– Hypnobirthing –
What is HypnoBirthing? Hypnobirthing, The Mongan Method was first established in the United States and was founded by Marie Mongan. Marie or “Mickey” Mongan is a licensed hypnotherapist, hypnoanesthesiologist, and instructor of hypnotherapy. Hypnobirthing is based on the work of Dr. Dick-Read who hypothesized that when women give birth in fear, they experienced pain because the fear resists the physiological process of the body during labour. Mrs. Mongan birthed 4 children during the 1950’s and 1960’s. She did so in a hospital setting, using the theories of Dr. Grantly Dick-Read. The last two babies were born without the use of any anesthesia.
When Mongan’s daughter became pregnant, she reflected back to her own labor experiences and using her skills as a Master Hypnotherapist, she developed a Hypnobirthing program. Her daughters birth was successful and word began to spread of her new technique. Several other hypnotherapists asked Mongan to teach them her method and from there the program grew exponentially.
Medical Professional and Childbirth Educators became interested in this new method of giving birth calmly, with minimal pain. From there the HypnoBirthing Institute was born has been growing ever since.
What Do They Believe? Hypnobirthing is a powerful and simple method which promotes relaxation during pregnancy and childbirth by releasing conscious and subconscious fears. Based on the ideas of Dick-Read, hypnobirthing aims to break the Fear-Tension-Pain Syndrome.
Is It Right For Me? This can be a valuable tool for women who can really relax and let go in labor. This method strongly supports the belief that fear leads to pain and therefore if you can remove your fear you will have no pain, or no pain too strong for you. This belief may leave one without a focus point if they do experience pain in labor. Also, there is no preparation for a different experience if things don’t go as planned, so one may feel lost if they developed complications during birth. If you are one, who feel like they need to more preparation or would like a broader focus this class may not be for you. Where Can I Find a Class in My Area? There are several classes available in the Marin / Sonoma area.
1) Debbie Catz, M.S.W. is located in Sonoma and be reached at: 707-721-1500 or debbie@NorCalHypno.com.
2) Offered at Thrive Birth Center in Santa Rosa or Online through Blue Lotus Fertility. bluelotusfertility.com
