prioritising your own physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
Yoga can:
- Improve mind-body connection.
- Help you live in the present moment.
- Cultivate feelings of empowerment and control.
- Improve emotional wellbeing.
- Increase self-regulation.
- Boost energy levels and concentration.
- Promote nervous system regulation.
- Reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
- Encourage inner calm.
- Improve sleep.
- Reduce feelings of negative emotions.
Yogatility is here to provide support as you are trying to conceive
Is trying to conceive…
- Affecting your relationships?
- Making you feel bewildered and weighed down with decision making.
- Having a negative effect on your self-confidence?
- Making you feel guilty for taking time for yourself?
- Preventing you from being able to ‘switch off’ your constant thoughts of worry?
- Making you feel isolated?
- Overwhelming you with negative thoughts and fertility burn-out?
- Holding you back from achieving your goals?
If you identify with any of the above, then I hear you and I can help!
Yogatility® can support you through the highs and lows of trying to conceive by:
- Helping you prioritise your own mental, emotional and physical health by creating a safe space where you can embrace and process your emotions.
- Promoting a healthy relationship with yourself.
- Transforming your life with authentic self-care.
- Helping to calm your worried mind through simple breathing techniques that can be used anywhere.
- Encouraging you to find your inner strength and self confidence to become your own best advocate.
- Steering you into a more positive mindset by providing compassionate and practical support within the scope of yoga and explorative mindful practices
- Supporting you to prioritise yourself as you try to conceive.
I will make you feel seen, supported, safe and at ease. Talk from your heart and discuss how your own personal fertility journey is affecting your moods, relationships and wellbeing. Together we will explore what movement and breathing techniques you could use to help restore balance to your mind and body. I provide valuable assistance in managing emotions and developing healthy coping strategies.