Positive affirmations are positive words, phrases or sentences said repeatedly with conviction and attention. Rather than blanket positive thinking, affirmations are simply a way for you to take the steering wheel on your thoughts, and therefore have a huge effect on the way you feel and the experiences you have.
Positive affirmations can have a dramatic effect on one’s outlook towards any situation! It is a simple and very effective way to boost self-esteem, self-confidence and our overall positivity, ideal for use in pregnancy and facing birth and new parenthood.
You may not be aware of how you talk about the process of labour to others, but sometimes we speak in anxious or negative terms, for example; “Nobody in my family has ever had an easy labour” which can have a dramatic effect on how we cope during labour. Try to replace these negative statements with positive ones such as “I have a natural ability to give birth easily” Or “My Baby is perfectly positioned for every stage of labour”
Why not create something simple and positive you can say either silently or out loud, when you feel yourself getting anxious? For example, if you fear the pain aspect of childbirth, you could repeat a statement such as “I am strong, focused and powerful and I can deal with anything.” Or, if you fear labour complications, “I accept this labour as my labour and believe it is the right one for me and for my baby.”
Write some down and carry them with you, something to read and instil confidence in you, while you are in the waiting room at the doctors or clinic, or while you are on the monitor getting baby checked, or in early labour, and so on. You can also choose your favourites and stick them up around the house like on the bathroom mirror or inside the coffee/tea cupboard door!! Boost your confidence and eliminate your fears at every opportunity!
You can look them up or make up your own but always use the presence tense and believe in what you are saying! Here are some positive affirmations to get you started;
For Pregnancy
I am healthy and flying through my pregnancy.
It’s good for me to take care of myself.
I accept myself completely here and now
My baby is safe and loved
I love and accept my body completely
I accept all my feelings as part of myself
I feel the love of others around me
My heart knows what my baby needs, my mind is learning
I am a powerful, loving and creative being
My baby will be born healthy and at the perfect time
I trust my body
I welcome changes in my body
I have a beautiful baby
I am open and accepting of my pregnancy experience
Pregnancy suits me perfectly
My baby is growing strong and healthy
I eat nourishing healthy foods so help my baby grow
For Labour and Birth
I have a natural ability to give birth easily
I am a strong and capable woman
I trust my body to know how to birth my child
I trust my instincts to know what I need in labour
I trust my labour
My body knows how to birth my baby
I accept this labour as my labour and believe it is the right one for me and for my baby
My baby knows all is well
Good strong contractions help my baby come into the world
I embrace the concept of healthy pain
I am strong, confident assured and assertive
I love and accept my body completely
I accept all my feelings as part of myself
My baby is perfectly positioned for every stage of labour
My body knows how and when to give birth
I breathe correctly to ease tension
Every breath I take is making me more relaxed
My body is free or tension and fear and knows exactly how to birth my baby with ease
I positively accept my labour and birth
I welcome my baby with love and happiness
I hold my baby with joy and love
My labour will be perfect for me and my baby
New born Parenting
I am a dedicated and loving mother
I love my baby unconditionally
I trust my instincts to do what is best for my baby
I will have a strong and healthy baby
My baby is happy and healthy.
My life is in perfect balance
I love my baby my baby loves me
My baby is safe and secure
I graciously accept the help of others
I love all my children
I love my partner, my partner loves our baby
I cope with the busy day
My breasts were made to breastfeed and produce an excellent supply of milk
I always make the right decisions for my baby
I am able to overcome any challenges that come my way
I make time for myself everyday
I love and approve of myself
I am well prepared for any situation
So Start today and feel the positive energy!! It takes practice and repetition but you will notice the difference in how you feel and how you view the future.
Marie, mum of four, is a midwife, practicing Public Health Nurse and reflexologist, with a passion for supporting parents on their journey into parenthood. She provides one day antenatal classes and also specialises in pregnancy and baby reflexology. For her Blog click here for Facebook click here.
