Affirmations can be used in any part of your life. Maybe you need a reminder that you’re doing a good job at work. That a difficult period in your life is going to pass. Or that you’re ready to embrace the pregnancy journey ahead. Whatever the reason, a short affirmation can make a difference. It’s one of many comfort measures our doulas use with clients here at The Nesting Place.
What is an affirmation?
It’s typically a short phrase or sentence that you can repeat multiple times. For example “I am enough.”
Why are they useful?
It’s something that anyone can do. Regardless of the situation you’re in, you can lean on your affirmations as a guidepost during a difficult time. Some people will also integrate affirmations with other practices, such as breathing exercises. The key is to find what works for YOU.
How can you access affirmations?
In the birth world, we’ve seen clients who like to write out their affirmations by hand, in a journal or notebook. Others enjoy having them printed on cards that they can flip through during their pregnancy. And finally, others will keep the affirmations digitally, in their phone or an app. It depends on what you’re comfortable with.
How often should I use affirmations?
As often as you like! Maybe it’s daily, weekly, or just whenever you’re in need. We suggest you keep the affirmations handy so you can access them easily when needed. Or set aside a block of time each day to sit, reflect, and work through your affirmations in a calm environment.
Do they really work?
We found a great article that shows scientifically the difference affirmations can make. Here is an excerpt from Third Space talking about their impact:
A study published in the journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience used MRI to reveal that practising self-affirmation activates the reward centres in your brain. Simply say to yourself “I will earn that promotion” and it’ll light up the same reward centres that respond to other pleasurable experiences, such as eating great food. or winning a prize. It fires up your neural pathways and makes changes to those areas of the brain that makes you happy and positive.
We pulled together 20 of our favourite affirmations for your pregnancy journey. These are ones you can use leading up to birth. Depending on your conception journey some of these below may not resonate. You should use affirmations that work for you and leave out any that don’t resonate with your individual path. We’ll be sharing some of our favourite birth and postpartum affirmations in the weeks ahead.
You’re going to be a wonderful parent.
Each contraction means I am closer to meeting my baby.
You are creating a nurturing environment for your baby.
My body tells me what it needs. My job is to listen.
My body is amazing just the way it is.
I am in control, at peace, and in balance
I will do my best as a parent.
I trust my instincts.
I am grateful.
My body was made to do this.
I am resilient, strong, and brave.
I am capable of amazing things.
Every week is a step closer to meeting my bundle of joy.
Our home is filled with love and kindness.
You are supported and loved.
Everything I need to take care of this baby is already within me.
My body is remarkable. Look at all it can do.
I can endure all and will endure all that comes my way.
My most important job in pregnancy and childbirth is to simply relax, stay centered, serene, and balanced, and to allow my baby’s birth to happen.
Just breathe and know that everything will be okay.
I can do this.
Where can I buy affirmation cards?
Our sister company – Doula School – has a terrific set of 50+ birth cards. They include affirmations, plus things like comfort measures, labour positions, powerful quotes, and more. If you’re interested, their eBirth Cards are available for purchase here.