WHAT IS HYPNOBIRTHING
HypnoBirthing was founded by Marie Mongan in 1989- Celebrating 35 years of positive birthing. This is the original HypnoBirthing program and has certified childbirth educators in 49 countries. It was introduced in Australia in the year 2000 and in 2015 the Australian Steering Committee was developed, to provide a tailored program to best suit the Australian Midwifery Standards of Care.
It teaches women and their partner to reconnect with their natural ability to birth free from fear. The comprehensive antenatal course includes five sessions where you will learn practical skills and effective relaxation techniques to empower you to move through and calmly work with whatever shows up on your birthing day, at a hospital or homebirth setting.
HypnoBirthing is a rewarding, relaxing stress free method of birthing that is based on the belief that when a mother is properly prepared for birthing physically, mentally, and emotionally she can experience the joy of birthing her baby in an easier and more comfortable way.
The idea behind HypnoBirthing is not new. In London in the 1920s Dr Grantly Dick- Read, an English Obstetrician first introduced the concept of natural birthing by eliminating tension and fear. Following on from his work HypnoBirthing teaches you that in the reduction and even absence of fear and tension, severe pain does not have to accompany labour. HypnoBirthing does not profess to offer preparation for births that are totally free from pain, discomfort or unanticipated incidences. However, it does offer women an opportunity to explore the possibility of stepping into their birthing without fear or stress.
For some, the word Hypno added to the word birthing sounds new age or only for ‘hippies’. This is far from true! HypnoBirthing is inclusive regardless of your social and cultural orientation. I write this because a few mums that came to Yoga Motion’s HypnoBirthing sessions did have preconceived ideas. But they were so glad they followed through with the program because it gave them so much more than they first expected. Most importantly the mums utilised the HypnoBirthing relaxation techniques throughout their labour, and were able to work with the labour process instead of against it. The Yoga Motion Birth Stories and HypnoBirthing Testimonials is proof of HypnoBirthing advantages for childbirth preparation.
With evidence based learning, HypnoBirthing teaches women how to release all prior programing about birth to free herself of limiting thoughts and emotions that leads to pain- causing fear and resistant muscles. When giving birth the mother is not in a trance or asleep but instead in a deep state of relaxation- awake, aware and fully in control.
The HypnoBirthing Institute has a Parent’s Birth Report Survey and the data collected since 2005 shows that mothers who use HypnoBirthing use far fewer medications during labour and have a much higher vaginal birth rate than women not using HypnoBirthing:
77 % of mothers birthed naturally without an epidural.
45% of mothers birthed under 8 hours.
17% of mothers birthed via a C-section compared to the national average of 32%.
9.5% of mothers chose to birth in the comfort of their homes and 6% of mothers chose to birth in freestanding birth centres compared to the national average of less than 1%.
For more research findings and Yoga Motion Media PRESS HERE ON THE LINK.
Birth Partner Plays an Integral Role
HypnoBirthing recognises the importance of family in birthing, whether the family consists of a mother and her baby, a couple who are expecting their first baby, or a family who has welcomed one or more children into their home. The program will cover specific techniques designed to also support the birth partner.
The birth partner plays an integral role in HypnoBirthing and will learn to support the mother and be her advocate during labour and birth. They will learn and practice relaxation techniques and receive birth guides and prompts.
The promotion of teamwork between the mother and her birth partner is paramount as you will both learn informed birthing choices and will receive flexible birth preferences that will empower you to work with and be supportive of the Australian Health Care Model for Midwifery.
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When to start HypnoBirthing
The best time to start is between 20 to 30 weeks and finish by 37 weeks. Or finish by 34 weeks if you are expecting twins.
This gives you time to absorb the content and practice the HypnoBirthing techniques and implement the skills into your everyday life before birth.
This is so important as you will naturally and instinctively know how to respond to stress and then when the time comes for your labour and you feel strong sensations you will be able to release tension and work with your body rather than against it.
There is no substitute, the more time you have to practice these beneficial techniques the better you are prepared.
The five sessions can run over 5 consecutive weeks or the dates and times can be flexible and be spread out from 20 weeks and finish at 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Mum can come alone but it is best to bring your partner or one birth support person.
5 PRIVATE SESSIONS 2.5 to 3 hours each
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You will receive
The 4th edition HypnoBirthing Mongan Method book 319 pages. An educational folder compiled by the Australian Steering Committee. A MP3 Australian version with birthing affirmations, partner affirmations, prebirth bonding, relaxations and more.
Learn and practice a wide range of natural birthing techniques for stress reduction, relaxation and mindfulness for you and your birth partner.
Jo specialises in the principles of an ‘active birth’ and birth positions and movement will be demonstrated for you to practice.
You will receive birth preferences that are flexible and supportive of the Australian Health Care Model of Midwifery. Adapted to best suit the local hospital and MGP.
Learn about the 4th trimester such as skin to skin bonding and breastfeeding.
You will receive ongoing support from Jo at no extra cost right up until your birthing day with an optional 6 week post birth followup.
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A collaborative method
HypnoBirthing is a collaborative method with your Midwifery and Medical Health Care Professionals. It is not an alternative, for the content of this program is not intended to replace the advice and care of your health care provider.
If for some reason your pregnancy or upcoming birth requires special considerations, you will find that your HypnoBirthing techniques beautifully compliment what ever path your birthing will take.
Should your birthing run differently from what was planned or anticipated, and medical intervention and even a surgical birth is required, using the HypnoBirthing techniques during labour will enable parents to remain calm as they discuss options, evaluate the situation and make informed decisions, with the guidance of their health care provider.
Feel inspired by reading the Yoga Motion Birth Story of Mabel and Joey- medical collaboration was paramount for the safety of bub and mum felt empowered throughout their pregnancy, labour and birth, and achieved a natural birth.
The HypnoBirthing birth of Kingsley.