Have you ever looked in the mirror and felt like your body was speaking a story you didn’t quite understand?

If you’re navigating the emotional ups and downs of trying to conceive, this feeling might hit closer to home than ever. Recently, I found myself deeply moved after reading about Jenny Saville’s solo exhibition, The Anatomy of Painting, currently on display at the National Portrait Gallery in London. The way she captures the human form so unapologetically—raw, real, and unfiltered—raised questions for me about how we view our bodies, especially when trying to get pregnant.

Saville's work doesn't shy away from the imperfections, the blemishes, or the parts of the body society often expects us to hide. Instead, she paints with a fierce honesty that feels almost revolutionary in today’s world of filtered images and unattainable beauty standards. And honestly? That rawness? It’s what made me think about the emotional journey so many of us face in pursuit of parenthood.

So, why does Jenny Saville’s art feel so relevant to fertility?

Because, like Saville’s paintings, fertility journeys are often messy, unpredictable, and layered with vulnerability. The anxiety of cycles, the rollercoaster of hope and disappointment, and the physical changes can sometimes make us feel disconnected from our bodies—or even at odds with them.

But what if we flipped that narrative? What if embracing our bodies as they really are, with every nuance and scar, could be a source of strength?

Here’s what I learned from the exhibition that you can bring into your own journey:

• Authenticity is powerful. Just as Saville embraces imperfections, giving yourself permission to feel every emotion without judgment is liberating.

• Your body is a landscape of stories. Fertility struggles, hopes, and dreams are etched into your experience—and honoring that can deepen your connection to yourself.

• Beauty isn’t about perfection. It’s about the courage to show up as you are, through every phase of your journey.

This mindset shift is more than inspirational—it’s practical, too. For instance, many people pursuing at-home conception find that cultivating emotional wellness dramatically impacts their overall experience and outcomes. Feeling aligned with your body can make all the difference.

Speaking of at-home journeys...

If you’re exploring options like home insemination, something MakeAMom does brilliantly is supporting people with a compassionate, discreet, and empowering approach. Their home insemination kits cater to different needs—whether you're using low motility sperm, frozen sperm, or need a sensitive solution like their BabyMaker kit designed for those with conditions like vaginismus. What really stands out is their commitment to privacy and effectiveness, boasting a 67% success rate—a statistic that brings hope without breaking the bank.

But back to emotional wellness—how do you actually nurture it during this rollercoaster?

Here are some simple, but game-changing ideas:

• Practice self-compassion. Talk to yourself like you would a dear friend on a tough day.

• Journaling. Capture your feelings, track your cycles, or even write letters to your future child.

• Mindful movement. Gentle yoga or stretching can help you reconnect with your body.

• Create a sanctuary. Dedicate a cozy corner for reflection, meditation, or just quiet moments.

• Connect with stories. Read testimonials or watch videos of others on similar paths—relatability heals.

The big takeaway?

Your body and fertility journey are works of art—complex, beautiful, and deserving of respect. Jenny Saville’s Anatomy of Painting reminds us all that there’s profound beauty in embracing our truth, scars and all. And when you combine that mindset with the right tools and support, like those from MakeAMom’s thoughtfully designed kits, you’re not just trying to conceive—you’re reclaiming your story.

So, what do you think? How has your relationship with your body evolved during your fertility journey? Have you found moments of beauty and strength where you least expected them? Drop your thoughts below, and let’s support each other through this incredible, sometimes tough, but always hopeful path.

For anyone interested in seeing this powerful art in person, the exhibition runs through September 7 at the National Portrait Gallery in London. You can read more about it here.

Remember, your journey is unique, but you’re never alone.

Keep embracing your beautiful story.