Changing Your Perceptions of Birth with Affirmations
We grow up hearing birth stories and so many of them are not positive. The moment you tell someone you are pregnant, they share a birth story. These stories shape our view of birth, often negatively. A big part of preparing for birth is redefining perceptions. Affirmations are one tool we can use to reset our perceptions around birth.
Most of us use affirmations in our daily life, though not always intentionally or positively. We often say or think negative or limiting thoughts, especially about birth. For instance, “I’m sure something is going to go wrong.”; “We don’t know what we are doing.”; “I’ll probably end up with a c-section.” etc.
The goal of setting intentional, positive affirmations is to reinforce your vision for your birth and mitigate negative thoughts. They are part of the internal work we can do to prepare for a powerful birth. They are an opportunity to build your internal connections and show yourself (and your baby) loving support.
Affirmations do not guarantee that you will have a specific type of birth, but they are helpful in shifting mindsets to ones of empowerment and love, instead of fear.
Steps:
Identify your doubts and fears about birth. These are often the thoughts or statements you say repeatedly. Doubts often surface in your hesitations when speaking with others about your plans for birth (like that co-worker or family member). Common fears are about the safety of you and baby, doubts about the ability of your body, your baby’s body, or if you can birth without an epidural, etc.
Explore some sample affirmations and see which ones resonate with what you want to be true. Sample affirmations are below.
Create a few personalized affirmations. Flip the negative thoughts into a handful of positive affirmations, maybe 3-5. Consider looping in your baby, by including “we” language.
Refine affirmations that include words with negative connotations. Restate them with positive language, for example, “I will not be afraid” could be restated as, “I am brave.”
Write them. You may choose to type them or write them. Save them to your phone, computer, or even get creative and print or write on cards or beautiful paper.
Incorporate a routine for reading your new affirmations. You can place them on your bedside table to read before bed and when you wake. Some find time at mealtimes or when you check social media. Read them whenever negative thoughts or feelings creep into your mind. Connect with your baby and partner by reading them aloud or having your partner read them to y’all.
Sample Affirmations:
I was born to do this. - Joan of Arc
All is well, we are both safe, all is well, we are both loved by Life. - Louise Hay
I may feel strong waves of labor, but I move through it. I don’t avoid it. The only way to be done with it is to walk through it. I accept it as part of the process. It gives me you.
This doesn’t have to be hard. I just have to accept it and let it happen.
I feel the love around us. We are loved. We are safe. All is well.
We got this!
I am a strong and capable woman.
We are strong.
I am willing to experience all of my feelings.
My body knows what to do. My baby’s body knows what to do.
My baby will be born at the perfect time.
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