Affirmations to Prepare for Labor and Delivery

The process of Labor and delivery brings an intensity that few experiences in life can match. As you prepare, you might feel a mix of emotions, excitement, fear, uncertainty, and anticipation.

The reality is that, no matter how much planning goes into the day, labor has a way of surprising even the most prepared among us.

There are moments that feel manageable and others that feel like they push you to your limits, both physically and emotionally.

You might encounter feelings that catch you off guard, like a sudden surge of anxiety, or even moments of calm and clarity that bring a strange but welcome peace.

In those moments, a steady focus and a few grounding thoughts can make a world of difference. That’s where affirmations can be super helpful, offering gentle and calming yet strengthening shifts in your thoughts and emotions that’ll empower you to face each moment, each breath, and each new step in this journey.

Let these affirmations be a small support to help you connect to the strength, patience, and resilience that you already carry within you.

Before we begin, I just want to let you know that I have written other affirmations article covering different steps of motherhood that you might find relevant as well:

1. Overcoming Fears Related to Labor & Delivery

It’s natural to feel fear about labor and delivery. For some, it’s the unknown that brings worry, for others, it’s specific concerns about pain, complications, or the unexpected turns labor can take.

These fears can creep up at any time, even in moments when you feel most prepared. However, acknowledging them is part of the process and can open a space for courage to grow alongside them.

I am allowed to feel my fears, and I am allowed to release them.
My body knows how to do this, even if my mind has doubts.
I am stronger than my worries and capable beyond my fears.

This moment is new, but I am not new to strength.
I can meet whatever comes my way with courage and grace.
I honor my feelings without letting them define me.

I am prepared for the unexpected, one breath at a time.

2. Managing Pain and Discomfort

Pain in labor comes and goes, often building and easing in waves. It can be intense and unrelenting in some moments, and yet, it can also surprise you with intervals of calm.

There’s no right or wrong way to experience this pain. It’s part of the rhythm, a sign of progress toward the moment of delivery.

My breath moves through each wave, carrying me forward.
I am stronger than the sensations I feel.
Each wave has a beginning and an end, and I am steady in between.

I feel my strength, even in discomfort.
I can face each moment, one breath at a time.
My body is capable of enduring this intensity.

I trust that each wave is bringing me closer to meeting my baby.

3. Patience and Surrender to the Process

The whole process can feel slower or faster than you anticipated. Moments might feel as if they stretch on endlessly, testing your patience and challenging your sense of control.

There’s a rhythm to this process that can’t be forced or hurried, and surrendering to that rhythm is often easier said than done. Trusting this timing requires a patience that allows space for both calm and restlessness to coexist.

I let go of my need to control this process.
I embrace the timing of this moment, however it unfolds.
I am patient, allowing my body to lead the way.

My body’s timing is perfect, even if it feels slow.
I am here for every moment, letting it unfold as it will.
I trust that my journey has its own pace.

I find strength in surrender, even in the waiting.

4. Calming the Mind and Body

During this time, the mind can race with thoughts, worries, and the flurry of sensations that come with each contraction. In those moments, it becomes vital to find a way to calm the noise and center yourself.

Amidst all this, It’s important to find a place of peace within the chaos, allowing your mind and body to work in harmony.

I release tension with each exhale, finding calm within.
I trust my body’s wisdom to guide me through this experience.
I am safe, and I can find peace in this moment.

My breath brings me to a place of stillness and strength.
I am in tune with my body, listening to its needs.
I cultivate calmness, even in the midst of intensity.

My mind and body are aligned, supporting one another.

5. Breathing and Grounding

Breath is the anchor in labor, connecting you to the present moment. It can serve as a powerful tool for grounding, helping to center your thoughts and ease the intensity of sensations.

Focusing on your breath, on each inhale and exhale, allows you to create space in your mind, finding clarity and calm.

With each breath, I feel more present and grounded.
My breath flows in and out, steadying my heart and mind.
I inhale strength and exhale tension with each breath.

I am connected to my body through the rhythm of my breath.
Each breath nourishes me and brings clarity.
I breathe in calm and breathe out what no longer serves me.

My breath guides me, anchoring me to this moment.

6. Trusting the Medical Team

The presence of a medical team can offer comfort, yet it can also bring up uncertainty or a sense of vulnerability.

To calm your nerves, it is essential to have trust in their expertise. They are there to help you through each phase, offering guidance and reassurance when needed.

I trust the experience and knowledge of my medical team.
I am surrounded by care, support, and expertise.
My medical team is here to help me through this journey.

I embrace the guidance offered to me, feeling supported.
I trust that I am in capable hands during this process.
I communicate openly with my team, knowing they are here for me.

Together, we create a safe space for this experience.

7. Trusting God and the Natural Process of Creation of Human Life

For many, the journey of labor is intertwined with faith and a deep trust in the natural process of bringing new life into the world. It can be both a spiritual and physical experience, filled with moments of awe and surrender.

Embracing this trust can be incredibly grounding, reminding you that you are part of something larger than yourself, a timeless cycle of creation and love.

I trust in the natural process of bringing life into the world.
This moment is sacred, filled with purpose and grace.
I surrender to the journey, knowing I am not alone.

I embrace the connection to something greater than myself.
I trust in the divine timing of this experience.
My body is a vessel of creation, strong and capable.

I feel supported by my faith as I embark on this journey.

8. Acceptance of the Unknown

Labor often comes with unexpected twists and turns that challenge your plans and expectations. The unknown can evoke feelings of anxiety or fear, yet it can also serve as an invitation to cultivate flexibility and resilience.

Accepting the uncertainties that arise allows you to navigate your journey with an open heart, trusting that you can adapt and respond to whatever comes your way.

I accept the unknown as part of this journey.
I embrace each moment, whether expected or unexpected.
Flexibility is my strength as I navigate this experience.

I trust my ability to adapt to whatever arises.
I release my need for control and embrace the journey.
I find peace in accepting what I cannot foresee.

I am capable of handling whatever comes my way.

9. Inner Strength and Resilience

This entire process of labor and delivery is a profound test of endurance, requiring you to dig deep and connect with the strength that lives within you.

Each contraction, each moment of uncertainty, invites you to recognize the power you possess and the journey you have already undertaken to reach this point.

I am stronger than I realize, capable of great endurance.
I have overcome challenges before, and I can do it again.
My inner strength shines brightly, guiding me forward.

I trust in my resilience to carry me through.
I have the power to face each moment with courage.
I honor my journey and the strength I have gained.

I am proud of my ability to rise to this occasion.

(Related: Top 50 Affirmations for Women)

How to Use These Affirmations

Incorporating affirmations into your labor preparation can be a simple yet effective way to connect with your inner strength and maintain focus during the experience.

Here are some steps to help you make the most of these affirmations:

Choose Your Affirmations: Begin by selecting a few affirmations from each category that resonate with you. You might find that some speak to your current feelings or concerns more than others.

Create a Visual Reminder: Write down your chosen affirmations on cards or in a journal. You can also create a visual board to display them in a space where you spend time, such as your bedroom or the area where you’ll be laboring.

Incorporate into Your Daily Routine: Set aside a few minutes each day to repeat your affirmations. This can be done during quiet moments, such as meditation, before bed, or while relaxing in the bath.

Practice Mindful Repetition: When repeating your affirmations, take your time. Focus on each word and allow yourself to feel the meaning behind it. Breathe deeply and let the affirmations sink in.

Use During Labor: When you enter labor, have your affirmations easily accessible. You can refer back to them whenever you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or uncertain. Consider repeating them quietly to yourself during contractions or moments of discomfort.

Share with Your Support Team: If you feel comfortable, share your affirmations with your partner, doula, or support team. They can help remind you of these affirmations during labor, offering encouragement and support.

Stay Open to Adaptation: Be flexible with your approach. If certain affirmations resonate more during labor, feel free to focus on those. Your journey is unique, and your needs may shift as you progress.

Some Reflections and Food for Thought

As you prepare for labor and delivery, it’s essential to remember that this journey is as much about the process as it is about the outcome.

Each contraction, each moment of uncertainty, is part of a profound transformation not just of your body but of your spirit.

This experience holds a duality, it can be intensely challenging yet incredibly empowering. Embracing both the struggle and the strength can create a space for growth, deep connection, and tapping into your unknown strength.

Consider taking time to reflect on the lessons you’ve learned leading up to this moment:

How have your experiences shaped your understanding of strength and vulnerability?
What has this journey revealed to you about your own capabilities?
How has it transformed you mentally and spiritually?

Each answer can serve as a source of affirmation, reinforcing your belief in yourself and your ability to navigate the steps ahead of you.

It’s also valuable to think about the support system surrounding you.

Who has walked alongside you during this journey?

How have their experiences and wisdom influenced your perspective on labor?

Cultivating gratitude for these connections is equally as important.

As you go through this important phase of your life, remember that it’s okay to feel a wide range of emotions. Allow yourself to acknowledge fear, pain, joy, and love without judgment. This acceptance can free you to fully experience each moment, deepening your connection to both yourself and your baby.

Ultimately, this journey is uniquely yours, filled with highs and lows that will be etched in your memory. Embrace it as an opportunity to discover the strength you possess, to trust in the process of life, and to celebrate the beautiful outcome that awaits you!

Take good care and congrats in advance! See you in the next guide…