A- Z of hypnobirthing: A is for affirmations
- Pooja Mistry
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Rewriting the birth story in your mind.
If you grew up hearing birth described as painful, dangerous, or something to fear, you’re not alone. For many expectant parents, those stories quietly settle into the subconscious long before pregnancy even begins. Hypnobirthing works with this reality- not by pretending fear doesn’t exist, but by gently reshaping the inner narrative that the body listens to during birth.
Affirmations are a key part of this process.
What are affirmations?
Affirmations are intentional, positive statements that speak directly to the subconscious mind. This is the part of the brain that becomes dominant in labour- the same part responsible for instinct, memory, and automatic bodily responses.
During birth, the subconscious responds far more strongly than logic or rational thought. Repeated affirmations act as mental rehearsal, creating familiarity, safety, and confidence long before labour begins.
Why affirmations matter in birth
There is strong evidence that expectation and suggestion influence how pain is perceived and how calm the body remains. Studies on hypnosis and guided imagery in labour have shown reduced anxiety, improved coping, and in some cases reduced use of pharmacological pain relief.
When affirmations are practised regularly:
Fear responses soften
Muscle tension reduces
Confidence increases
The body feels safer to open and work
Affirmations are not about forcing positivity or denying reality. They are about choosing words that support the body rather than alarm it.
How hypnobirthing supports affirmations
In hypnobirthing, affirmations are not random phrases pulled from the internet. They are:
Personalised to your beliefs and experiences
Practised daily so they feel natural
Used intentionally during labour when focus wavers
Birth partners also play a powerful role- calmly repeating familiar phrases can help anchor the birthing person back into safety and confidence.
Evidence & references
What the evidence says
Repeated positive suggestion influences the subconscious mind.
Hypnosis, guided imagery, and affirmations reduce anxiety and improve coping in labour.
Key references
Cochrane Review (2016, updated): Hypnosis for pain management during labour→ Found reduced use of pharmacological pain relief and improved maternal experience.
Montgomery et al. (2002): Positive suggestion reduces pain perception via expectancy effects.
NHS England recognises hypnobirthing as a mind–body approach for labour preparation.
There is strong evidence that positive suggestion and mental rehearsal can change how pain is perceived and how calm the body remains in labour.
How can my Hypnobirthing course help you and your birth partner?
Your mind is powerful- especially in birth. Learning how to work with it can completely change how you feel approaching labour.
If you’d like guided support, practical tools, and personalised preparation, you’re warmly invited to join my hypnobirthing course. Just click the link below to join my next course in February!
Pooja xo
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