HypnoBirthing® The Mongan Method is a unique antenatal program that teaches simple, but specific self-hypnosis and relaxation techniques for an easier, gentle birth.

HypnoBirthing Process

The process of HypnoBirthing is based on the power of suggestion. The laboring woman uses positive affirmations, suggestions and visualizations to relax her body, guide her thoughts and control her breathing.

HypnoBirthing is not about “training mothers to give birth.” Women have birthed for thousands of years without needing coaching. When undisturbed, we know how to do that instinctively. HypnoBirthing is about getting rid of fear and allowing our bodies and minds to relax so that we can birth our babies gently.

HypnoBirthing as a Philosophy

HypnoBirthing is as much a philosophy as it is a technique. The concept behind HypnoBirthing is based on the work of Dr. Grantly Dick-Read, MD. According to Dr. Dick-Read, use of hypnosis during labor helps laboring women break the “Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome,” which makes labor more difficult.

HypnoBirthing and Physiology

In HypnoBirthing, couples learn that pain does not need to accompany normal labor and natural childbirth. The muscles of the uterus were designed to give birth. Why should the uterus be the only muscle in the body that hurts when it is doing exactly what it was designed to do? Basic physiology tells us that fear increases adrenaline in the body, which creates a physical reaction by activating the fight/flight response and directing blood to our limbs.

The uterus is not a defensive organ and cannot work effectively or comfortably when blood is restricted and the muscles spasm. Furthermore, adrenaline prevents the production of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel good” substance. Consequently, fear produces pain and tension.

HypnoBirthing teaches that pain does not belong in a normal birth. However, the goal is not pain-free labor, but for mothers to gain the confidence to birth free from fear with the added benefit of increased endorphin production.

HypnoBirthing Classes

HypnoBirthing is taught in five two-and-half-hour classes or in four three hour classes.  Pregnant mothers are taught how to achieve maximum relaxation using hypnosis. Birth partners are taught how to observe, connect and help their partner relax deeply. Both parents form strong bonds with the unborn baby who typically arrives into the world calm, alert and ready to latch on to the breast for his first meal in his mother’s arms.

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