At Austin Baby Guru, we like to be direct, honest, and realistic. This means, we are not going to force a bunch of toxic positivity on you, but you’ve probably already noticed this. 🙂  That said, we are so honored to support pregnant and postpartum folks in navigating the transition into parenthood (or parenthood with an additional kiddo), and we’ve seen folks benefit from the use of affirmations during pregnancy and/or postpartum. 

There is evidence in the field of neuroscience that self-affirmations can actually help change the brain and support someone in orienting towards a kind view of themself. Sometimes directing or redirecting our attention to a specific thought or self-talk can help us shift our energy. Additionally, affirmations can be reminders that loved ones give you in moments where things are feeling difficult, off, or overwhelming. If they know the words you might like to hear, you are giving them and yourself a tool to get started with.

Below you’ll find lists of affirmations for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Take what works for you, edit as you wish, and throw out the rest. Also, feel free to use these as inspiration to create your own affirmations or affirmation cards to hang in your home/birth space/etc. We’d love to hear what you come up with!

Affirmations for Pregnancy:

• I connect with my baby through words and songs.
• I am patient. My baby will come when they are ready. 
• I visualize myself meeting and snuggling my baby.
• I give myself grace and treat myself with kindness.
• My belly grows more full of love each day.
• I am a great mother/father/parent.
• My body is working hard, and I am in awe of this process.
• Me and baby are working together.
• I am flexible with myself as I navigate my needs during pregnancy.

Affirmations for Labor and Birth:

• I confidently communicate my needs and preferences to those around me.
• I feel strong and confident in my body.
• Breathe in peace, exhale tension.
• I breathe into each contraction/wave.
• When it feels like to much, I remember my breath and take it one contraction/wave at a time.
• I float through each contraction/wave without resistance.
• Relax, soften, open.
• Each contraction/wave brings baby down.
• I trust my body.

Affirmations for Postpartum:

• I honor myself by being honest with my feelings and needs.
• This is a phase. This moment isn’t forever.
• I am patient with myself and my family as we navigate this transition.
• It’s okay to rest today.
• It takes time for my body to adjust and heal. I trust the process.
• I am open to receiving support from my community.
• I am patient with my body and give myself time to heal.
• I am grateful for the moments of connection I feel with my baby/partner/family.
• Being present is one of the greatest gifts I can give my baby.
• I am listening to my body’s cues and respond with love and care.
• I honor and respect my intuition.
• I am proud of myself and the ways I am caring for myself/my baby/my family.

ABG is Here for You

Your pregnancy, birthing, and parenting journey matters deeply to us at Austin Baby Guru! We are here to offer support, ideas, and referrals as your family plans for and navigates life with a new baby. We invite you to reach out if you need help preparing for this transition!

*Photo credit: Jonathan Borba on Unsplash