If you’re brand new to hypnobirthing but want to add hypnosis techniques to your birth prep and maybe take a hypnobirthing class to welcome your hypno baby, start here - what is hypnobirthing?

I trained as a Hypnobirthing (Mongan Method) Instructor in 2005. It was life changing! Without a doubt Marie Mongan was a trail blazer for positive birth and brought hypnosis off the stage and into the birth room with huge success.

But the approach has taken a long time to evolve for parents who expect less ‘opinions and more science.

Is Marie Mongan Hypnobirthing Curriculum Outdated?

Over the years ‘Mickey’ Mongan has kept a very tight reign on the HypnoBirthing curriculum in an effort to preserve the integrity of the original program - but that was in 1989. A lot has changed in the birth world since then but the Mongan Method’s approach hasn’t. As a former Instructor it was very much frowned upon for Instructors to adapt the curriculum in any way - even when it was in the best interests of the women taking the class. According to the Mongan Method - if you're doing hypnobirthing 'correctly' you don't need to push... and if you do, it’s due to societal influence rather than normal physiology and a baby coming out of your vagina.

Mongan Method Hypnobirthing Classes & GentleBirth New Approach

It was made very clear that Instructors could not talk about pain in labor or provide parents with any additional tips and techniques for physical comfort measures…and discussing any kind of complicated labor such as back labor was absolutely forbidden. Things have changed a little as so many Instructors were secretly changing the content so it was more relevant in a busy hospital. But many parents still find the slightly judgmental tone off putting. With the arrival of the pandemic most prenatal classes moved online and offered parents the choice of self paced hypnobirthing online classes - but live Zoom classes are the only option for the Mongan Method.

As an Instructor there has always been a sense that parents can’t be trusted to make decisions for themselves and the class can only be taught live. That never sat well with me. It was one of the reasons I developed the GentleBirth approach. When I used to teach live Mongan Hypnobirthing classes around Ireland I was given special ‘permission’ to teach the content over 2 intensive days in cities I would travel to - but I couldn’t teach the same class in my own community. But guess what - parents attending the Hypnobirthing Intensive weekends were also having positive experiences. Learning these techniques take a commitment - it’s not enough to do the class and never open the book or practice when you have time. What you do outside of your class makes a big difference.

Like Hypnobabies - the Mongan Method relies on one tool in your psychological toolkit - hypnosis. But the reality is some people are less suggestible than others and for some parents they are left with no other resources to support them if they can’t ‘get in the zone’ on the day. Hypnosis isn't effective for everyone so it makes sense to have more than one tool in your toolkit. And that can also include physical comfort measures and medication if your labor changes unexpectedly. GentleBirth includes information to safely optimize a labor with an epidural to empower parents to have the most positive experience possible - without any guilt.

Choosing a reputable Instructor is so important as some are still very aligned with the original philosophy that if you just believed enough and practiced enough you would experience a quick pain free birth. Unfortunately parents who were expecting an easy labor felt misled and traumatized. Take your time and talk to a few Instructors. Find a reputable Instructor who teaches ‘real world’ approach. If you prefer an inperson class find a GentleBirth Instructor in your community or one offering live Zoom sessions. If they are selling a pain free birth (not even the most skilled anesthetist can guarantee that) keep looking. Lots of Mongan Method parents supplement their practice with the GentleBirth App and our Surge timer for labor.

Marie Mongan Hypnobirthing Vs GentleBirth Hypnobirthing

So let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between Marie Mongan Hypnobirthing and GentleBirth Hypnobirthing.

*Depending on where you live the hypnobirthing book may not come with the practice CD

GentleBirth is an advanced approach to hypnobirthing and is updated regularly with new evidence. I’ve seen amazing Hypnobirths using the Mongan Method when labor is short , baby is well positioned and there aren’t any complications.

Take some time to find the approach that aligns closely with your dreams for a positive birth, put in the practice diligently and get ready to meet your baby feeling calm, confident and in control.

Tracy