The Power of Affirmations in Pregnancy, Birth, & Postpartum
Pregnancy and childbirth are transformative experiences. Along with the physical changes of pregnancy, you may experience new emotions— joy, anticipation, connection, uncertainty, anxiety, fear, and even anger. Sometimes, these emotions can become overwhelming. Often, women and birthing people find they need to develop new tools to cope with these emotional challenges.
What Are Affirmations?
Affirmations are positive statements that help shift thoughts and emotions, promoting a mindset of confidence, calmness, and empowerment. By regularly repeating affirmations, individuals can reframe fears, build self-assurance, and foster a sense of inner peace during pregnancy and childbirth. At first, affirmation can feel uncomfortable or untrue, but over time they can become an effective tool.
How Affirmations Support Pregnancy and Childbirth
Using affirmations during pregnancy and birth can:
Reduce Stress and Anxiety: Repeating calming statements can help quiet worries and encourage relaxation.
Promote Positive Thinking: Focusing on empowering words reinforces confidence in your body and the birthing process.
Enhance Mind-Body Connection: Affirmations can be used alongside breathing techniques and visualization, strengthening trust in your body’s natural ability.
Encourage Emotional Resilience: By shifting self-talk, affirmations help build emotional resilience and a more positive outlook on the birth experience.
Examples of Affirmations for Pregnancy and Birth
Whether spoken aloud, written in a journal, or displayed in your space, these affirmations can help create a positive mindset:
For Pregnancy:
My body is strong, capable, and perfectly designed for this journey.
I embrace the changes in my body with love and gratitude.”
“I trust my instincts and my baby’s development.”
“I am calm, safe, and surrounded by love.”
My body is changing to support my baby.
My pregnant body is beautiful.
My baby has only known love and warmth.
Caring for my body is caring for my baby
The risk of miscarriage reduces every day my baby grows.
If I am calm, my baby is calm.
My baby feels my love.
My baby will feel safe and loved.
I give myself permission to rest.
"I can trust my intuition.
For Labor and Childbirth:
With each breath, I relax and open to the birth of my baby.
I trust my body to know exactly what to do.
Each wave of labor brings me closer to meeting my baby.
I am powerful, and I welcome this experience with courage.
I can breathe and remain calm.
I trust my body.
I will be the best advocate for my baby’s care.
My body will/did do the best it can/could.
Things are happening the way they are suppose to happen.
I grew this baby. I can birth this baby.
Each contraction leads me closer to meeting my baby.
My doctors share my goals of delivering a healthy baby.
I am strong enough to make it through labor.
I can trust my medical team.
My body knows when to give birth.
This feels big, but it doesn’t have to be scary.
For Postpartum
My postpartum body is beautiful.
I will be the best advocate for my baby’s care.
This feels difficult but I can handle it.
I did everything in my power.
I give myself permission to rest.
I can trust my intuition.
I am not the only mother (parent) awake feeding their baby at 2 am.
I can ask for support.
I can set boundaries around my baby and myself.
Incorporating Affirmations into Your Routine
To make affirmations a meaningful part of your journey, try:
Saying them aloud each morning to start the day with positivity.
Writing them on sticky notes and placing them where you’ll see them frequently.
Listening to guided affirmations as part of your meditation or relaxation practice.
Using them as mantras during labor to stay centered and focused.
Repeating them when you are having difficult moments.
Final Thoughts
Affirmations are a simple yet powerful way to nurture yourself throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. By incorporating them into your daily routine, you can cultivate a sense of trust in yourself and your body, making space for a more empowered and positive experience transitioning into motherhood.
If you’d like support in preparing emotionally for birth or managing emotions and challenges postpartum, consider working with a therapist who specializes in perinatal mental health. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
