15 Birth Affirmations

As someone who struggles with anxiety, to be honest I was terrified of labor. One of my first thoughts upon finding out that I was finally pregnant was a bit of panic at the “what goes in, must come out,” truth of it all. I tried to just not think about it, but as the day drew nearer and nearer, I realized that I was going to have to pony up and face my fears. 

I decided that the best way to do that was going to be to arm myself with a few positive affirmations that I could repeat over and over again while I was in the thick of it. That seemed to work best for me in seasons where my anxiety wasn’t well controlled, so it would be a great idea to take into this experience! As you will see when I finally get the chance to write out Addilyn’s birth story, it must have helped because we had the most amazing (and quick!) induction process and delivery that I could have ever hoped for. 

I read every article I could find, scoured Pinterest, took a childbirth class, and read my Bible. I had quite the list put together, but here are the ones that I actually used during my labor and they brought me a great deal of peace and comfort! I highly recommend printing these off and taking them with you!

• I was designed to do this. I am not afraid!
• One contraction at a time. 
• The strength of my contractions cannot be stronger than me, because it is me.
  
• When I feel the strong waves, I know that my labor is progressing and normal.
• Every tiny effort that I make brings me closer to my sweet baby.
• Here comes another wave, I can ride it.
• My body can birth this baby without me. (No really, they have done studies! If you were in a coma, your body would know how to contract and birth the baby anyway! How cool is that?! Not the coma part…the birth.)
• My labor and birth are going exactly as they should.
• My job is to relax and allow my body to move my baby down the birth canal.
• I will stay calm and breathe deeply to bring oxygen to my baby.
• The pain I feel now cannot compare to the joy that is coming!
  
• Our baby was created in love and will be birthed in love.
  

Here are a few Bible verses that I held particularly close during my labor as well:

• “When I am afraid I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3 (My life verse!)
• “Do not be afraid–I am with you! I am your God–let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.” –Isaiah 41:10
• “But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength.”- 2 Timothy 4:17