The topic at hand is about whether it's safe for someone with an ostomy to lie on their stoma while practicing yoga. A new ostomate, who had surgery at the end of February, is eager to get back into yoga but is unsure about the safety of lying on their belly. Here are some helpful pieces of advice and insights from others who have experience with this:

1. Empty the pouch first:
- Many people recommend emptying the pouch before starting yoga to prevent leaks if pressure is applied while lying down.
- Some also mention they avoid sleeping face-down because the pouch could fill up overnight and potentially burst.

2. It is generally safe to lie on the stoma:
- Individuals with ileostomies and colostomies have reported no issues during yoga or other activities.
- The pressure from lying down is often compared to or considered less than that from a hernia belt or wrap.

3. Use support garments if desired:
- Hernia belts or stretchy wraps can provide extra security and help distribute pressure more evenly.

4. Irrigation as an additional option:
- For those with descending or sigmoid colostomies, morning irrigation can offer 24-hour control, making it easier to lie in prone positions without worry.

5. Practice, adjust, and use common sense:
- Start with gentle poses and if any discomfort or issues arise, stop and modify the pose.
- Most yoga poses don't require long periods lying flat on the stomach; it might feel unusual at first but shouldn't be painful.

6. Consult professionals:
- It's a good idea to talk to your surgeon or ostomy nurse. One nurse mentioned that lying flat is generally fine but advised being cautious with strenuous core exercises to avoid herniation.

7. Extra resources:
- You can find ostomy-friendly yoga guidance on YouTube from "Elaine O'Rourke Yoga," an instructor with Crohn’s and an ileostomy.