Are you a Christian and want your faith to be a part of your birthing experience? We get it, and we love it. We want to help! Let's first talk about birth affirmations. Many mothers have never heard of them until their doula brings it up. Let's discuss what they are, how they work, how you can practice them, and why you may choose a Bible verse.
What is a birth affirmation? A birth affirmation is a positive statement or phrase that a mother-to-be can repeat to herself during labor and delivery to help stay focused, calm, and confident. A birth affirmation will only help if it touches the mom's heart and has meaning to her. Enough meaning that when she hears it, it will help ground her. A birth affirmation can be a simple saying like, "Every contraction brings you closer to your baby", "You are strong enough", or "Your body was created to birth". We typically have our mothers write down as many as they'd like, but have 3-5 that touch their heart deeply. We'll use those when labor is getting difficult and they need to be encouraged.
How does a birth affirmation work? Practice, practice, practice. A birth affirmation is a positive statement that can help you prepare for and cope with labor and delivery. The idea is that by repeating affirmations to yourself, you can focus on the positive aspects of birth and reduce anxiety and fear. Many women find them helpful in promoting relaxation and confidence during childbirth. However, the best way for them to work is through practicing them while you're still pregnant.
How can you practice birth affirmations? There are several ways to practice birth affirmations, such as writing them down and reading them daily, saying them out loud during relaxation or visualization exercises, using them as mantras or continuous sayings during labor, and incorporating them into daily conversations with your partner or support team. It's important to choose affirmations that resonate with you and align with your birth goals and values.
Why choose bible verses for birth affirmations? Bible verses can provide comfort, strength, and encouragement during the birthing process. They can also serve as a reminder of God's love and presence during this special moment. Additionally, many people find that incorporating their faith into their birth affirmations helps them connect with their spirituality and feel more grounded. 20 Bible Verses to choose from as a birth affirmation:
20 Bible Verses for Birth Affirmations:
"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb." - Psalm 139:13
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart." - Jeremiah 1:5
"Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." - Psalm 127:3
"I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him." - 1 Samuel 1:27
"The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." - Psalm 121:7-8
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6
"For nothing will be impossible with God." - Luke 1:37
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." - Isaiah 40:31
"I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." - Psalm 121:1-2
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." - Numbers 6:24-26
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:6-7
"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." - Isaiah 40:29
"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
"The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing." - Zephaniah 3:17
"For you have been my hope, Sovereign Lord, my confidence since my youth." - Psalm 71:5
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17
"The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." - Psalm 18:2
"For in him we live and move and have our being." - Acts 17:28
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul." - Psalm 23:1-3
"Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:34
At Suncoast Doula, we value your faith and love helping you incorporate it into your labor and birthing experience. As two Christian doulas, we understand that desire deeply. We find that bringing your faith into the birth room can bring an even deeper level of intimacy that provides comfort, encouragement, strength, joy, and peace with the mother and partner. Why pass that up? Instead, we can work together to incorporate more Christian aspects into your birth like worship music and prayer. We're here to support you, however you'd like your birth to look.