I have a list of affirmations and encouraging words that I use in my childbirth classes. Having positive thoughts in your head while laboring can make all the difference in the world. As a doula, I can use every comfort technique in my bag of tricks, but in the end it is up to the mother to realize that she really can do this! It turns out that most of labor is a mind game. And isn’t this true in so many areas of life? How you perceive what is happening around you can completely alter your outcome. So, I want to share with you these affirmations. Some are specific to birth; many can be adapted for whatever situation you are facing. I have included some of my favorite birth quotes, a list of general affirmations, and a list of Bible verses that I use with many of my Christian clients. So, there’s a little something for everyone! Read through this list and take note if one of them stands out to you. You may not even know why! I would challenge you to write it on a post-it and stick it to your bathroom mirror so you can read those words at the start of each day.
**Update** – I’ve turned many of these into memes for you to copy or save for your personal use as you prepare for your labor! Click here to find your favorites.
Encouraging and Empowering Quotes
“We have a secret in our culture, and it’s not that birth is painful. It’s that women are strong.” ~Laura Stavoe Harm
“It is important to keep in mind that our bodies must work pretty well, or there wouldn’t be so many humans on the planet.” ~Ina May Gaskin
“The power and intensity of your contractions cannot be stronger than you, because they are you.” ~Unknown
“Passing through these powerful gates – in her own way – remembering all the generations of women who walk with her… She is never alone.” ~ Suzanne Arms
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” ~Jon Kabat-Zinn
Affirmations
My body was made to do this.
My body is strong and healthy.
I am confident, prepared and ready for labor.
Breathe in peace, breathe out the tension.
Mind quiet, body relaxed.
I don’t worry about the things I can’t control.
I will make the best decisions for my baby and myself.
I am safe, and I am loved.
I am in charge of my mind.
All I have to do is breathe.
I am amazing!!
Christian Scripture
“For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’” ~Isaiah 41:13
I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. ~Philippians 4:13
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid … for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” ~Deuteronomy 31:6
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord makes His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” ~Numbers 6:24-26
“The Lord will give strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace.” ~Psalm 29:11
“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, when my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” ~Psalm 61:2
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control.” ~2 Timothy 1:7
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” ~Matthew 11:28
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~Jeremiah 29:11
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” ~Isaiah 43:2
To learn more comfort measures and pain relieving techniques for labor, check out this $25 mini childbirth course: Finding Comfort in Labor. Learn and practice relaxation, massage, counterpressure, essential oils, visualization, labor and pushing positions and more. FILL your “toolbox” with techniques that you and your support team can use during your labor to help you cope with confidence!
