How Doulas Use Birth Affirmations to Empower Moms
Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most powerful, vulnerable, and transformative experiences a person can have. And while there’s no “right” way to give birth, one tool that consistently helps birthing people feel more calm, confident, and supported is the use of birth affirmations.
Feeling emotionally safe and supported during labor is key, not just for comfort, but for the continuous release of oxytocin, the hormone that drives contractions and supports labor progress. When you feel safe, seen, and grounded, your body can stay in the birth flow. That’s where affirmations, especially when guided by a doula, can become such a powerful tool. Whether you’re planning an unmedicated home birth or delivering in a hospital, these simple, intentional phrases can help anchor you through every phase of labor.
What Are Birth Affirmations?
Birth affirmations are short, powerful, and positive statements designed to encourage and support the birthing person during pregnancy and labor. They focus on inner strength, trust in the body, and a calm mind. Used intentionally, positive birth affirmations can help:
Ease anxiety and fear
Reinforce a sense of control and choice
Shift negative thoughts into empowering ones
Strengthen the mind-body connection
Think of them like mental mantras… words that root you in your strength and remind you what you’re capable of, even in the most intense moments.There are always times in labor where birthing people question what they’re capable of. Having a confident voice affirm you in your strength and power can make all the difference.
How Doulas Use Birth Affirmations
Doulas often weave affirmations into their support throughout pregnancy and labor. Whether spoken aloud, or used during breathing and movement, they’re a powerful part of the emotional and psychological support doulas provide. Here’s how doulas may incorporate birth affirmations:
Prenatal visits: A doula might help you create a list of affirmations that resonate with you and your birth preferences. They’re also a voice to affirm the decisions you’re already making for yourself and your baby throughout pregnancy.
Labor support: During labor, your doula may repeat affirmations to you, especially during contractions, moments of self-doubt, or transitions.
Environment setting: Some doulas bring printed affirmation cards, help hang them in the birth space, or encourage partners to read them aloud.
Visualization exercises: Affirmations are often paired with breathwork or guided imagery to reduce stress and promote oxytocin flow.
Doulas know that birth is not just a physical process - it’s mental and emotional, too. Affirmations offer a way to tap into your inner strength and create a more grounded experience.
Need help planning your support team? Here are some questions to ask your doula.
Positive Birth Affirmations to Empower Moms
Below are affirmations that doulas commonly use or recommend. You can write them on sticky notes, print cards, or choose just one or two that really land for you. Feel free to make them your own or speak them out loud during practice contractions or meditation.
Birth Affirmations for Confidence
These affirmations remind you that you are prepared, capable, and in control of your birth experience.
“I trust my body and my instincts.”
“I am prepared to meet whatever turns my birthing takes.”
“My body knows exactly what to do.”
“I am safe, supported, and empowered.”
“Birth is a journey, and I am ready for it.”
Birth Affirmations for Relaxation
Staying grounded and relaxed can help labor progress more smoothly and reduce tension. These affirmations support calm and openness.
“With each breath, I relax more deeply.”
“My job is to relax and let my body lead.”
“I breathe in strength and breathe out tension.”
“I soften and open with every contraction.”
“Peace and strength surround me.”
Birth Affirmations for Strength
Labor is hard work. These affirmations help you tap into your endurance, stamina, and power.
“Each wave brings me closer to my baby.”
“I am strong. I am fierce. I am powerful.”
“My contractions are not stronger than me - they are me.”
“This intensity is temporary. I can do anything for one minute.”
“I am doing this. I am doing this.”
You can say these silently in your mind, out loud between surges, or have your birth partner or doula repeat them to you. Even if they seem cheesy now, or you don’t think you’ll want these words spoken aloud, most people cling to a phrase or two during labor to help them work through the most intense moments.
The Lasting Power of Birth Affirmations
What makes birth affirmations so impactful isn’t just how they help in the moment - it’s how they can reshape your entire mindset around birth.
Affirmations can:
Rewire how you talk to yourself in times of stress
Help you prepare emotionally in the weeks leading up to birth
Support trauma healing or shift a fearful narrative into an empowering one
Create moments of connection between you and your birth team
Continue to ground you in early postpartum and parenting
Many people continue to use their birth affirmations long after labor - when breastfeeding feels hard, when they’re adjusting to new routines, or when they need a reminder of how strong they are. Whether you’re birthing in a hospital, birth center, or at home, positive birth affirmations can be a simple, accessible, and transformative tool. They help turn down fear and turn up your inner strength, and when paired with a doula’s support, they can completely shift how you experience birth.
Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or your fourth, birth affirmations can help you feel grounded, strong, and supported. At [Your Practice Name], our doulas work with you to create a personalized support plan—including affirmations that truly speak to you.
Let’s create a birth experience that feels calm, connected, and confident.
Schedule a discovery call to meet your doula and start planning your empowered birth journey.