5 Myths about Hypnobirthing

Despite being practised for many many years, hypnobirthing is still met with some caution, especially from those who have never seen the benefits. At The Rose Diaries we are huge advocates of the Marie Mongan hypnobirthing techniques having used them ourselves for our own birthing experience but we frequently come across hypobirthing myths that make us smile.

RD - 5 myths about hypnobirthing

1. Hypnobirthing means you are under hypnosis and not in control

The Mongan method is a technique that aims to help women use deep relaxation, breathing, and self-hypnosis to experience birth in way that’s very different from the “tradional” painful pushing method that most women believe they have to endure. You are not under any one else’s control as hypnobirthing is really about deep relaxation and being able to get yourself into such a natural, relaxed state that ensures outside stimuli don’t interfere with your relaxation.

2. Hypnobirthing promises you a pain free labour and birth

Pain levels are obviously a very personal thing as one persons pain threshold can be very different to another. There will always be mothers out there who want to tell you their horror stories about their birth experience but these conversations breed fear, not empowerment and hypnobirthing is designed to empower you and have the birth that you choose.

3. Hypnobirthing is for hippies

I am not a hippy. Enough said.

Hypnobirthing is for everyone (which also means that baby’s dad can get involved in the relaxation techniques).

4. You can’t use the hypnobirthing techniques for your first baby

Why not?

A first time mum is just as capable as learning the techniques of hypnobirthing as a second or third time mum. She will have the added benefit of never knowing any other type of birth.

5. Midwives and doctors don’t support hypnobirthing techniques

In latter years, the correlation of your support team has become more common place in hospitals and birthing centres and many doctors and midwives actively welcome the techniques. From my own personal experience, my midwife was the one who suggested that I may like to consider a home birth so that I was away from the hustle and bustle of a hospital and could really engage in the relaxation techniques in the comfort of my own home.

Hypnobirthing won’t be for everyone but if you believe in the core elements of the technique, you can tailor this to your own birth plan!