So let's begin by taking a few moments just for you.
A little bit of time before the day unfolds.
And the journey that will bring you your baby starts.
Find a comfortable position if you haven't already.
Allowing your body to settle.
Shoulders drop.
Jaw softens.
Eyes become heavy.
And maybe even the palms relax and your fingers naturally unclench.
And together we'll take a slow breath in.
Holding just for a moment.
And then sigh it out.
Do that two more times.
Slow,
Deep breath in.
Pause here.
And then breathing out.
One more time.
Full deep breath in,
Pausing for a moment.
And then letting it all go.
And take your hand,
Resting it on your belly if that feels good today.
And just be with your baby for a moment.
The two of you have made it here.
You'll be together soon.
But for now,
Just savor this last bit of time with the baby there in your belly.
The two of you sharing one body.
And now simply notice your breath.
Notice how it feels.
Where it's going in your body.
And allow this breath to bring a steadiness and calm to you and your baby.
Just simply breathing in.
And breathing out.
You and your baby breathing together.
And notice how your body feels today.
Maybe there's excitement.
Or a sense of nerves or both.
Just notice how your body is feeling today without judgment.
Only noticing.
Now imagine that what you've been carrying around during your pregnancy that it's all put together.
In one place.
Maybe it's a box or a backpack or a jar.
And in this thing is all the thoughts that you've been carrying around throughout your pregnancy.
The thoughts,
The wondering,
The planning,
Hopes,
Fears,
All of it.
Everything you've been holding.
When thinking about how your baby will arrive or this pregnancy.
See this thing filled with those thoughts,
Those emotions.
Those wonders.
And now set that thing aside.
And see it sitting beside you.
Not getting rid of it.
Or pretending that it doesn't exist.
But giving yourself permission to set it to the side for now.
You can pick it back up any other time.
And now take another big,
Deep cleansing breath.
And tell yourself.
I surrender what I cannot control.
I trust my body,
My baby,
And the unfolding of this birth.
All will happen the way it was meant to.
And as you say these words.
Feel yourself begin to surrender.
Feel your physical body release entirely.
Allow the birth plan you've been holding onto so tightly in your mind begin to soften.
Making space for whatever this day may bring.
Let go of the stories you've been telling yourself about how today has to unfold.
And instead simply be here.
Trust in your body.
Trust in your baby.
Trust in the team surrounding you.
And trust that you can meet each moment as it comes.
And connect with your breath.
Connect with your baby.
And know that it's okay to surrender.
Like a leaf that falls from a tree into a river.
Move gently with the current rather than against it.
There is no need to force or fight.
But just breathe.
Feel the breath move in and out of your body.
And notice the air as it moves in through your nostrils.
Fills your lungs.
And then effortlessly leaves your body again.
Don't wonder whether the next breath will come.
You just simply trust your body's ability to breathe.
And let that same trust begin to spread through your entire being.
Trust your body.
Trust your baby.
And trust this process.
Knowing that today will be okay.
And all will happen the way it is supposed to.
Now tell yourself.
I surrender what I cannot control.
I trust my body.
My baby.
In the unfolding of this birth.
All will happen the way it was meant to.
Now bring your awareness back to your hand on your belly.
And feel your baby there.
The two of you are headed into this day together as a team.
And soon you will be together with your baby in your arms.
And a new chapter begins.
Take a moment to set an intention for the day.
Maybe a word you can return to again and again when you need it during your induction,
Labor,
Birth.
And returning to the here and now with a big deep breath in.
And sign out of the mouth.
You can do this.
And good luck today.
Enjoy meeting your baby.
