Ultimate Guide to Birth Affirmations: How to Choose Your Mantra

What is a Birth Affirmation?

A birth affirmation is a powerful tool that can guide you through the unique journey of pregnancy and birth. When I talk about a mantra, some might think of something religious or meditative, but at its core, a mantra is simply a phrase or word repeated to center and focus the mind. In the context of pregnancy and birth, a mantra that holds deep personal meaning becomes a birth affirmation—offering you strength, grounding, and peace as you move through each stage of labor.

Choosing a phrase that resonates with you allows your affirmation to become a source of empowerment, a reminder of your inner strength. In this guide, we’ll explore ways to find the perfect affirmation for your birth experience, share stories from other mothers, and offer resources to help you make the most of your mantras.

How Do You Choose Your Affirmation?

I once worked with a young, single mother who chose an affirmation that surprised me: "It’s going to get worse." While this might seem counterintuitive, her reasoning was insightful. She didn’t want anyone to offer false reassurances about how much longer her labor would last or promise that her baby was almost there. She needed the strength to climb her personal mountain, knowing the journey would be challenging, but that she was prepared for it.

Her mantra carried her through an intense, 39-hour labor, and though it was physically demanding, she emerged feeling empowered. Her ability to embrace the challenge head-on, without the need for external validation, was a reminder that each birth experience is uniquely personal—and that the right mantra can be anything that makes you feel in control and confident.

What if a Phrase Doesn't Come to Me?

Not every mother will instantly know what words will offer her comfort. I had a client who preferred minimal interaction during her labor. Instead of spoken affirmations, we found that music was the key to helping her stay grounded. When I played one of her favorite songs, As Sure as the Sun by Ellie Holcomb, I saw her body physically relax. Her son was born shortly after, to the sound of another meaningful song, This is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham.

Birth affirmations aren’t always spoken—they can be felt in a piece of music, a gentle touch, or even the rhythm of your breath. It’s important to find what resonates with you, whether that’s a song, a simple phrase, or even a single word that brings you back to center.

Birth Stories and the Power of Affirmations

Another client of mine discovered her birth mantra during a pivotal moment in labor. As her contractions intensified and her pain grew, she whispered, "I can’t." Her midwife gently reminded her, "You can." But it wasn’t until I suggested she talk to her baby that everything changed. She began quietly repeating, "Baby, please come out. Come out, baby." With each contraction, her words became more powerful, and her baby was soon born, to her own mantra of strength.

These stories show that birth affirmations come in many forms, whether they are spoken, felt, or even found in music. What matters most is that your mantra is something personal that helps you feel empowered.

Inspiration for Creating Your Mantra

Here are some examples of mantras that other mothers have used:

- "I trust my body."

- "I am strong and capable."

- "Each breath brings me closer to meeting my baby."

- "My body knows exactly what to do."

- "I feel safe and supported."

- "I am present. I am powerful."

Whether you choose one of these, a line from a favorite song, or write your own, the key is finding something that speaks directly to you and brings you peace.

Using Music as an Affirmation

Music can be incredibly powerful during labor. Creating a playlist of songs that resonate with you can offer both emotional and physical relief during different stages of labor. Some mothers prefer soothing, meditative music, while others are energized by upbeat tracks. Here’s a short list of songs that my clients have included in their birth playlists:

- Whatever It Takes - Imagine Dragons

- Breathe (2 AM) - Anna Nalick

- Mother Song - Krishna Das

- Shameless - Garth Brooks

- Sunrise - Norah Jones

- Let’s Get It On - Marvin Gaye

- Claire de Lune - Claude Debussy

There’s no right or wrong choice when it comes to music—it’s all about what makes you feel grounded, safe, and empowered. Here’s a link to our ultimate birthing playlist, full of songs from every genre that are hand-picked by doulas to be soothing and supportive to labor or energizing in nature.

Birth Affirmation Cards and Visual Cues

If words are your focus, birth affirmation cards can be a beautiful addition to your preparation. These cards can feature simple, empowering statements like "I am strong" or "My baby and I are working together." Some mothers like to make their own cards, incorporating images and colors that bring them comfort. You can hang these up in your birth space as gentle reminders of your strength.

Affirmation Resources

For those looking for inspiration, here are some great resources to explore:

- Mama Natural - How Positive Affirmations Help During Labor

- Alice Turner - Easy DIY Birth Affirmation Banner (Youtube Video)

- Lori Bregman - The Doula Deck: Practices for Calm and Connection (In Client Library*)

- Levfla - Pregnancy and Birth Affirmation Cards (In Client Library*)

- Kimberly Ann Johnson - Fourth Trimester Cards

Finding What Works for You

Ultimately, birth affirmations are about finding what speaks to your heart. It could be a word, a song, or even a phrase you’ve heard in passing. The goal is to have something that centers and empowers you, allowing you to feel strong and in control as you welcome your baby into the world.

Take your time, explore different mantras, and trust that when the moment comes, you’ll have the perfect affirmation to guide you through.

I hope this guide helps you find the strength and inspiration you need for your birth journey. Feel free to leave a comment or reach out if you’d like to share your own affirmations or experiences.

-Lyndsay