HypnoBirthing
The Mongan Method: Taking the Birth World by Calm

HypnoBirthing is a much a philosophy as it is a technique. It is rewarding, relaxing, stress-free method of birthing that is based on the belief that when a mother is properly prepared for birth, physically, mentally, and spiritually, she can experience the joy of birthing her baby in an easier, more comfortable and often even pain-free manner. HypnoBirthing returns to women the art of birthing in a way that allows them to summon their natural birthing instincts.

The HypnoBirthing concept is not new, but rather a “rebirth” of a philosophy of birthing as it existed thousands of years ago and as it was recaptured in the work of Dr. Grantly Dick Read, an English obstetrician, who first forwarded the concept of natural birthing in the 1920’s. In his book, Childbirth Without Fear that was published in 1944, he describes hypnobirthing as really deep relaxation--- a twilight state, usually experienced just before falling asleep. He went on to say that it is nearly impossible to be anxious about anything while in this state. Also while in this condition, the mother is totally relaxed, including the muscles of the uterus. Therefore, he explains, the body interprets uterine contractions the same way it would contractions of the biceps and on pain should be felt. That in the absence of fear and tension, severe pain does not have to be a natural accompaniment of labor.

When having your baby with the HypnoBirthing method, you will use self-hypnosis techniques and what you experience will be similar to the daydreaming or focusing that occurs when you are engrossed in a book or staring at a fire. You will be relaxed, but fully in control. You will be aware of your body’s sensations and surges, but will be able to determine the extent to which you feel the surge. You will experience your birthing in an atmosphere of calm and relation, without the fear and tension that cause pain. Your body’s natural anesthesia, (endorphins) will replace the stress hormones that create pain and when it is time for your baby to be born, you will be fully awake and involved.

The HypnoBirthing Advantage

• Eliminates the Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome before, during, and after birthing.
• Eliminates or greatly reduces the need for chemical anesthesia
• Shortens birthing by several hours and often eliminates long hard pushing
• Eliminates fatigue during labor, leaving mother fresh, awake and with energy to bring her baby into the world.
• Eliminates the risk of hyperventilation from shallow breathing methods
• Promotes special bonding of mother, baby, and birthing companion.
• More rapid postnatal recovery.
• Creates a more integral role for the birthing companion.
• More rapid postnatal recovery.
• Creates a more integral role for the birthing companion
• Returns birthing to the beautiful, peaceful experience that nature intended

What You Will Learn

• Relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to eliminate the fear and tension that cause long labor and pain, replacing it with confidence, calm and comfort.
• Other techniques to produce a shorter, more comfortable labor.
• The creation of the body’s own natural anesthesia.
• The source of the myth that pain must accompany normal birthing.
• Why women in other cultures have birthing almost entirely free of discomfort.
• How the mother’s body is designed to work in neuromuscular harmony with nature throughout labor.
• Practice in deep relaxation during and between uterine surges.
• The importance of prenatal and perinatal bonding

Hypnosis is a naturally induced state of relaxed concentration- a state of mind and body in which we communicate suggestions to our subconscious mind. This part of our mind influences what we think, how we feel, and the choices we make. With HypnoBirthing you will achieve the beautiful birth you have always dreamed of and the learning skills, when practiced, will continue to lower stress levels throughout your life.

Editorial provided by Rosalie Morres, RN, ICCE, CD, CIMI, HBCE, and Founder and Executive Director of the Childbirth Family Education and Fitness Center, where it is their goal to empower women and families to make informed choices throughout their childbearing years by providing knowledge, support and the confidence needed to create positive and everlasting memories of pregnancy, childbirth and parenting.