Reminders needed....

[mom2threenurslings]

With what happened with Amy and the stress some of us are under right now, I thought it would be good to have a thread where people could post affirmations, wonderful natural birth stories, links to wonderful natural birth stories, and any other reminder that in most cases birth is a normal, natural part of life that results in a happy healthy mama and a happy healthy baby.

:

[Shell_Ell]

This is a great idea. I was just thinking how we needed a positive thread.

[mom2threenurslings]

I always find this inspiring...(turn sound on)

http://danielfairbanks.com/jude/jude-main.htm

[Galatea]

Yes, that is a beautiful video.

[ZeldasMom]

the video! Made me tear up! Will have to show that to my technogeek DP to inspire him. Will also have to add some Beatles to my birth music. Not that I actually *used* my birth music last time, but compiling it is a fun nesting project! Another song I really like is Beautiful Boy by John Lennon--so if anyone knows they are having a boy that might be a nice one to hear.

My prenatal yoga deck has affirmations on each card. A few I pulled out randomly:

I am open to the Universe as I prepare for my baby's arrival into the world.

All mothers are heroes.

I feel bliss, contentment, and security and I share all this with my baby.

I am floating in a boundless sea of peace and tranquility.

My body is a miracle. My baby is a miracle. I am grateful.

I am open to life's challenges and opportunities.

I move and stretch to the rhythm of life.

I am surrounded by a circle of loving, supportive, and caring energy.

Okay, ZM here again. My yoga teacher back in NC used to say things like this in her slooooow, deeeep voice during relaxation at the end of class and it was wonderful. My favorite was:

Know that you are perfect...just as you are....nothing to change...nothing to fix...

'Night all...

[Ammaarah]

Oh, that's so lovely.

[AllyRae]

Great idea!!! I'm thinking of keeping a list of the things posted to read during labor.

[Autumn Breeze]

Know that you are perfect...just as you are....nothing to change...nothing to fix..

I LOVE this one! Beautiful!

[bmanmommy]

Thank you so much for starting this thread. You are all beautiful.

[BennyPai]

We've had a tragedy in our family this week and I have been grieving and worrying about my own pregnancy. Thank-you all so much for the positive vibes. I have sent the video link to my doula and friends. I will copy the affirmations... Just a couple more weeks to go, and my mind needs to refocus. Thank-you all again so much for starting & contributing to this thread! I will subscribe immediately and add anything helpful I come across.
:

Jenny

[mom2threenurslings]

Within me I can feel the stirrings I have wondered about since the first realization of what was to come. The come from deep waithin me. I feel Joy!

My body is strong and wise. My body has hundreds of years of history in it that allows me to birth my child with joy and ease.

My mind is at peace, tranquil. My mind stays steadily focused on the wonderful expression of love that I am feeling as I nurture this child within my body.

I give my body all time it needs to work. I track time only by gazing at he sun or the stars.

My body knows how to grow a healthy child and birth a child in a healthy way.

I trust my body to know how to birth this child.

My body is indeed beautifully and wonderfully made.

My heart knows what my baby needs, my mind is learning

TRUST BIRTH (I actually have a bracelet - like the Livestrong bracelets - that says this!)

http://www.childbirthedu.com/st104C.htm

[trijosie-mama]

This is a wonderful thread! May be just what I needed today!

[Melaniee]

Today is the day I have been waiting so patiently for. Within me I can feel the stirrings that I have wondered about sicne the first realization fo what was to come.

They come from deep within me. I feel joy! Today my body will fulfill the purpose for which it has been made. Today I will show my strength, my courage, my love for my child. I can feel the strength in my body, a wonderful strength that is meant for just this purpose.

I can feel my body opening up. Opening up like the petals of a spring tulip on a cool morning. My body is beginning a labor of love. I accept all that comes to pass with the birth of my child. I know that it will require much from me, much that through love I am most willing to give.

My body is strong. My body ahs hudnresds of thousands of years of history in it that will allow me to birth my child with joy and ease. I will not feel discomfort. I will feel the widening of my child's birth path. I will surrender to the opening of my body. My body knows what to do, I must let it be. I will not let my mind interfere. My mind stays seradily focused on the wonderful expression of love that I am feeling as I birht my child, my long awaited child. I will give my body all the time it needs to work. I will not track time other than to gaze at the sun or stars.

I know I must give myself to the emotions of birth; I must remain open. As the waves come, I will triumph with them, one by one, all the while surrendering to them. I am surrounded by love and trust, and that is what protects me. Today my body is opening and rleaseing my child to me.

Today ist he day I will cherish forever.

by Patricia Blomme
BIRTHING, Summer 1998

[curlyfry]

I am tearing up...thank you for starting this thread. I love this quote from Birthing from Within, and included it in a painting that I will bring to the hospital with me:

"I finally understood that women have to prepare for birth in their heart and soul...not in their heads."

So, prepare for birth in your hearts mamas. And, of course, I love this one...

"My body is not a lemon!"

[NoraB]

I must admit, I regret opening that thread about Amy's loss. My own OB has told me that my anticardiolipin antiobies put me at higher risk for placental dysfunction as time goes by. Now, I am heartsick. I could definitely use some affirmations.

[mom2threenurslings]

Ten thousand flowers in the Spring
a cool breeze in the Summer
snow in the Winter

When your mind isn't clouded
by unecessary things

This is the best season of your life
-Wu Men
***********

On the day you were born
the Earth turned, the moon pulled
the Sun flared, and, then, with a push,
you slipped out of the dark quiet
where suddenly you could hear...
...a circle of people singing
with voices familiar and clear.
"Welcome to the spinning world,"
the people sang
as they washed your new, tiny hands.
"Welcome to the green Earth,"
the people sang,
as they wrapped your wet, slippery body.
And as they held you close
they whispered into your open, curving ear,
"We are so glad you've come!"
-Debra Frasier "On the Day You Were Born"