http://babydustdiaries.com/2010/02/preparing-for-birth-with-affirmations/ The Road Less Traveled to Parenthood Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:09:21 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 http://babydustdiaries.com/2010/02/preparing-for-birth-with-affirmations/#comment-841 Paige Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:02:51 +0000 http://babydustdiaries.wordpress.com/2010/02/13/preparing-for-birth-with-affirmations#comment-841 I understand what you are saying Melodie. For me, the affirmations actually helped me "let go" when I needed to. I think that is because creating the affirmations is not only about visualization of the "perfect" outcome but about alleviating any fears associated with it. My perfect natural water birth became a pitocin/nubain/epidural/flat on my back experience. But because I had worked through the why of my fears about pitocin and an epidural - for example, my "fear" was that an epidural would make me and/or my baby not aware, lucid, and present at birth. My affirmation was eventually that I would be present for my baby. In the end this was why I got the epidural because I wanted to be present (and I wasn't due to some complications).I was able to have a beautiful experience even though it was NOT my perfect vision of my birth. One of my affirmations was "This is the perfect birth for my baby" so no matter what the outcome it was what needed to be for her. So, yes I had to let go of some of the affirmations but there were plenty to fill in and I had no fear! I understand what you are saying Melodie. For me, the affirmations actually helped me "let go" when I needed to. I think that is because creating the affirmations is not only about visualization of the "perfect" outcome but about alleviating any fears associated with it. My perfect natural water birth became a pitocin/nubain/epidural/flat on my back experience. But because I had worked through the why of my fears about pitocin and an epidural – for example, my "fear" was that an epidural would make me and/or my baby not aware, lucid, and present at birth. My affirmation was eventually that I would be present for my baby. In the end this was why I got the epidural because I wanted to be present (and I wasn't due to some complications).I was able to have a beautiful experience even though it was NOT my perfect vision of my birth. One of my affirmations was "This is the perfect birth for my baby" so no matter what the outcome it was what needed to be for her. So, yes I had to let go of some of the affirmations but there were plenty to fill in and I had no fear!

]]> http://babydustdiaries.com/2010/02/preparing-for-birth-with-affirmations/#comment-842 Melodie Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:15:51 +0000 http://babydustdiaries.wordpress.com/2010/02/13/preparing-for-birth-with-affirmations#comment-842 The only thing I would worry about with affirmations is that you have to know when to let them go. "I will have an easy home birth" may end up turning into an emergency c-section or ambulance transfer. I visualized my beautiful home birth many times before I went into labour and I never even got a chance to labour at home because at the last minute we found out I needed a cesarean and there were no ifs, ands or buts about it. Luckily I allowed myself to go with the flow. If I hadn't though, if I had been really stuck on my affirmations and positive thinking, i think I would have had that much harder of a time coming to terms with the surgery. I guess it's balance one needs to find for one's self. Would you agree? The only thing I would worry about with affirmations is that you have to know when to let them go. "I will have an easy home birth" may end up turning into an emergency c-section or ambulance transfer. I visualized my beautiful home birth many times before I went into labour and I never even got a chance to labour at home because at the last minute we found out I needed a cesarean and there were no ifs, ands or buts about it. Luckily I allowed myself to go with the flow. If I hadn't though, if I had been really stuck on my affirmations and positive thinking, i think I would have had that much harder of a time coming to terms with the surgery. I guess it's balance one needs to find for one's self. Would you agree?

]]> http://babydustdiaries.com/2010/02/preparing-for-birth-with-affirmations/#comment-843 Mom Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:33:15 +0000 http://babydustdiaries.wordpress.com/2010/02/13/preparing-for-birth-with-affirmations#comment-843 I was a participant in my Granddaughters birth and it was a very joyous and amazing experience. I was very proud of your prepared and controlled attitude - unlike my birthing experiences that were frightening and felt totally out of my control. The flash cards were a tool in relaxation. One year later your little miracle is walking and you are both relaxed and wonderful parents. Did I mention how beautiful she is! I was a participant in my Granddaughters birth and it was a very joyous and amazing experience. I was very proud of your prepared and controlled attitude – unlike my birthing experiences that were frightening and felt totally out of my control. The flash cards were a tool in relaxation. One year later your little miracle is walking and you are both relaxed and wonderful parents. Did I mention how beautiful she is!

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