Can Yoga Support Fertility? Exploring Calm, Connection, and Care – Interview with Alessandra Taylor

Fertility yoga teacher and reproductive wellbeing practitioner Alessandra Taylor supports individuals and couples navigating the emotional and physical challenges that can come with trying to conceive. Drawing from her experiences with motherhood and personal challenges, she explores how yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness can complement clinical fertility care while helping people reconnect with their bodies during uncertain times.

In this exclusive interview, Alessandra shares how her journey into fertility yoga began, how practices can be adapted throughout fertility treatment, and the importance of self-compassion, communication, and emotional wellbeing along the path to parenthood.

Alessandra Taylor, Yoga & Wellbeing Instructor

What first led you from general yoga teaching into fertility and reproductive wellbeing?

After having my children, I learnt that not everyone has the smooth-running fertility path that they should have. When a couple of my clients came to speak to me about whether yoga could help, it got me thinking, and I became curious to learn more about blood flow and how yoga can support lower cortisol levels. I realised yoga had so many benefits for supporting Fertility, so I delved deeper into finding out more. A lot of my clients were in stressful jobs that felt overwhelming. They also felt they couldn’t share if they were having Fertility treatment, therefore adding to their stress levels, which didn’t put their bodies and minds in the best place for conception to take place. I was pleased to explore further, as it has helped so many individuals and couples.

How do you adapt a fertility yoga session for someone trying naturally compared with someone going through IVF?

First, it is important to take a history from each person and understand whether there are any other symptoms that could affect their yoga practice. For someone trying to conceive naturally, the approach is similar to that of those who are undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). Gentle hip-opening poses are good to get blood flow to the pelvic region, as well as a focus on the abdominal area to encourage a sense of connection. During IVF, the poses are adjusted according to each stage of the IVF cycle, from egg stimulation/collection to post-egg transfer, to factor in lethargy and tenderness in some parts of the body. Everyone has a different experience, so adapting the yoga practice is required here.

Why do you encourage partners to be part of the fertility journey rather than focusing only on the person undergoing treatment?

I believe conception is a shared journey, and it’s not just about the person who carries the child or who gives birth. When you feel an emotional connection with your partner, it ignites a spark and makes you feel that you are both in it together. It also helps the partner who is not carrying the child feel part of the experience. It is important to support each other every step of the way, which is why I encourage partners to be involved too. Now, I am a realist, and not all partners are willing to participate. I get that, and I am not here to make someone do something they don’t want to do; that defeats the objective. Like anything, the partners need to want to be involved, not just for their partners but for themselves. Some give it a go and realise it’s not for them, and others enjoy it and feel invested. I have found myself having to talk to couples where it is not working together and suggest focusing on the one having the treatment so they get the most out of the practice.

Where do you think yoga and other wellbeing practices can genuinely support someone alongside clinical fertility care?

Yoga, as well as other wellbeing practices such as meditation or breathing techniques, can help find inner peace and calm. When you want something so much, you can become fixated on it, which means it consumes your mind. You become anxious waiting for your period to come, and when it doesn’t, you become disappointed; the same happens when embryo transfer doesn’t work or when your body doesn’t collect enough eggs. This does not provide good balance for the body and mind. Gentle yoga practice and breathing can help the body and mind calm down a little. It doesn’t need to be a lengthy practice, even just 10 minutes per day to set your intention and provide clarity. Positive affirmations are also good, as well as being kind to yourself during this time. It helps prepare you to be in the most optimal state to receive.

How has motherhood changed your understanding of pelvic floor health and the way women may need to adapt their yoga practice over time?

I became a mother at the ages of 36 and 40. I have always been healthy and active, aware of my body and what it needed. So, when I did pregnancy yoga and Pilates, the instructors spoke a lot about the pelvic floor, how to engage it properly to support lower back pain in pregnancy and the importance of doing your pelvic floor exercises during and after pregnancy every day. I soon realised the relevance of this after giving birth naturally and noticed that I needed to work harder on my pelvic floor to avoid any issues later on in life. Thankfully I did, and I have a strong pelvic floor. I also recommend going to see a women’s health physio post-childbirth to test how strong your pelvic floor is. I managed to regain mine thanks to the exercise and knowledge I was given.

What practices are most useful when fertility treatment starts to feel physically or emotionally overwhelming?

It is important not to get yourself more overwhelmed than you already are. I think listening to a Fertility meditation helps calm the nervous system. I created one, based on the sacral chakra, which is focused around the abdomen area and helps restore calm and connection. Focusing on breathing techniques supports your inner peace; I am a big fan of the humming breath, which has supported me through difficult periods and reduces anxiety. I also like the cat and cow stretch to move the spine like a wave to reduce tension, and it doesn’t require you to think too much about holding a pose or breathing as you move. Sometimes you just need to flow and do what your body needs at that time. Undergoing Fertility treatment can be so stressful, mentally, emotionally, physically and financially. Treat yourself with the care you deserve during this time.

What can couples do to stay connected when fertility challenges begin to place pressure on the relationship?

Honest and open communication is key to the success of any relationship. Talking to each other about your feelings and worries helps share the load and makes you feel like you’re not alone. Having a deep understanding and appreciation for the other person’s feelings makes them feel seen, valued and heard. Having someone to hold you through your toughest days strengthens your connection and love for each other. It also helps you move closer to your shared goals and takes the pressure off. This is a great foundation to lead with into parenthood; it is also important to talk about how you would parent your children, as everyone has different upbringings and approaches to parenthood. Again, this all comes down to good communication and having the difficult conversations, even when you don’t want to.

What has your own experience of grief taught you about finding the inner peace and calm you now encourage in others?

Grief comes at different points in your life, whether it be the passing of a loved one or a relationship breakup, but acceptance of a situation helps with the healing process. We can all be prisoners to our minds, asking ourselves questions constantly and trying to make sense of why something has happened in the way it did. All that does is send your nervous system into a tailspin, and you feel vulnerable. I have sat with my feelings through difficult times. When I feel sad, I let my emotions come like a wave; I sit with them and don’t try to understand why it is happening. I allow myself to stay still with my thoughts and protect my peace. I tell myself this moment will pass, and I will be ok. Being kind to yourself during moments like this and telling yourself you are enough and that one day things will look brighter helps keep your body safe and still.

What would you most like someone facing an uncertain fertility journey to understand about caring for themselves along the way?

I would like them to feel that they are enough and to be kind to themselves. There is a tendency during these times to ask yourself why it is you who is experiencing such uncertainty, and I understand that way of thinking. However, flip it on its head and consider that this is only a chapter in your story and it is not the end. It is a moment of uncertainty, but consider that things can change and manifest the life you want to have, which includes children. This helps reset your focus and provides light and hope that you need to move forward. We always think we have a lot of time, but time doesn’t stand still, so use your time to focus on what you want and how you will set out to get it. Choose yourself, love yourself and give yourself permission to rest when you need to. Spend more time getting plenty of sleep, at least 7 hours and try to limit doomscrolling. Give your body the attention it deserves. For me, a walk in nature, moving my body each day for 20 minutes, and a good night’s sleep are the best remedies for self-care, which cost nothing.

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