Finding the Right Affirmations for Labor and Birth

[vc_row][vc_column column_width_percent=”80″ gutter_size=”3″ back_color=”color-xsdn” overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ shadow=”std” shadow_darker=”yes”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ align_horizontal=”align_center” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ shift_y_down=”0″ z_index=”0″ medium_width=”0″ mobile_width=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_custom_heading text_weight=”100″ text_space=”fontspace-210350″ separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes”]Finding the Right Affirmation for Labor and Birth[/vc_custom_heading][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Mentally preparing for birth is important, and often, we spend a lot of time preparing for birth by discussing the logistics: Where will we birth? Who will be there? Do I want my own birthing gown? These things are important to talk about. But,we also need to make sure we are dedicating time to preparing our emotional selves for birth. What will our coping techniques be? How would we like to be supported emotionally during birth? What environment is best for my emotional self? In preparing ourselves mentally we are taking care of our whole selves. 

One coping technique that you can explore to help plan for your emotional support during labor is identifying your personal affirmations. An affirmation is a short statement you say (or someone may say to you) that speaks to you. It can help you feel secure, grounded, empowered, connected, motivated, or comforted. The important thing about an affirmation is that it is GENUINE to you– like, for real, genuine to you, not what you think you should be inspired by, but what actually speaks to you. 

In creating genuine affirmations you can consider what motivates you. Is it the idea that each step is moving you closer? Is it that you are a strong-ass-mother birther who is rocking this thing? Reflect (and of course, be honest) about what it is that really drives you. Because when we enter into the birth space, there is no longer room for niceties and bravado. We become real, we become genuine. So the more real you can be with yourself now, you may be able to better identify the right affirmation for you. 

Another thing to consider is: What are your fears? Birth is a very vulnerable space. This birth space can bring  our fears, conscious or unconscious, to the surface and can influence the process. In exploring what affirmations might serve you well, take a minute to consider what fears you may have around birth and how your affirmations can speak to those. (Additionally, I highly recommend doing a “fear release” exercise such as the one found {here} or a fear release guided meditation such as the one found {here}). 

It may be hard to know what will truly speak to you in labor. So, to be fully prepared it is a good idea to have a few affirmations in mind to try out while in labor, and then you can see what “sticks”, what feels affirming, what is genuine to you. 

Below are some examples of affirmations for you to explore:

 

Trusting Self Affirmations

This is not stronger than me, this is me

My body was made to do this 

I trust my body, I trust my baby 

My body and baby know what to do

Trust in birth

I am safe 

The journey I am on is right for me and my baby 

Birth is normal 

 

Motivators 

Each contraction/wave/rush brings me closer to my baby 

I’ve got this

I am strong

I visualize myself meeting my baby 

I embrace the power I am creating with my body 

 

Staying Grounded in the Moment 

This is going to come and this is going to go 

Breathe baby down 

Breathe in (1,2,3,4), breathe out (1,2,3,4)

I surrender to the power of my contractions/waves/rushes

I soften, I open 

Nothing needs to be different than it is

 

Imagery Affirmations 

Imagine cervix opening/softening like a flower

Imagine riding through each contraction like a wave in the ocean 

Imagine yourself in your safe space. What can you see/smell/hear/touch? 

Expansion (not contraction)

I visualize myself meeting my baby   [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image media=”759″ media_width_percent=”100″][vc_gallery el_id=”gallery-709062″ medias=”768,767,766,765″ gutter_size=”3″ screen_lg=”1000″ screen_md=”600″ screen_sm=”480″ single_overlay_opacity=”50″ single_padding=”2″][vc_column_text]

April is a birth photographer and birth doula is the Pasadena/Glendale/Los Angeles area. Interested in birth services? Lets connect!

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