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Practicing meditation when on a fertility journey can be hugely beneficial in helping to reduce stress, manage uncertainty, and nurture your body and mind as you prepare for parenthood. Practices like the Body Scan meditation, self-compassion practices, and visualization techniques like Loving Kindness mean you're not only caring for your mental health but also creating a positive environment for pregnancy to occur.
Now, let’s explore the (many) benefits of meditation for your fertility journey as well as expert tips for incorporating mindfulness into your day-to-day life.
The power of mindfulness in fertility
At its core, mindfulness is about being present in the moment and acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgment — even the negative or uncomfortable ones. When applied to fertility, this practice can help lessen the stress and uncertainty that can accompany trying to conceive.
Shula Melamed, MA, MPH, Relationship and Well-Being Coach at Headspace, explains, "Stress, especially chronic stress, can cause many health issues, such as muscle tension, digestive problems, headaches, weight gain or loss, trouble sleeping, heart disease, susceptibility to cancer, high blood pressure, and stroke."
Acknowledging that you are feeling stress or other negative emotions throughout the family planning process is the first step in creating the conditions to figure out how to reduce them.
Practicing mindfulness as a couple
It takes two to tango, and while practicing meditation can certainly be a personal experience, incorporating it into your relationship can strengthen your bond during this journey.
Melamed offers advice on how couples can practice mindfulness together: "Create agreements as a couple to practice mindfulness as part of your self-care and couple-care routine. Check in with each other to make sure that you are doing all you can to support yourself through the process. Discuss what practices you would like to do together and what feels better to do on your own."
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She also emphasizes the importance of seeking additional support when needed: "If the journey has had an impact on your relationship to the point you feel you need outside support, don't hesitate to seek couples counseling."
Having the space as a couple to process the experience can help you stay on top of any issues or negative feelings that may arise.
The role of visualization meditations when trying to conceive
Practicing visualization techniques is another helpful component when on a fertility journey. It involves creating mental images that represent your goals and desires, helping to foster a positive mindset on the road to parenthood.
Headspace meditation and mindfulness teacher Rosie Acosta shares, "Visualization is such a beautiful and powerful tool when trying to conceive. It allows us to deeply connect with our dreams and create a positive, nurturing mental space for conception. When we visualize, we're not just dreaming — we're actively engaging our minds in imagining successful outcomes. This practice can help reduce stress and foster a sense of hope and empowerment."
To incorporate visualization into your daily practice, she recommends finding a quiet, comfortable space where you won't be interrupted. If it's comfortable, you can close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Then, start to imagine your body as a welcoming, nurturing environment.
"It's helpful to begin to sense the feeling of joy and love that comes with building a family. You can also envision the entire process, from conception to pregnancy to birth, unfolding smoothly and naturally, but this can be challenging if you are encountering obstacles. So the best way to do this is to ask yourself, 'How do I want to feel?' and try to attach a visual cue to that," she adds.
Integrating physical activity with meditation
While meditation is often associated with stillness, incorporating physical activity can enhance your practice and overall well-being. Melamed emphasizes the importance of caring for your body during your fertility journey: "Nourishing, hydrating, and moving your body is an act of self-compassion. Consider honoring what your body has been through and what it is preparing for next."
She also suggests combining stillness-based practices with movement. Breathwork, meditation, and other practices that are done while remaining still can be wonderfully complemented with movement. Reconnecting with your body and seeing it as a vehicle of strength and joy can help you feel grounded in the present moment.
Embracing the journey with compassion
As you practice meditation, be gentle with yourself. Acknowledge your feelings, both positive and negative, and allow yourself to experience them without judgment. This journey is uniquely yours, and by embracing mindfulness, you're equipping yourself with powerful tools to navigate it with strength and grace.
Remember, it's not just about the destination but also about the growth and self-discovery along the way. Meditation offers a compassionate approach to this sometimes challenging process, allowing you to nurture yourself and your relationship while working towards your goal of conception.
Learn more about the 'Support Your Fertility Journey' collection by Headspace here.
Kristyn Hodgdon is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer at Rescripted.