Affirmations
Verbal Affirmations: Clearing a SpaceOur thoughts greatly influence our experiences. By bringing awareness to our negative thoughts we have the power to transform them into powerful declarations. Verbal affirmations state what you want, “I trust my body,” and turn negative thoughts in positive attitudes. To do this you need to be aware of your negative thoughts are. Below is an exercise from “Creating a Joyful Birth Experience,” that helps you clear a space in which to “change you mind.”

Materials:
Paper and felt-tips pens

Purpose:
To affirm what you want during pregnancy and to clear away negative thoughts and expectations that block you.

Technique:

1. Take two pens, each a different color, one in each hand. With you dominant hand write a strong, positive statement ( a belief or behavior you want to cultivate in yourself), for example: “ I’m enjoying a healthy pregnancy.” Affirmations come from the three P’s: keep them Positive, Personal, and in the Present tense. See the list below for ideas if you can’t think of any affirmations.
2. After you have written your affirmation, pause and notice your feelings about it . Be totally honest. With your non-dominant hand (using the other colored pen), write the first reaction that comes to mind, whatever it is.
3. Continue writing the affirmation with you dominant hand. Each time you write out your affirmation, let the non-dominant hand write your reaction. The reactions will probably change. Allow them to be whatever they are. Be honest with yourself. (See examples below)
4. Continue this “call and response” dialogue, until you observe that your reaction has to become neutral or positive. At that point you may choose to stop. Always end with the affirmation or positive statement. Doing so will help you reprogram the “cleared space” in your unconscious mind.

Affirmations List:

1. I love being pregnant.
2. My body looks beautiful, or I look great.
3. I am full of energy and confidence.
4. I fell organized and ready for this birth.
5. I love who I am.
6. My needs are important
7. I can trust my inner wisdom.
8. I feel safe and protected.
9. I can say no and still be respected.
10. I can think and feel at the same time.
11. I feel good being pregnant.
12. I have time for this pregnancy in my life.

Visual affirmations are one of the most powerful ways to make wishes and dreams come true.

To order “Creating a Joyful Birth Experience” by Lucia Capacchione and Sandra Bardsley contact http://www.waterbirthinternational.com

Additional pregnancy support includes:

• Birth planning
• Conscious conception
• Bedrest issues
• Belly casting
• Blessingway
• Affirmations
• Partner bond
• Pain coping techniques

More services:

• Overview
• Rates
• Labor Support
• Postpartum Support

"The Fire Within"
by Mara Friedman