Our Self-Talk in Gym Translates to Labor

“This is really hard but I got this!”

“That seems like a really hard task (workout). It’ll be a good challenge, I can do it!”

“We’re all working really hard together, this is so cool!”

“I didn’t lift as much as I thought I could, tomorrow is another day to try.”

Okay, so our self talk in the gym translates to EVERY DAY self talk. But it becomes quite loud when the goings get tough, like in labor.

Labor, like life, is filled with unknowns. We have no idea what the journey ahead is going to be filled with, or how we’re going to mentally/emotionally handle it. If we’ve been practicing positivity, belief in ourselves, courage, and trust in our body, we are definitely MORE capable of handling the stressors of delivering a baby.

But what if your self talk in the gym is something like: “push harder next time!” or “you can do better!”

This type of motivation might actually HINDER a woman’s performance in delivery because she’s trying to control too much of the birth process. I have experienced it first hand with a client who was very much in control of her schedule, business, workout routine, and diet. Labor was stalled because she was anxious about “making the next phase happen” on HER conscious schedule, not her body’s. This frustration can manifest into stalled labor, tight pelvic floor, fear response hormones versus acceptance/relaxing hormones, and could potentially lead to interventions if a woman’s mind doesn’t relinquish control.

When it comes to birth, there is a middle ground between believing you are capable and surrendering to the unconscious processes of birth. Birth is written in your DNA. You don’t have to THINK about it, your body naturally contracts and moves. Let your Ego go, don’t fight the timing or progression. Your body can and will do it, trust her.

Birth is a time in your life where you’ve made the effort to be your best in the challenges you face but now it’s time to let go and that can be very scary. Listen to your body’s needs. Move the way your body wants to move. Speak up for the things your body needs. Trust the process. You and your body are incredible!

Make sure you have a support team that understands YOU, your needs and desires, and the type of birth experience you would like. All births are different and change from start to finish. Be able to go with the flow and do what feels best for you. You got this Momma!