Birth Affirmations

Birth is hard work. It's called labor for a reason. And yes, it can be painful but it's pain with a purpose and if you have the right mindset and tools then pain can be managed.

My choice of tools to manage pain during labor are water (shower/bath), walking, rocking, "dancing", focusing on my hands and forehead and keeping them relaxed, peppermint for nausea, and the support of my husband. As for mindset, it's all about the mantras. 

With my first two births I just kept thinking, "ooooooopen" over and over again. It was something to say to remember to keep my voice long and low, but it didn't really help me stay on top of the contractions. Instead, I was riding them out. Which wasn't too bad until transition and pushing (thankfully the shortest parts). During transition I felt like I couldn't catch up and during pushing the pain got away from me a little. My mindset kind of worked, but I'm pretty sure there's a better way. 

Enter a new tool for the right mindset: birth affirmations. These affirmations are great tools to really let your mind let go and let your body do its thing. Trying to fight against the body during labor only makes pain more acute, but accepting contractions and realizing that they are no stronger than you are keeps the pain in perspective and the mind focused on other things. Labor is truly pain with a purpose, and an incredible reward at the end. 

When making my list I asked the advice of my dear best friend, and drew from a few other sources: the Bible, The Way by St. Josemaria Escriva, input from some Facebook and Instagram friends, and Pinterest. I've got a few good lists of birth affirmations pinned on my pregnancy board.

Here is my list of birth affirmations:

I can do all things in Him who strengthens me.

-- Philippians 4:13

"Pray that I may never be satisfied with what is easy", you say. I've already prayed. Now it is up to you to carry out that fine resolution.

-- The Way, Character, 39

Come to me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

-- Matthew 11:28 

Fear not for I am with you, be not dismayed for I am your God.

-- Isaiah 41:10

For I the Lord your God, hold your right hand.

-- Isaiah 41:13

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

-- Joshua 1:9

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.

-- Proverbs 3:5

So, when you are not able to go on, when you feel that your fire is dying out, if you cannot throw it on sweet smelling logs, throw on the branches and twigs of short vocal prayers and ejaculations, to keep the bonfire burning. And you will not have wasted your time.

-- The Way, Prayer, 92

Suffering overwhelms you because you take it like a coward. Meet it bravely, with a Christian spirit, and you will esteem it like a treasure. 

-- The Way, Heart, 169

You suffer in this present life, which is only a dream, and a short one at that. Rejoice, because your Father God loves you so much, and if you put no obstacles in His way, after this bad dream He will give you a good awakening.

-- The Way, Tribulations, 692 

For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted me my petition which I made to Him.

-- 1 Samuel 1:27

Don't think of it as pain. Thank of it a an interesting sensation that requires all of your attention.

-- Ina May Gaskin

The Power and intensity of my contractions cannot be stronger than me because it IS me.

The experience of labor and birth is a great gift.

We have a secret in our culture, it's not that birth is painful, it's that women are strong.

-- Laura Stavoe Harm

So friends, do you have any more for me? The stronger the mindset the better!