The birth of a child is a journey that intertwines profound emotion, physical endurance, and spiritual awakening. Among the most powerful tools to aid any birthing person through this transformative experience are affirmations. These short, positive statements are designed to reinforce the strength, confidence, and calm needed during labour.
The right affirmation can be a beacon of light, guiding you through the intensity of contractions, the moments of doubt, and the peaks of pain, bringing forth a sense of empowerment and focus.
25 Affirmations for During Labour
Here, we present 25 affirmations crafted to support, encourage, and guide you through the different stages of labour. Each comes with a specific intention, understanding when and why to use them will help you harness their full potential.
1. “I am riding the waves of labour with strength and grace.”
This affirmation is particularly powerful during the early stages of labour when contractions begin to set a rhythm. It likens the experience to riding waves, an act that requires balance, focus, and surrender to the natural process. As each contraction comes, visualize yourself skilfully riding atop, maintaining composure and grace.
2. “Every contraction brings me closer to meeting my baby.”
During intense contractions, it’s helpful to remember the purpose behind the pain. This affirmation is a reminder that each contraction is a constructive step towards the ultimate joy of meeting your child. It’s best used when you feel overwhelmed or disconnected from the birthing process, as it re-centers your focus on the outcome.
3. “My body knows how to birth my baby.”
As doubt creeps in, this affirmation serves as a reminder of the innate wisdom of your body. It’s particularly empowering during active labour when the body performs intense, instinctual work. Trusting in your body’s capability can alleviate fears and promote a smoother birthing experience.
4. “I am a warrior, strong and capable.”
Invoke this powerful affirmation when you need a surge of strength, especially during transition or when fatigue sets in. It serves to remind you of your inner strength and resilience, qualities that define the warrior within each birthing person.
5. “Breathe in peace, breathe out tension.”
Breathing is a vital part of labour, and this affirmation helps maintain a helpful breathing pattern. It’s most effective when contractions are strong and close together. With each breath, envision drawing in calm and expelling any tension or fear.
6. “I am surrounded by love and support.”
Labour can sometimes feel lonely or overwhelming. This affirmation is to remind you of the support system around you, whether it’s your partner, a doula, or medical staff. Use it to draw strength from their presence and to foster a positive, supportive environment.
7. “Each surge of my body is a signal of progress.”
Instead of viewing contractions as mere pain, this affirmation turns them into positive indicators of progress. It is particularly helpful during the active phase of labour when the intensity increases, helping to maintain a positive outlook on the increasing sensations.
8. “I welcome my baby with joy and openness.”
As the moment of birth approaches, this affirmation helps shift the focus to the imminent arrival of your baby. It’s a beautiful statement of acceptance and excitement, perfect for when you begin to feel the urge to push.
9. “I am calm, centered, and prepared.”
Use this affirmation during moments of rest or when you feel anxiety building. It’s a reminder of your preparation and the calm at the core of the birthing storm. Envision yourself as the eye of the hurricane – calm and steady while everything moves around you.
10. “My courage and patience are my power.”
Patience is a crucial element in labour, and this affirmation acknowledges that. It is particularly powerful during prolonged labour or when you feel like progress is slow. Remind yourself that patience is not passive; it’s an active form of courage.
11. “I trust the journey my body is taking me on.”
This affirmation reinforces trust in the natural process of birth. It’s most effective when used during moments of doubt or fear. It encourages a positive relationship with the experience, viewing each step as part of a journey rather than a series of obstacles.
12. “I am creating life, strong and beautiful.”
This affirmation is a celebration of the power and beauty of creating life. It’s particularly poignant during moments when you need a reminder of the miracle that is occurring. It helps shift perspective from the pain to the incredible act of creation you are undertaking.
13. “Every moment brings me closer to my baby.”
Similar to affirmation 2, this focuses on the progression towards meeting your baby. It’s particularly useful for keeping spirits up and maintaining focus during the more challenging phases of labour.
14. “I let go of fear and embrace this experience.”
Fear can be a significant barrier during labour. This affirmation is a conscious decision to let go of those fears and fully immerse yourself in the experience. It’s particularly powerful when used in conjunction with deep, calming breaths.
15. “I am an active participant in my birthing experience.”
This affirmation emphasizes the active role you play in giving birth. It’s a reminder that, while you may be guided by others, you are the primary force in your labour. It’s empowering during any moments of passivity or when you feel control slipping away.
16. “Strength flows through me with each breath.”
This affirmation connects the act of breathing with the renewal of strength. It’s especially helpful during intense contractions, reminding you that with each breath, you’re gathering strength to continue.
17. “I embrace the rest between contractions.”
The moments between contractions are crucial for rest and rejuvenation. This affirmation encourages a positive view of these pauses, seeing them as opportunities to gather energy and calm for the next wave.
18. “This is my journey, unique and sacred.”
Labour is a deeply personal experience. This affirmation is a celebration of its uniqueness and a reminder that your journey is sacred and deserving of reverence. It’s particularly comforting during moments when you need to reconnect with the personal significance of the experience.
19. “With each contraction, my baby descends.”
This is a positive visualization of the progress being made with each contraction. It’s especially helpful during the pushing phase, providing a mental image of your baby moving down and closer to birth with each effort.
20. “I am patient with my body and my baby.”
Patience can sometimes wane, especially during a lengthy labour. This affirmation serves as a gentle reminder to give yourself and your baby the time needed, reaffirming the value of patience as strength.
21. “Pain is temporary, love is forever.”
This powerful statement puts the temporary pain of labour into perspective against the everlasting love for your child. It’s a profound reminder during intense moments or when you feel like giving up.
22. “I am open to the experience that awaits me.”
This affirmation embraces the unknowns of labour with an open heart. It’s useful when facing unexpected turns or when you need to remind yourself to be flexible and open to however your birthing story unfolds.
23. “My baby and I are working together.”
Labour is a team effort between you and your baby. This affirmation emphasizes the partnership and can be incredibly empowering, especially during the pushing phase when collaboration is key.
24. “I choose to focus on joy and excitement.”
Choosing where to focus your energy is powerful. This affirmation directs energy towards positive emotions, useful when you need to lift your spirits or when you want to shift away from discomfort and towards anticipation.
25. “My body, my baby, my choice, my voice.”
This affirmation is a declaration of autonomy and empowerment. It’s especially resonant during any stage of labour when you need to advocate for yourself or make important decisions about your birthing experience.
Wrap-up
Each of these affirmations is a tool for the journey of labour, offering strength, comfort, and empowerment. They are best used when their specific message resonates with your current experience or need.
By embracing these affirmations, you invite a positive, powerful mindset that can profoundly influence your birthing experience. As you prepare to welcome your child into the world, let these affirmations be your companions, guiding you towards a birth filled with strength, grace, and joy.