Birth Affirmations: Good, bad & ugly.

Affirmations, or saying and believing something is true, can be a powerful tool for preparing for labor and birth. Used in all kinds of ways, from sports physiology to life coaching, affirmations can help focus and calm nerves and doubts. 

However, what we say can also have a negative effect. It's important to be mindful of the expectations we set for ourselves (and inadvertently others) as the goal is to care for ourselves, not tear ourselves or others down. When building your affirmations, avoid cliches and affirmations tied to one particular medical outcome. Here's some basic tips when creating your own birth affirmations... 

1. Make it personal. Remember that you have no control over someone else's actions, but your own thoughts can effect your actions and vice versa. Remember, too, that your body is separate from your mind. Yes, the two are linked, hence why birth affirmations can be so powerful. But, no, we can't simply think away all the negative outcomes. (If we could, we would, right? I'd never have another cold again!)
2. Keep it positive. Saying "don't think about a pink elephant" causes you to think about a pink elephant. So don't create an affirmation in the negative. Instead of "I will not fail," you're going for "I am doing my best."
3. Dig deeper. Birth is a major ordeal and there will likely be moments when you don't feel strong. So, what's motivating you to want a particular kind of birth? What appeals to you about a vaginal birth, as an example? Are you looking for a powerful bonding experience with your baby? Or maybe even your spouse? Are you wanting to prove that you're capable, strong? 
4. Pin down your key words and take them even deeper. What is underneath the word strong for you? Is it resilience? Determination? What's behind the word bond? Is it love? Is it unity? When you explore the fundamental desires behind your birth preferences, you’ll notice that they can actually be found in any kind of birth. That makes for a powerful birth affirmation! 

I encourage you to look beyond medical outcomes and tap into your true desires. By creating birth affirmations that aren't cliches or tied to specific outcomes, we leave room for a meaningful birth experience filled with kindness and compassion for yourself. We leave room for the uncontrollable, unpredictable nature of life. We leave room for mental health and healing, when needed. 

For more thoughts on birth affirmations, I enjoyed this blog post from Ashley Short Photography.  

Methodology for these steps to creating birth affirmations is from Birthing From Within. 

For some printable birth affirmation examples: 

Birth Affirmations