Episode 118 - Jennifer Edmonds - Why Your Nervous System Matters For Fertility

MEET THE GUEST Jennifer is a Yoga, Pilates, Meditation & Breathwork teacher who specialises in fertility & women’s health. During a long & difficult fertility journey of her own, Jennifer eventually found the practice of Fertility Yoga. This practice was able to ease her anxiety while TTC, relieve chronic insomnia, re-balance a thyroid condition…and eventually it helped her to fall pregnant naturally. She now runs an online business, Element Pilates & Yoga, helping women all over the world to overcome fertility challenges & find their way to motherhood. She’s the host of the Your Journey to Fertility Podcast and the creator of the In Your Element Fertility Yoga Program.WHAT WE TALK ABOUT How Jennifer's fertility journey began with an early menopause misdiagnosis at 34First round of IVF and the odds of a single embryo surviving to birthCycle returning naturally after breastfeeding, and a second early menopause diagnosis reversalNew fertility diagnoses at 37, including thyroid issues and blocked fallopian tubesMale factor fertility issues and why men are often undertestedSecondary infertility and the emotional toll of trying for a second childLosing embryos during a COVID lockdown clinic closureDiscovering fertility yoga during lockdown and its early effects on sleep and thyroid healthNatural pregnancy after IVF was said to be unlikely, and the loss that followedRetraining as a yoga teacher and specializing in fertility workInsulin resistance and metabolic conditions as fertility disruptorsCortisol and stress as drivers of menstrual cycle irregularitiesHow fertility yoga differs from a regular yoga practiceMatching yoga practices to each phase of the menstrual cycleNervous system regulation and its role in fertility and conceptionWhy the nervous system can't distinguish emotional stress from physical dangerMindset strategies for navigating the highs and lows of a fertility journeySetting boundaries around triggering events like baby showersCo-regulation and building a support network during a fertility journeyFirst steps to take when starting a fertility journey, including early testingEPISODE RESOURCES  OrganifiStress and sleep support supplements to help calm your nervous system and improve rest. Receive 20% off with code TRAILTOHEALTH.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/OrganifiOura RingGet a clearer picture of your sleep, stress, and cycle health, with insights made just for you on your fertility journey.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/OuraRingThornePrenatal vitamins to help you prepare for and support a healthy pregnancy.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/ThorneSomavedicSupport deeper, more restful sleep with a device designed to help calm your environment and your body. Save 10% with code TRAILTOHEALTH.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/somavedicPrimal TrustLearn to calm your nervous system with guided meditations and tools built to support you on your fertility journey.https://shop.thetrailtohealth.com/PrimalTrustCONNECT WITH THE GUESTWebsite:https://www.elementpilatesyoga.comInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/jen.elementpilatesyogaFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086747915761YouTube:https://youtube.com/@elementpilatesyogaKEYWORDSfertility yoga, nervous system regulation, secondary infertility, IVF, male factor fertility, thyroid health, cortisol and stress, ovulation tracking, prenatal vitamins, sleep support, mindset coaching, embryo transfer, menstrual cycle health, co-regulation, fertility support community