You, powerful one, will be the heroine in your birth story. We talk about doctors as the brave heroes of childbirth. We say the doctor or midwife “delivers” the baby. The truth is, YOU deliver your baby into this world. YOU and your baby together do the courageous, hard work birthing requires. The doctor or midwife will help facilitate this normal process. He or she is blessed with the gift of joining you during one of life’s most vulnerable and magical moments. Midwives have a long-standing tradition of referring to their role as the one who “catches” the baby. This distinction respects and honors your accomplishments. From here on out, use this language when you talk about your upcoming delivery.

Mindfulness Practice:

Do this every morning before you start your day, and every evening. Do this any time you notice your mind worrying about something related to the pregnancy or birth.

Wherever you are, be still. Put your hands and your attention on your belly. Take a deep breath. Let your belly relax and expand as you inhale. Visualize your breath moving deep down into your uterus and cervix, and now surrounding your baby. Exhale slowly, moving your breath up to the top of your head and out into the world. Let all your muscles relax as you exhale.

Continue these breaths and repeat this statement three times:

“I am the heroine in my birth. I am the courageous, powerful goddess that will deliver my baby into this world.”