Notes to Self

Though it's way early, I'm thinking about birth as I'm reading birth stories, and I decided to write notes to myself for labor. I put myself back there, back in the hot tub with Rob, contractions coming fast and furious, and thought about what I'd want to hear. Here are some of the notes I've written on notecards:

"Every contraction brings you closer. Every push and every pain means you are closer to meeting your baby. Soon you'll be on the other side."

"You are more powerful than you think. Do not be defeated. Do not be discouraged. Do not be afraid. Hope and trust."

"Give in and don't fight. Relax. Breathe. God is with you. Your child will be with you soon. BREATHE."

"Remember that you have done this before! You survived, and the end result was Sawyer! Stay focused!"

"Be calm. Breathe. Step back from the pain and let your body work. God designed your body for this."

I'm going to write more, and then during labor, have Rob read them to me, or read them myself, or have someone else read them out loud to me. I think these are the things that would have helped me then, so hopefully they will help me next time!