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 Anyone, Anywhere
Anyone can take advantage of the mind-body connection to overcome fear, reduce pain and speed labor by using affirmations. Though many women use affirmations throughout their pregnancies, utilizing the power of positive thought does not require any special training. Furthermore, affirmations are not just for those who choose natural childbirth. Affirmations work for anyone in any birthing environment. They can also benefit women whose labors are induced, who choose pain medication or who require a surgical childbirth.
“A woman can use affirmations to support her chosen method of pain control, whether it’s breathing or regional anesthesia,” says Fekety. She also notes that affirmations may be helpful in minimizing the possible side effects associated with epidurals; for instance, keeping a woman’s blood pressure stable or helping her to urinate after giving birth.
Affirmations for Partners
Partners can be empowered by affirmations, too. “The dad who’s terrified through the whole labor misses a lot of the good stuff and he’s not able to appreciate what’s going on,” explains Ina May Gaskin from her home in Tennessee. “Some partners don’t know they can change the woman’s hormone levels and blood just by being sweet to her… If he discovers his words or caresses can actually remove pain for her, how liberating is that?”
Affirmations also help partners who share some of the same fears mothers do—will I be a good parent, will I be able to provide for my child’s needs, is our relationship ready for a child, will I be able to love a second child, what if something goes wrong during the birth? Addressing these issues and overcoming fears can unfetter partners, allowing them to be supportive and experience childbirth unhindered.
About the Author:
Bridgett Torrence is a mother, editor and freelance writer. She attributes her positive birthing experiences to the power of affirmation. Write to Bridgett at:
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Sources:
- Fekety, Susan. Personal interview. Portland, Maine: 9 October 2003.
- Fekety, Susan. The Pocket Midwife: Affirmations for Healthy Pregnancy and Normal Birthing. Excerpts courtesy of Fekety. (Publication data on request)
- Fekety, Susan. The Pocket Midwife: www.pocketmidwife.com
- Gaskin, Ina May. Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. New York: Bantam, 2003.
- Gaskin, Ina May. Personal interview. The Farm, Tennessee. 10 October 2003.
- Myung, Brooke. Personal interview. Modesto, California: 9 October 2003.
- Ormonde, Julie Suzanne. Personal interview. San Diego, California: 4 October 2003.
 This article appeared in Pathways to Family Wellness magazine, Issue #06.
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