HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method utilizes self-hypnosis as a means of reaching a state of complete and utter relaxation during childbirth. Mothers who will be using HypnoBirthing to birth their baby will usually be confronted with two questions:

• How can you possibly reach a state of relaxation during childbirth? And,
• Is it safe to be hypnotized during childbirth?

For starters, self-hypnosis is completely different than what’s commonly known as hypnosis. To learn how HypnoBirthing and hypnosis differ, please read our article which covers the two in more detail.

How HypnoBirthing Incorporates Self-Hypnosis

In HypnoBirthing and self-hypnosis, the mother learns how to think of her pregnancy as a positive and natural body experience, not a medical incident. This outlook helps to remove the fear associated with childbirth and that is the starting point for a pain-free and emotionally satisfying birth.

During HypnoBirthing classes, you will learn certain breathing techniques that will help you remain calm during childbirth. Instead of the forceful and rushed breathing methods used in Lamaze, the techniques taught in HypnoBirthing are calm, and in tune with your body’s natural surges. You will also learn how to focus on a particular image or vision that helps you relax. Some women choose to picture a flower as its petals slowly open to face the morning’s first light. They envision this as if it is their own body, opening up to allow their baby a calm passage into the world.

While this is occurring, fear is not evident in your mind. You are solely focusing on positive and loving sights and sounds. Remember, in HypnoBirthing and self-hypnosis, you are not “hypnotized,” as many would believe. Although you are practicing a form of self-hypnosis, you are still entirely safe and in complete control of your body, and you will experience the joy of your baby coming into the world the way that nature always intended.