Affirmations for Birth: 50 Calm, Supportive Phrases

When my daughters recently gave birth, I found myself in a strange mix of wonder and quiet disbelief—not just because they were becoming mothers, but because birth itself looked so different from when I did it. There were playlists, diffusers, guided meditations… and something called affirmations for birth.

At first, I’ll admit—I thought it sounded a bit far-fetched. Hypnobirthing? My mind went straight to a stage show and a pocket watch, half expecting someone to start clucking like a chicken.

But as I listened and learned, I realised hypnobirthing wasn’t about losing control—it was about finding it. It’s not performative or passive. It’s a quiet, intentional practice that uses words, breath, and belief to stay present in the body and calm in the mind.

Hypnobirthing Explained: It’s Not What You Think

Hypnobirthing isn’t about being hypnotised or checked out. It’s about working with your body instead of against it—using relaxation, focused breathing, visualisation, and birth affirmations to create a sense of calm during labour.

The idea is simple but powerful: when the mind feels safe, the body can relax. And when the body relaxes, birth can unfold more naturally and with less fear. Rather than being swept away by pain or anxiety, hypnobirthing techniques help you stay grounded, connected, and present.

As someone who believes deeply in the power of words and the mind-body connection, hypnobirthing affirmations felt right up my street. So, I set about creating a collection of simple, powerful affirmations for my daughters to use—words that would feel like a steady hand on the shoulder when they needed it most. Words to remind them that strength and softness can exist side by side.

50 Positive Birth Affirmations to Support a Calm, Empowered Labour

These affirmations aren’t about forcing positivity—they’re about creating small pockets of trust and calm, even when things feel intense. You can say them aloud, whisper them quietly, write them down, or simply hold them in your heart.

Here are 50 gentle affirmations for birth to choose from:

1. I trust my body and my baby.
2. Each wave brings my baby closer to me.
3. I breathe in strength and breathe out fear.
4. My body was made to do this.
5. I am safe, my baby is safe.
6. I meet each surge with courage.
7. I am surrounded by love and support.
8. I welcome each sensation as part of the process.
9. My baby and I are a perfect team.
10. I breathe deeply and release tension.
11. I am calm, capable, and connected.
12. Every breath fills me with strength.
13. My body knows exactly what to do.
14. I am grounded and present.
15. I surrender to the rhythm of my body.
16. My instincts are wise and trustworthy.
17. I open, I soften, I release.
18. I am more than capable of bringing my baby into the world.
19. I greet each contraction with acceptance.
20. My mind is calm; my body is relaxed.
21. I am prepared for this journey.
22. I am powerful beyond measure.
23. I allow birth to unfold naturally.
24. I embrace each moment with peace.
25. My body opens easily and naturally.
26. I am doing beautifully.
27. I am strong, even when I rest.
28. I trust the timing of my baby’s birth.
29. Every surge brings me closer to meeting my child.
30. I trust in my ability to birth gently.
31. My body and baby are working together perfectly.
32. I release any fear and welcome this experience.
33. I am present, I am patient, I am powerful.
34. I welcome my baby with open arms and an open heart.
35. I release tension with every exhale.
36. My body is powerful, wise, and capable.
37. I am flexible and open to my birthing journey.
38. I feel confident, safe, and strong.
39. I ride each wave with ease and trust.
40. I am grateful for this journey.
41. I trust the natural process of birth.
42. My baby is making their way in their perfect time.
43. I move through labour with grace and strength.
44. I am exactly where I need to be.
45. My breath guides me through each moment.
46. I am connected to generations of women before me.
47. I allow my body to work in its own perfect way.
48. I greet the unknown with an open heart.
49. I trust the wisdom within me.
50. I am bringing new life into the world with love.

Now that you’ve explored a range of affirmations for birth, you might be wondering how to actually bring them into your daily rhythm—or how they might support you in the moment when you need them most. Here are a few simple, grounding ways to begin using them in a way that feels natural and nourishing.

How to Use Birth Affirmations

Using birth affirmations isn’t about forcing yourself to feel a certain way. It’s about creating small, steady reminders that you are safe, strong, and supported—no matter what your birth journey looks like.

Here are some gentle ways to weave affirmations into your pregnancy and labour experience:

1. Choose a Few Affirmations That Truly Resonate

You don’t need to memorise all fifty. Instead, pick two or three that feel grounding to you. The ones that, when you hear them, make your shoulders drop a little or your breath deepen.

2. Repeat Them Daily

Say your chosen affirmations aloud once or twice a day, especially when you’re feeling calm and relaxed. You might whisper them first thing in the morning, say them during a quiet walk, or repeat them as you fall asleep at night. Over time, these words start to feel familiar and comforting—like old friends.

3. Surround Yourself With Your Affirmations

Write them on sticky notes and place them around your home—on your bathroom mirror, next to your bed, or even on your fridge. You can also create a small “affirmation board” with images and words that feel inspiring and supportive.

4. Record Yourself Saying Them

Hearing your own voice speaking words of strength can be deeply powerful. You might record a short voice note on your phone and listen to it during relaxation, meditation, or even during early labour.

5. Use Them During Labour

During labour, affirmations can act as anchors when emotions rise or energy dips. You might find it helpful to:

• Say them aloud between surges.
• Breathe in on the first part of the phrase and breathe out on the second (e.g., “I breathe in strength… I breathe out fear.”).
• Ask your birth partner or support person to quietly read them to you if you need extra encouragement.

Gentle Reminder:

You don’t have to do this perfectly. Some days you might not feel connected to the words—and that’s okay. Affirmations are simply an offering. They are there when you want them, like a hand reaching out to steady you when the ground feels shaky.

A Final Word of Reassurance

Affirmations for birth aren’t about pretending everything will go perfectly. They’re about creating a steady rhythm of reassurance—reminding you (or someone you love) that you’re allowed to feel capable, supported, and safe. That your body and your baby are working together. That you are doing something remarkable.

Birth may look different now than it did in my generation—more tools, more choice, more space for calm—but at its heart, it’s still a deeply human experience. One that invites us to trust, to soften, and to find strength in unexpected places.

And maybe that’s the real gift of these affirmations—they aren’t just for the birthing room. They’re for all the moments in life when courage whispers louder than fear. When softness becomes strength. And when you remember that calm is something you can carry with you.

If affirmations speak to you—whether for birth, healing, or simply navigating the quieter storms of life—why not download my free guide: The Ultimate Affirmations Guide.
It’s a beautifully simple resource to help you choose, create, and use affirmations that truly support you—wherever you are in your journey.