3 Affirmations to use in Postnatal Yoga
Motherhood is a beautiful and transformative journey, but it can also be filled with challenges, especially in the postpartum period. Between physical recovery, emotional shifts, and adjusting to a new routine with your baby, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where postnatal yoga can make such a difference—providing a space to reconnect with your body, find moments of peace, and remind yourself of your strength.
One of the ways we can foster a nurturing, supportive environment in postnatal yoga is by using affirmations. These simple yet powerful statements help center the mind, cultivate self-compassion, and shift the focus from self-criticism to self-love.
Today, I’m sharing three affirmations to incorporate into your postnatal yoga practice. These affirmations can serve as gentle reminders for new mothers to release pressure, embrace their journey, and honor their bodies. Let’s explore these together!
1. "I am doing my best and that is enough."
As new moms, we often place a lot of pressure on ourselves to “get it all right,” but the truth is, there is no perfect way to be a mother. This affirmation is a powerful reminder to release the unrealistic expectations we often place on ourselves and recognize that doing our best is more than enough.
Encourage your students to use this affirmation during child’s pose or gentle seated stretches. As they breathe deeply, have them focus on releasing any tension, pressure, or self-criticism. By simply showing up for themselves, they are doing an amazing job.
New moms are already doing so much, and it’s important they remind themselves that every effort counts. This affirmation helps foster a mindset of self-compassion and acceptance.
2. "I am a good mother."
In the whirlwind of postpartum life, many new mothers doubt themselves and their ability to be “good” moms. Between sleepless nights and figuring out new routines, it’s easy for self-doubt to creep in. This affirmation serves as a powerful way to silence that inner critic and embrace the truth that they are good mothers, just as they are.
Invite your students to repeat this affirmation during heart-opening poses like cobra pose or supported bridge pose. As they open up through their chest, have them visualize this affirmation radiating from their hearts. Each time they repeat it, they can breathe in self-love and breathe out any lingering doubt or judgment.
Remind your students that motherhood looks different for everyone, but the love they give is what truly matters. They are good mothers, even on the tough days.
3. "I am proud of myself and my body."
The postpartum body has gone through so much—growing life, giving birth, and now healing. Often, new mothers feel pressure to “bounce back,” but this affirmation serves as a gentle reminder to honor and be proud of their body for all it has accomplished.
Encourage your students to use this affirmation during standing poses like mountain pose or warrior I. These strong, grounding poses help them connect with the strength and resilience of their bodies. As they breathe deeply and repeat the affirmation, they can begin to shift from a mindset of judgment to one of pride and gratitude.
Their body has done something extraordinary, and it deserves to be celebrated. Encourage your students to be proud of their postpartum bodies for everything they have carried them through.
How to Incorporate Affirmations in Your Postnatal Yoga Practice
Affirmations can be used in many ways throughout postnatal yoga practice, creating a space for self-love, acceptance, and inner strength. Here are a few ways to bring them into your classes:
Start Class with an Intention: Begin your postnatal yoga class by inviting your students to set an intention, using one of these affirmations or encouraging them to create their own.
Weave Affirmations into Movement: During different postures or transitions, offer an affirmation that aligns with the movement. For example, in heart-opening poses, remind them to embrace the affirmation, “I am a good mother.”
Affirmations in Savasana: During the final relaxation, guide your students into a state of deep relaxation by repeating these affirmations softly. This helps them leave the class feeling grounded, empowered, and nurtured.
Postnatal yoga is about so much more than physical recovery—it's about nurturing the emotional and mental well-being of new mothers as they navigate this life-changing chapter. These affirmations are beautiful tools to support that process.
By integrating these positive, empowering statements into your postnatal yoga classes, you can help mothers cultivate self-compassion, trust, and pride in their journey. As they breathe, stretch, and reconnect with their bodies, these affirmations can serve as gentle reminders that they are enough, they are doing great, and they are worthy of love and self-care.
Are you a yoga teacher looking to support new mothers?
Consider enrolling in our 85-hour Prenatal & Postnatal Yoga Teacher Training at Island Prenatal Yoga to gain the confidence, skills, and tools to guide postpartum women in their yoga practice. 💖