Fertility Yoga: A Natural Approach to Conception

A kundalini yoga teacher with 15 years of experience, German poet and novelist Leppert combines her yoga experience with research on fertility in this straightforward, accessible guide for women and couples preparing to conceive. In a soothing tone, Leppert assures readers that letting go is a crucial element of the process and that “women who were trying to get pregnant actually took longer to accomplish their goal than women who weren’t trying to control the process.” In addition, she explains that “sometimes there is no medical explanation for why a couple has trouble getting pregnant.” They can only wait it out and simply let things run their course.” Leppert’s thesis is that yoga will quiet the mind and relax the body in order to aid it in what can be a stressful fertility quest. Though not a medical guide—as evidenced by a hefty disclaimer and a detailed chapter on chakras (“To fulfill your wish to have a child, it is especially important to strengthen and cleanse your second chakra”)—Leppert dispenses ample practical and sensible advice about nutrition, how to enjoy simple sensory experiences, meditation practice, and other stress-reduction techniques. These tips lend the book a more universal applicability, and it can be used in preparation for pregnancy or simply to increase relaxation, well-being, and mindfulness. (Aug.)