Staying Positive After a Negative

As I go into the black-hole of the unknown, A.K.A infertility, I have been on the lookout for a “happy place”. Blogging has helped as a necessary distraction, but there are some days I need more; a soft place to land. A place where I can be positive after a negative pregnancy test, that is. I recently walked into a yoga class at Pulling Down the Moon, and I found just that. My moon, my happy place, my place where I am completely me and completely at peace.

A quick description, Pulling Down the Moon is holistic care for family health and fertility. This physician-supported center was founded in 2002 by women who too went through their own fertility and pregnancy challenges. They work off of evidence based practices and offer a truly supportive place that realizes everyone situation is completely personal.

Personal, that word has been so foreign to me. Nothing has been personal (putting myself out there was my choice, so I could help others). But, I don’t regret it for a minute. Yet, being at PDM has truly brought some intimacy and uniqueness to my personal situation, which felt necessary as our journey has gone on (and is going on) much longer than we ever imagined.

Ok, so back to that first day of yoga. To be really honest, I wasn’t even sure I wanted to participate. It scared me to have to face people and talk about the trauma of miscarriages, injections, surgeries, procedures, etc. How can I do it on my blog you ask? Fair. On my blog, I don’t have to actually face all of you. There is something cathartic about writing it down and sharing in an unassuming way. But, sharing at PDM made it so more real.

And real it was…I assumed my lotus pose with a hot cup of herbal tea and waited for class to begin. As class began, we went around the room, gave some brief info about ourselves, and then poured our hearts out. I am Melanie, I am in sales, I blog on the side, oh, and I have had 4 miscarriages. UGH! But, as others started talking too, I felt warmth, compassion and love. As everyone shared, a feeling consumed the room. It was freeing, it was therapeutic and it was still a little terrifying. But, not in the way you think. It is terrifyingly tragic that so many women struggle and NEVER TELL A SOUL. This is when I realized that PDM was and is a God sent.

This yoga class became the one thing I stuck to every week for 6 weeks. It was a time just for me, where I could reflect and let go of all that the week had dumped on me. It was where I saw my new friends and was able to offer support and they did the same for me.

In addition to yoga, I participated in massage and acupuncture too, and I will continue to do so as we progress down our path. My stress, anxiousness and fear melted away during each appointment. It is like a spa for a potential mother to be. And yes ladies who are struggling, we will all be moms! Don’t ever stop believing that!

With this being National Infertility Awareness Week, I wanted to give you some more insight into how yoga can absolutely help those who may be going through their own infertility battle.

“Approximately 30 percent of in vitro fertilization (IVF) patients suffer from anxiety and depression. Studies showing that an infertility diagnosis may cause the same amount of stress, anxiety, and depression as a cancer or HIV diagnosis. Emotional distress is a top reason patients discontinue treatment prior to success. Complicating things more, stress has been found to negatively affect IVF outcomes. Research into stress reduction techniques has examined the utility of yoga in stress reduction and adaptation enhancement in a variety of populations. Yoga practice has been correlated with a reduction in the serum markers of stress and improves immune function.”

To read more on this study, read on here.

There are some really awesome events that PDM is hosting for NIAW:

4/22 10-11:30am: Try Yoga for Fertility, Acupuncture, and have all your secondary infertility questions answered at Milk Supply! **This event is now SOLD OUT. Please call us at: 312-957-6235 to get on the waitlist for cancellations and/or the next event.**

4/25 6-10pm: Enjoy a ladies’ night out for pampering and information with Shine Bright. Visit our table to try acupuncture! Save $10 with the promo code: PDTM

4/25 at 6-7:00pm: From Working Out to Working In: Surprising Tips for Fertile Fitness via webinar.

4/26 5:30-7:00pm: Spring Cleaning Event: Using Yoga and Nutrition to Cleanse at Pulling Down the Moon Chicago!

Space is limited for these free special events. Don’t wait to reserve your spot! Click the links or call: 312-957-6235!

Lastly, there is an amazing April special if you are interested in trying any of what Pulling Down the Moon has to offer. Check it our here. It really doesn’t get better than this.

I will keep talking about this wonderful place that has become a sanctuary for me. It helped me stay positive even as I was dealing with the worst of circumstances.  For this, I have a profound gratitude. Thank you to PDM, sincerely!