HypnoBirthing Malaysia

HypnoBirthing has been a growing trend as a labour option for mothers and for good reasons. Even the Duchess Kate Middleton herself opted for HypnoBirthing. Whether it’s your first experience or your next and you want to try something new, it is always good to be equipped with knowledge. As an alternative childbirth option, what do you need to know? Don’t worry, we have all the information for you.

What Is HypnoBirthing

Hypnobirthing, also known as the Mongan method, is a technique that uses self-hypnosis to calm you in order to experience natural childbirth. It was invented by Marie Mongan who is a certified hypnotherapist and a counsellor. Born from her less pleasant experience of normal childbirth which includes the use of a lot of medicines that leads to less participation during delivery, Mongan was determined to change the narrative. She didn’t allow medications in her third childbirth and had her husband by her side (which was uncommon then) and had the delivery that she wanted.

She then gets certified as a hypnotherapist and combines childbirth philosophy taught by Dick-Read and hypnotherapy to invent a new childbirth preparation technique. She also added breathing techniques and the use of guided imagery to invent HypnoBirthing. Her first book – HypnoBirthing: A Celebration of Life was published in 1992.

How Does It Work

HypnoBirthing aims to take away the negative notions of childbirth from the mother. Childbirth is often associated with a painful process and that makes mothers expect the pain and fear the process itself. This will then create tension which leads to more fear and then more tension – a vicious cycle, indeed! With HypnoBirthing, childbirth becomes an empowering process where mothers are more present and a more tolerable experience.

Focusing On The Positives

HypnoBirthing believes that mothers do not need to know each and every negative side effect of childbirth. This is not to misinform or hide details from the mother. Instead, it is to ease the mother’s mind.

Therefore, HypnoBirthing only encourages mothers to learn only negative side effects or possible dangers that only apply to their situation. Learning about too many possible dangers or negative side effects may lead to these mothers experiencing them as their mind believes it to happen.

Using Positive Words and Avoiding Negative Words

With HypnoBirthing, the usage of words during the delivery is important. Psychologically, saying good and positive words does wonders to our brain. Even plants grow better when exposed to kind words as compared to negative words! 

HypnoBirthing instructors replace the word contraction with surges as contractions are more likely to be associated with a physical tension and tightening feeling. The words childbirth pain are not used but instead, the term pressure is said. The words used are not intended to invalidate or dismiss the painful experience of childbirth, however, positive words may help to decrease the pain and fear in the brain.

Utilising Guided Visualisation and Affirmations

During the delivery, mothers may also utilise techniques such as guided visualisation. The HypnoBirthing instructor will guide the mother to imagery that will make them think of labour as warm, inviting and relaxes them. This is the self-hypnosis part. When the body is relaxed, it is more inclined to fulfil the task ahead.

Furthermore, mothers can use words of affirmation such as “I trust my instinct and body”, “My baby is ready”, “Each surge is welcome” and so on. You can even write your own affirmations! The purpose of these affirmations is to make you feel relaxed and in control of the process.

Where Can I Learn About HypnoBirthing?

1. Baby Academy

Baby Academy is where you can find hypnobirthing in Malaysia. It was started by a mother who realised that she did not learn much from her own antenatal class. She started Baby Academy to educate parents to be. They offer HypnoBirthing classes. It is a 2.5 hours course which spans 5 executive weekends. It is a small class and you will receive a HypnoBirthing Book and CD by Marie Mongan, Rainbow Relaxation MP3, class handouts and a set of birth prompts alongside various guides, techniques and breathing exercises.

Price: RM1000 per couple

2. Gentle Birth Malaysia

Gentle Birth Malaysia was started by Jaye Chan who became a certified childbirth educator first with AMANI Birth and then HypnoBirthing® Institute USA. They  aim to bring more awareness to the technique and to fully educate expectant parents about their childbirth sources. Their classes consist of 5 classes. You will receive a HypnoBirthing Book and CD by Marie Mongan, Rainbow Relaxation MP3 and Birth Affirmation MP3, Pregnancy, Birth and Breastfeeding online support, complete handouts and birth partner “cheat sheet” and more. They are only available in Penang.

Price: RM1300 per group, RM2000 per couple (private session)

3. Baby With Bee

Having provided evidence-based prenatal classes and postnatal services in Malaysia, Singapore and Australia, Baby With Bee also provides HypnoBirthing classes in Malaysia. You will receive a HypnoBirthing Text, HypnoBirthing– The Mongan Method, written scripts for your home practice, 2 tracks, handouts, birth prompts and so on. Their classes are 2.5 hour classes for 5 sessions. They hold both virtual and physical classes in selected states in Malaysia.

Price: RM 1,300 nett per couple, RM 2,600 nett per couple for a private class.

Is HypnoBirthing For Me?

As with everything, what works for one may not work for another. The best way to know if it is for you is to attend a HypnoBirthing class to understand it better and talk to your doctor or a doctor with HypnoBirthing experience.