There is a variety of birthing education classes on the market these days and along with hospital classes, it’s no wonder parents feel overwhelmed at the choices. Many of them sound very similar and it can be hard to make a decision and be confident you are making the best choice for you and your new baby.
History of HypnoBirthing – The Mongan Method
HypnoBirthing – The Mongan Method was first established over 29 years ago by Marie Mongan, an award winning Hypnotherapist and educator at a time when calm, comfortable birth was unheard of. Over the years she has developed the HypnoBirthing program to what it is today. There are now HypnoBirthing practitioners in 47 countries around the world and it is the most widely recognised calm birthing education program on the planet.
In 2000, HypnoBirthing – The Mongan Method made its way to Australia. From small beginnings, we now have 160 Accredited HypnoBirthing Educators throughout Australia and these numbers are growing every day.
HypnoBirthing Practitioners
HypnoBirthing Practitioners can be from a wide variety of backgrounds. They may be doctors, midwives, doulas, physical support providers such as yoga instructors, physiotherapists or massage therapists along with hypnotherapists and HypnoMums, who have experienced the incredible power of HypnoBirthing themselves and are inspired to teach others.
Australian Practitioners are trained using a brand new Australian syllabus which includes training in hypnosis and HypnoBirthing and they must also complete a module covering the basics of conception, pregnancy and labour from a medical point of view. Practitioners are required to undergo ongoing professional development each year to remain certified and to ensure they stay up to date with current HypnoBirthing practices.
HypnoBirthing in Australia
HypnoBirthing – The Mongan Method has changed hugely over the last couple of years. The syllabus was updated for Australia using terms familiar to us and relevant to the Australian maternity model of care and includes up to date resources, and DVD’s of either Australian HypnoBirthing families or HypnoBirthing families from as far as Israel.
Whilst there has always been emphasis on having a safe, positive and empowered birth experience, we also realise that birth is unpredictable and special circumstances can occur. Our classes aim to prepare parents to be able to deal with whatever turn their birthing day takes in a relaxed, informed way.
HypnoBirthing – The Mongan Method is the calm childbirth education class of choice for midwives, obstetricians and hospitals, and is now being taught in several hospitals in Australia. This is due to the extensive research and data collection The HypnoBirthing Institute undertakes each year.
What to Look For
When choosing a birthing program, there are some hallmarks to look for.
* All accredited HypnoBirthing Practitioners will proudly display their Gold Seal on their website.
* HypnoBirthing classes are run over 5 x 2.5 hour sessions. The class format is no accident. It is a tried and tested format that The HypnoBirthing Institute stands by and recommends so that parents and baby have the very best chance of having the birth they desire. We feel that classes over less time or longer classes are not in the best interest of the parents. Less contact hours means valuable information is missed and longer classes mean that attention spans are stretched. Online courses are not approved by the HypnoBirthing Institute as parents are not getting the intended results.
Please also make sure you are reading up to date information from other companies. Check the dates on posts or articles to make sure they are current.
What You Receive
When you attend a HypnoBirthing class, you will receive Marie’s book, HypnoBirthing – The Mongan Method, a variety of handouts all written for Australians and either a CD or download of Rainbow Relaxation, the cornerstone of the HypnoBirthing program. This is now available in an Australian accent.
Summing Up
We firmly believe that HypnoBirthing is the original and very best birthing program out there, not only in Australia but in the world. We are extremely proud to be associated with Marie Mongan and the HypnoBirthing Institute.
Whatever course you choose, you are doing a good thing for you and your baby. In the end we are all advocates for women and their claim to their birthing rights. We hope you choose The HypnoBirthing Collective to be on this journey with you. Happy Birthing!
