Customer Reviews

HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method: A natural approach to a safe, easier, more comfortable birthing (3rd Edition)

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It is now three days since I gave birth to my first baby, a beautiful 9lb girl. In my last few weeks of pregnancy I met a neighbor who insisted I read this book as soon as I could. She described the hypnobirthing philosophy of birth with no pain or fear and how she had used it successfully with her third child. I was skeptical that it could help me much because I had heard that first babies were more difficult to deliver than second or third babies, and I thought maybe her success was due to her previous experiences with labor. Regardless, I decided to buy the book. When it arrived a few days later I skimmed through it and attempted some of the breathing techniques. I found them very difficult because my lung capacity at 9 months pregnant was pretty low. The accompanying CD, however, was very easy to use and I got sort-of addicted to it (only the relaxation part) because it helped me get back to sleep when I woke up at 4am every morning. It taught me to relax my entire body instantly, with the idea that this could help me through contractions. It also improved my breathing technique somewhat. When labor came I was able to use my relaxation skills to work through early, active, and transition labor stages with relatively little pain and a strong sense of control over my body. I was happy and thought I would get through everything fine until the pushing stage. I had not read or practiced any hypnobirthing techniques for pushing and, unfortunately relaxation was not an option. My pushing was intensely difficult and there was most certainly pain and fear. I believe, however, that had I discovered hypnobirthing earlier and practiced all the breathing techniques, I may have had an easier time. Even though my pushing stage was hard, I didn't tear and I didn't require any medication, stiches, or other interventions. I plan to recommend hypnobirthing to all my pregnant friends early in their pregnancies, based on my strongly positive experience and will use it from the get go myself if I am ever pregnant again.

I love the new edition of this book. It is far more interesting, entertaining and complete than the last edition. I especially like Dr. Lorne Campbell's letter at the beginning of the book which details how he went from a 25% c-section rate to a 1% (yes - 1%- that is not a typo) c-section rate after making some changes with his practice. The most major change he made of course was using HypnoBirthing.

Reading this book will be a very effective way of getting rid of any fear that you may have of childbirth. The first edition of this book completely changed my life and my children truly owe their lives to it. Before this book there was no way I would have ever considered getting preganant or giving birth. I was too afraid of birth.

So what will you learn? I can't do it justice in this review. It isn't only about self-hypnosis. That is only a small part of the HypnoBirthing classes and book. You will learn other tools like breathing (that actually works during birth), birth plans, laws of the mind, exercises, choosing a caregiver, how to avoid artifical inductions, c-section, nutrition, and much more.

The book also comes with a Hypnosis for Childbirth CD.

Yes, I have given birth using this method. My daughter is now three and I had almost no discomfort during birth. I love giving birth now. By the way, I also used the hypnosis technique's at this dentist. I had a several fillings that had to be re-done. I only used hypnosis and had no pain.

Sheri Menelli, speaker, author, childbirth educator, mother

I have read this and over a dozen other books as part of my labor doula training. Now, as an expectant mother, I've discussed this curriculum with several doulas, midwives, and midwife assistants. I also audited the class last year.

Bottom line: If you want to learn about childbirth preparation, there are better books (Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth, Kitzinger). If you want to learn about overly interventionist hospital policies and practices, there are better books (Missed Conceptions, Wolfe; Ina May Gaskin, etc.). If you want an emotionally and spiritually connected approach to birthing, Birthing from Within is great. If you want to develop relaxation techniques that work specifically for you, paying a few bucks for the book won't hurt, but the class is over $400, for that money you could meet one-on-one with a licensed hypnotherapist who could tailor techniques just for you.

Mongan's basic principle, that a relaxed woman will labor more effectively, is something I believe whole-heartedly. I'm even planning a homebirth. But the idea that it *shouldn't* hurt if I'm doing the exercises right is overstated and, frankly, I think abusive to women. As if barfing during transition is a sign of a character flaw. The section on pushing the baby out is particularly misleading and wildly unrealistic.

I like that they're encouraging people to demand more compassionate care in labor and delivery. But this movement seems more invested in making a brand for itself than in thoughtful, well-reasoned, well-researched approaches to improving maternity care.

As opposed to Henci Goer's "Thinking Woman's Guide to Better Birth", which scares you into wanting a natural birth by making pretty much all intervention sound ghoulish and dangerous, this book makes you want a natural birth because of the beautiful experience that the author describes when talking about her own hypnobirth and the other births that she's been involved in. I can only speak for myself but I respond far better to positive motivation.

The philosophy behind this method and the book makes good sense: women have been having babies for thousands of years, our bodies are designed to do it, and a lot of the pain in labor comes from being conditioned to be afraid of it. You get scared, you tense up, and it hurts. When I went to my obstetrician today, I asked her what natural birth method has been the best in her experience, and she said that all her hypnobirths have been "beautiful". What can I say? I'm sold. I'm having a hypnobaby!

I didn't take the hypnobirthing class and I have to admit that I didn't do all the exercises and certainly not with the frequency recommended, so I wasn't surprised that my labor was not completely pain-free. That being said, to the extent that I did practice the breathing in combination with pain-coping techniques from the "Birthing From Within" book, I felt very prepared for labor and my birth experience was really positive - I even smiled during labor even though the contractions started at about 5 minutes apart and quickly progressed to 2 minutes apart. The "pain" was bearable and I believe my ability to relax with the help of the CD early on in labor made the labor relatively short for a first timer (12 hours). The staff at the birth center was surprised with how "in control" I was. I attribute it to the wonderful explanation in this book of how important it is to relax during labor and my husband and my usage of co-chanting during each surge. My husband also really helped by coaching me to stay relaxed so our baby can come out and reminding me how each contraction ("surge") brings our baby closer to us (hypno birthing concepts). Another helpful thing was during pregnancy not letting people tell me scary birth stories (when someone seemed like they were about to start a scary story I used to say "only happy stories please"). Reading a lot of positive birth stories was also helpful for me.
To summarize, this book was very helpful for me and I recommend reading various books to have a variety of things to draw on during labor since you don't know what will be the most helpful.

Since I was a small girl and all the way through my early 20's I had a phobia about giving birth. I would have nightmares and wake up upset that I would never have children. Flash forward to a couple of years ago. My hubby and I planned a pregnancy and I decided I would just go for it and hope for the best. I decided to take a class in Hypnobirthing and it changed everything for me. This is a book that empowers and comforts the pregnant mom. You'll learn that your body is designed to birth and if you get out of your own way and let it do it's work, you'll have a positive birth expereice. I went from being terrified of birth, to delivering my little girl in a joyful, calm, and drug free way. I simply didn't need any pain medication. In my birth video I look like I'm asleep between the pushes, I'm so relaxed! I still can't believe it! Read the book, take a class if you can, listen to the CD, and trust your body. Self doubt is the only thing that stands in your way. Even if complications arise in your baby's birth, the techniques you'll learn will keep you calm, relaxed, and confident. Happy Birthing!

P.S. - This course is not about choosing to go "Anti-Epidural". You can learn these incredible techniques and still make any pain management decisions you wish. Don't worry. Just study the techniques and see how it helps you. I didn't need an epidural because my relaxation was so deep, I didn't have a painful experience (LOTS of pressure but not pain), but you can do what you wish while still having the techniques to keep you relaxed and positive no matter what you choose. It's not one way or the other. - I do have to say that it's important that you have a doctor and partner who is supportive of your ability to birth with no intervention. The doubt of your medical professional, partner, mother, or anyone else in the room can really sabatoge your positive attitude. If you were running a marathon, would you want someone driving along beside you saying, "You'll never do this on your own. It's going to be terrible and painful!" You MUST have people around you who believe in your ability to birth.

I bought this book because I was really curious about hypnobirthing and I was trying to decide if it was for me. I've been taking Bradley classes to prepare for a natural birth. Yet, I know a few people who claim that Hypnobirthing really helped them. It was definitely a good intro to the technique. I learned about the terminology, breathing and visualization techniques involved with hypnobirthing. It even comes with a CD that I may use during my own labor. I'm not sure that this book is detailed enough to replace taking a Hypnobirthing class though. I also don't think I would feel confident enough to employ this technique just after reading the book. I would also suggest that if you are serious about trying hypnobirthing you begin early in your pregnancy. This might really give you the opportunity to master all of the techniques provided.

Although I did not finish the book before having my baby, what I read was helpful. I was able to relax during labor and have my baby without an epidural which was my goal. The breathing exercises were helpful. I managed to stay home until my contractions were 2 minutes apart and I was dilated 8 cm! I honestly think it was because of the breathing techniques given in the book. I only wish I had the opportunity to take the class and/or finish the book.

My mom found an old copy of a Hypnobirthing book at a yard sale. Halfway through I was thinking, "Wow...I really wish this had a relaxation CD to go with it!" Found this book and bought it immediately.

I didn't want to fork over the cash for a Hypnobirthing class, and I think this book+CD will be a suitable substitute. After all, there are several things in the book that are a little strange (the rainbow deal? weird.), so I probably would have been disappointed with the class anyway. With this book, I can get a thorough introduction to the concept of Hypnobirthing (very basically, relaxation = less pain), some visualization ideas, and a very relaxing CD to take into the delivery room with me. I plan to pop the CD in my discman, slip the headphones on, and basically ignore everyone else in the room until the baby is born. :)

I'm due in 6 more weeks...I'll try to remember to update this review after delivery to let y'all know how it worked. :)

ETA: Well, I didn't end up listening to the CD during labor, because I didn't feel I needed it. The breathing alone really helped relax me. My contractions were totally manageable the whole time. Not pain free, but nowhere near excruciating. Transition was a little rougher, but still manageable. However, the "birth breathing" didn't work for me. It wasn't effective enough to get my baby out. But it did move him down far enough that I only had to give 3 or 4 "purple pushes" to finish the job (and he was 9lbs!). Overall, this delivery was MUCH faster and easier than my first, and much less traumatic. I would still recommend this book and CD to any pregnant woman.

While there are some interesting and useful ideas presented in this book, "some" is the operative word. I was disappointed to find out that this book is less of an informative work, and more of a marketing tool to get you to take the hypnobirthing classes. She will spend pages talking about a wonderful technique, only to glaze over any form of instruction by saying "...this technique, which you will learn in your class." Frustrating, and a waste of time. I was hoping to get something out of the book, because I did not have the time nor the money for the lengthy and expensive classes.

Additionally, she makes some pretty hefty promises, including a "painless" birth. I know several people who have used this method and while it helped them, nobody has described their birth as painless. My OB warned me against trusting any program that made such a promise, and I think she's onto something.

Another aspect that bothers me is that she encourages an "us vs. them" mentality when it comes to healthcare providers. Of course, you need to be in a position of making informed decisions with your doctors and nurses, but she makes it seem like hospital staff is out to ruin your birth, which was so far from my experience, and this mentality that she (and many other pregnancy/birth authors) pushes is completely counter-productive in the real world.

Finally, there is some flat out inaccurate information, which makes me question the other "facts" presented in the book. For instance, she includes butter and fruits in her list of foods to help you meet your protein needs. An entire stuck of butter only has 1 gram of protein; fruit is a poor source as well. And rather than giving into your evil doctor's advice should induction become necessary, she tells you to eat spicy food -- a complete myth. Maybe some people go into labor after eating a taco...but some people go into labor after eating an apple, too.

If you don't intend on taking the classes, I don't think this book is worth while. But then again, if you do plan on taking the classes, you will most likely learn everything you need from them, making this book unnecessary.