Pregnancy and Birth Affirmations

My baby is strong and healthy.

I trust my body.

My belly is full of light and love.

I am a strong and capable woman.

I have patience.

My cervix is firm and strong to hold my baby safe.

I am at peace with the world.

There is no need for us to hurry.

I have an open heart.

I am strong and calm and beautiful.

Birth is a wonderful, safe experience.

My body knows exactly what to do.

My baby feels my joy.

I trust my labor.

I am open to the energy of birth.

My baby is born in pure pleasure.

I ask for and receive what I need.

My baby is healthy.

I embrace the wisdom of my body.

I have an open heart.

I am surrounded by loving, nurturing support.

I trust my inner wisdom.

I fearlessly surrender to the power of my body.

My body is nourishing my baby perfectly.

I trust my knowing of what is true for me.

Pregnancy is a joy.

Birth comes easily to me.

I feel good being pregnant.

I am whole and at peace.

My baby loves to breastfeed.

I love being pregnant.

I am aware of my balanced, calm center.

My body knows how to birth my baby.

I have everything I need.

Breastfeeding feels wonderful.

My body becomes stronger and more flexible every day.

I listen to my body and my heart.

I am patient and composed.

I believe in birth.

I cooperate with my body and my baby.

My baby knows how to be born.

I put all fear aside as I prepare for the birth of my baby.

Untapped sources of strength are available to me.

I am relaxed and happy that my baby is finally coming to me.

My baby is free to choose her own destiny in the world.

I am focused on a smooth, easy birth.

I trust my body to know what it is to do.

I welcome my coming labor as the perfect one for me and my baby.

My mind is relaxed, my body is relaxed.

I am an active and powerful laboring woman.

I feel confident; I feel safe; I feel secure.

I welcome this opportunity to grow and change.

My muscles work in complete harmony to make birthing easier.

I desire foods that nourish me and support my health.

I relax as we move quickly and easily through each stage of birth.

My baby is in the perfect position for birth.

My cervix opens outward and allows my baby to ease down.

I am a link in the endless chain of birthing women.

I fully relax and turn my birthing over to Nature.

I am willing to release my baby into the world.

I choose a gentle and natural birth.

I see my baby coming smoothly from my womb.

My baby's birth will be easy because I am so relaxed.

My breath is easy, deep, and full.

My baby will be born at the perfect moment.

I turn my birthing over to my baby and my body.

My body knows exactly what to do.

Each surge of my body brings my baby closer to me.

My body is wise and purposeful.

I am totally relaxed and at ease.

I can handle whatever comes up.

My body remains still and limp.

I trust my intuition.

I release my birthing over to my body and my baby.

My baby is safe.

I put all fear aside and welcome by baby with happiness and joy.

I love and trust my body.

I deserve and receive all the love and support I need.

I deserve a gentle, natural birth.

I claim my birthright for a wonderful birth.

I am a wonderful mother.

 

Yoga Nidra

Yoga nidra means psychic sleep.  You enter this state briefly between sleep and wakefulness. During the practice of yoga nidra you enter and prolong this state. Entering this state creates a connection with the inner self, the subconscious and higher consciousness. Once envoked, this awareness promotes yogic growth and increases positive emotions of love, peace and harmony will permeate your life. During pregnancy you develop a deeper connection with your baby and gives you an opportunity for spiritual growth and rebirth. 

During the practice of yoga nidra you are directed into a state of deep relaxation and can be used before sleep; preparing you for a deeper, more peaceful and rejuvenating sleep. During yoga nidra you train your mind to rest rather than trouble it throughout the night with life's stresses. Practicing before sleep relaxes both the body and mind. Sleep with be deeper, requiring one to sleep less and wake up feeling fresh and energetic.

Once entering into psychic sleep the mind becomes clear and thoughts more powerful. The mind opens itself to suggestion. By creating a resolve or intention that is deeply important to oneself you hold within yourself the power to change your life.  During pregnancy you can use yoga nidra to overcome any fears you may have about your pregnancy or upcoming birth. Set a resolve such as "My body is strong and capable of having a happy and healthy baby" or "My body knows exactly what to do"or anything else you may find meaningful. Repeat your resolve at the beginning and end of your practice before you open your eyes and use this intention throughout your regular yoga practice to reinforce its effectiveness.  

In yoga nidra the mind should follow all directions unquestioningly and without understanding or rationalization. You must remain awake and alert, but do not try and remember the words as it will exhaust your mind and send it to sleep. Practice yoga nidra in a supine position or while pregnant side lying, supported by pillows, bottom leg straight top leg bent and resting on a cushion so that there is no pressure on the abdomen. The body should be completely relaxed and still. There should be no physical movement once yoga nidra has begun; eyes remain closed. Yoga nidra can be practiced at anytime throughout the day and vary in length from 20 minutes to one hour. 

Choosing a Doula

• What training have you had?
• What is your philosophy of childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labour? How do you work with my partner to support me?
• Tell us your experience with birth, both personally and as a doula?
• What service will you provide us prenatally?
• May we call with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
• When do we call you in labour? How do we reach you?
• Do you come to our home or to the hospital when I am in labour?
• Do you work with a back up doula (for times when you are not available or in case of a very long labour?) Can we speak with her if you anticipate needing her?
• Do you meet with us after the birth to review the labour and answer questions?
• What is your fee? What does it include?

The above are a list of possible questions when interviewing a doula (adapted from Elmont Professional Birth Services).

Introductory Offer

While I am working on my certification I will offer my services on a karma basis. I ask for nothing, but if you feel like giving a donation it would be greatly appreciated.

In addition to my regular services I will offer to my first 3 mothers a 3-1 hour yoga lessons (private)/or relaxation session free. 

What is a Doula?

"Doula" is a Greek word meaning "servant" or "helper". A doula takes on the role that in more traditional societies is filled by experienced women related to the childbearing woman (mother, aunt, sister). In many of these cultures women remain with their families and are supported throughout their pregnancy and for an extended period of time afterwards. She relies upon her elders for their knowledge as well as their physical and emotional support.

In modern cities we have lost this connection; not that we don't have a loving caring support system provided by our families, but jobs and different life choices have spread us apart.  Many partners move away from their families leaving themselves without direct access to the knowledge gained from these elder females. This role then falls solely on the mothers partner, who unrightfully is expected to know how to care for her in an unfamiliar situation. No one could ever take the place of the partner in the loving support they provide, but the addition of a doula to their team can make the experience less stressful and hopefully more positive. 

A doula is trained on many aspects of pregnancy and childbirth and is knowledgeable on how to initiate breast feeding in those early postpartum hours. Her goal is to help the couple by providing them with the tools they need before they enter the birthing room and the support they may require during this amazing experience. A doula, however, does not have a medical background and though may be able to provide answers to general questions, she is not there to help make medical decisions or give advice. She is there to work with you and your caregiver to give YOU the most positive experience possible.

A doula is there in the wee hours to give you that boost of energy when your partner may be fading. She is there to help welcome your newborn. It is your happiness that we live for. And though many of us wish for the least amount of medical interventions we will support you in whatever decisions you choose.  In the end, we want all birth experiences to feel valid and full-filling and to minimize any feelings of loss that one may experience because the event didn't go as planned. A doula wants to prepare you for the unexpected and to let you know that it's OK.