Finally, the end is near.  After almost nine months of waiting you’re about to give birth to your beautiful child.  As the due date approaches you might be getting a bit nervous or anxious about the labor and delivery.  If you mentally prepare yourself for labor and delivery it will help to calm your nerves and fears.  Here are a few suggestions you can use to mentally prepare for your labor.
 
Find your happy place.

Where is the one place that you feel most calm and at peace?  For me it’s on the deck of a ship, feeling the sun on my face and the warm ocean breeze on my skin.  Whatever place makes you feel this way, envision that place as your “happy place” in your mind.  Practice focusing on that place and remember the calm and soothing feelings you get.  Keep hold of these calm feelings for a few minutes to help you center yourself and get yourself at peace within yourself.  When you begin to feel anxious or nervous, take a moment to close your eyes and take a deep breath and mentally go to your happy place.  

Imagine a calm labor.

You’re going to hear stories from other women about their labors and sometimes they aren’t pleasant.  Don’t dwell on these stories or automatically think that your labor will be like someone else’s.  Every person is unique and every labor is unique as well.  A lot of how your labor will go is how you mentally cope with it.  What is the best way your labor could go?  Think about that and keep it in your mind.  When getting nervous or anxious remember your positive thoughts about how your labor will turn out. 
Each labor is unique and much of it depends on how well you personally cope with it.  Mentally tell yourself that yours is going to be calm and smooth.

Practice positive thinking. 

It’s easy to start thinking negatively about labor and delivery.  You’re probably already anxious about it, and you might have some nerves about becoming a mother (especially if this is your first child).  Don’t allow negative thoughts to take over.  Think positively.  A great way to keep your attitude positive is to use affirmations.  Try repeating the following statements to get yourself in a positive frame of mind.

“I am strong and able to birth my child in a calm and positive environment.”
“I can remain calm, even in the midst of this emotional time.”
“I am the best mother for my child.”

You can even write some of your own affirmations that keep you positive and focused and ready for the big day.