Positive affirmations

J <3 D

I am trying to compile a list of little sayings, positive affirmations, etc to go to when needed in labor. Does anyone have suggestions or links to a site they suggest? I am doing a hypnobirth if that helps. Thanks for your input

Twirple

The ones that I repeated over and over to myself during labor were:

"My baby is the perfect size for my body."

"My body and my baby are working together to make birthing easier."

"Each surge of my body is bringing by baby closer to me." 

danaekristen

I can't think of what ones I used during labor, but I definitely whipped out the "I'M HUGE" one from Ina May's "Guide to Childbirth" during delivery. I was specifically nervous about delivery because my first had a shoulder dystocia and I was convinced it was circumstancial. I wanted to prove everyone wrong and deliver my second baby without any issues. I got him out within 2-3 minutes and no issues, so I guess it worked?

amber323

Here's some from the hypnobirthing class I took: 

My labor will be quick and easy because I am so relaxed

I meet each surge only with my breath

I am relaxed and excited that my baby is finally coming to me

My body and my baby work in perfect harmony with each other

And some quotes that I liked from books and whatnot:

The hospital will take the pain away but they will also take away all the beautiful experience of birthing

There is no greater power than your own body's strength

 

I also find it helpful to imagine how many people in the world are giving birth right now and how we as women have this amazing power that we can share with each other.

 Hope that helps!

amber323

danaekristen:

I can't think of what ones I used during labor, but I definitely whipped out the "I'M HUGE" one from Ina May's "Guide to Childbirth" during delivery. I was specifically nervous about delivery because my first had a shoulder dystocia and I was convinced it was circumstancial. I wanted to prove everyone wrong and deliver my second baby without any issues. I got him out within 2-3 minutes and no issues, so I guess it worked?

That's awesome! Another Ina May one I like which isn't really an affirmation but I always think of is when she tells women "you're not going to split in half" at transition.

Bonidiebabe

I also used Ina may's "my vagina will get huge"

Deeper and deeper relaxed with every breath I exhale

I can do this!

My body was made to birth this baby.

 

kimberly422

I used one in my signature from this site.

 https://birthbuddy.wordpress.com/resources/quotes/

J <3 D

Love that one Kimberly! Thank you all for your suggestions

dosafyre

My body was made to do this.

Relax into the contractions.

Breath through the "pain". (something they say more in yoga)

I also just kept reminding myself that pain in largely mental...you can dial it up or down based on how you tune it in or out. So I chose to not think of it as "painful".

Blackrose1918

I found something that resonated with me in an Ina May book:  "I'm just going to open up and let this baby out". I see myself saying this A LOT during labor.

Still free to be me

During the pushing stage of my last labor, I kept reminding myself to "ease the baby out," despite my dr. and the nurses yelling at me to push harder, etc.  (Okay, maybe they were trying to be encouraging, not yelling at me, but it still bothered me, so I ignored them.)  With my first baby, I needed 26 stitches.  With the baby I "eased out," I didn't need a single stitch.

katiedid7908

This is a great thread ... am definitely going to be using some of these!  If you're looking for simple one-word repetition, my yoga teacher suggests vocalizing any of the following in a low voice:

 - "Soften"

- "Down"

- "Surrender"

Another mantra she uses that I see myself repeating as I breathe is: "Inhale light and joy, exhale fear and worry."  FTM here, so I have no idea, but I'm imagining that during labor, it will be pretty easy to forget what a joyous occasion it is to bring a child into the world ... though it sounds sort of cheesy, I hope this phrase will help me remember!  Or not ... but it's worth a shot, right?!  ;-)