Active Moms’ Club is thrilled to introduce a new guest blogger today, Katie O’ Connor. Katie is an Infertility Consultant, and Founder and President of Shine – a ray of light on infertility – a place of comfort, community, and support for women living with infertility. As someone who struggled for two years to get pregnant, I’m thrilled Katie has created such a wonderful resource for women! Many people assume first times moms are the ones who struggle most to conceive, but in reality, second and third pregnancies can be just as challenging for a woman.
We all know the importance of being active and healthy. But, sometimes that is easier said than done, especially when going through a stressful time in life. Trying to become pregnant can be stressful, especially when the trying turns into a struggle, and you start the path of infertility to get pregnant.
What I found helpful was having a good form of stress relief.
Staying physically active while going through infertility treatments not only helps you stay calm, cool, and collected, but also it helps your body prepare for pregnancy! Being pregnant is amazing but very taxing on a woman’s body. The more fit and strong you are, the more ready you will be as your body adapts to the needs of a growing baby. Being healthy and fit also aids in childbirth, which is a whole body workout itself!
There are many things out of our control on our journey to becoming pregnant, but your fitness is one thing you CAN control! I know it helped me stay sane during my infertility! I am a long time lover of running and marathon racing. Unfortunately, I had to take a break from those two loves while trying to get pregnant.
I was able to walk, and I walked EVERYWHERE. Any errand that was remotely in walking distance, I walked there. Every weekend I would walk on the lakefront path while my husband ran. Just being outside helped me feel connected with that part of my life that I was so passionate about.
So load up your iPod, find something active, safe, and that you enjoy, and pursue it with passion during your journey and after. There is nothing more stress releasing than rocking out to your favorite song!
Katie O’Connor is the founder of Shine Chicago, a unique support community for women living with infertility. She is a mom, marathon runner, fitness instructor, and infertility advocate! Check out my blog, like me on Facebook, follow me on Twitter, and explore my Pinterest!