Our brain is our most powerful asset, it can work for us or against us, depending on the messages you give it. Preparing for birth or navigating postpartum can become scary and challenging, but the messages we tell ourselves will either help us become stronger or make it more challenging for us. In Maxwell Maltz’s book, Psycho-Cybernetics, he shares , “Whether we realize it or not, each of us carries about with us a mental blueprint picture or picture of ouirselves…This self-image is our own conception of the ‘sort of person I am’. It has been built up from our own beliefs about ourselves…We do not question [this picture’s] validity, but proceed to act upon it, just as if it was true.” (Maltz, Psycho-Cybernetics, pg. 2). I recommend this book if you want to learn the power our minds have. In other words, if we believe that we are going to fail, we will unconsciously make it come true. But if you truly can do it, you will unconsciously help yourself bring it to pass! Our thoughts become our own self-prophecies.
So now think about the messages you are telling yourself, are they positive or negative? Are they going to hinder or help you? It’s definitely easier said than done. Most people have developed the habit of telling ourselves negative messages. Forming a habit of telling ourselves positive affrimations can help us overcome our habits negative messages.
Now, with this background, what exactly are affirmations? Affirmations are words or statements we say to ourselves, rather positive or negative. Positive affirmations can help us prepare for birth, help us during labor and birth, and can even help us postpartum. Honestly, positive affirmations can help us at any time of our lives. For positive affirmations to work, you have to say them out loud repeatedly. Some do it once a day, and some do it multiple times a day. Positive affirmations can also help relax your body, which can help a lot during labor and birth. You can write them down, listen to them, read them, and simply think them. There are many podcasts on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and other sources that you can get affirmations for free easily. Many birth classes also offer affirmations as a part or additon to their course. Or, you can even record your affirmations yourself and listen to it on repeat. Listening to them can help can be a key way to help us say and think of them often.
Practicing positive affirmations can help :
- lower anxiety
- improve outcomes
- overcome fear
- increase sense of control
- overcome depression
- improve mood
- decrease interventions during birth
- increase strength and endurance.
Engaging in positive affirmations has truly helped me during my pregnancy, during labor and birth, and has helped in my postpartum motherhood journey. I really encourage you to make it part of your daily routine. As The Utah Birth Place, if you need help in getting started with your affirmations or having a hard time believing in them, please reach out to us! We love helping our moms work towards the birth they want, and we want you to feel confident in that goal through your affirmations. You can do this, mamma!
Free Positive Affrimations
All About Birth Affirmations [Includes FREE Printable Birth Affirmation Cards]
88 Positive Postpartum Affirmations for New Moms
Mama Nautral Affirmations
Mama Natural Pregnancy Affirmation Cards For Women – 50 Beautiful New Mom Affirmation Cards To Inspire & Empower You Along Your Pregnancy Journey | Gifts For New Mom & Post Partum Gifts For Mom
Mama Natural Postpartum Affirmation Cards for Women – 50 Uplifting and Vibrant Mama Natural Cards to Support New Moms After Birth | new mom affirmation cards & Pregnancy Postpartum Gifts for Mom