Frequently asked questions about HypnoBirthing
What is HypnoBirthing ?
HypnoBirthing - The Mongan Method, is a unique method of relaxed, natural childbirth education, enhanced by
hypnosis techniques.
The HypnoBirthing program comprises of 12.5 hours of tuition which covers
topics such as the history of birth, how hypnosis can be helpful during pregnancy and birth, how birth
affects the baby, ways to strengthen bonding, special massage and breathing techniques, demystifying medical
language, understanding your options in pregnancy and birth and ways your birthing partner can help you
during labour.
So How Does Hypnosis Help?
The major hormone released during labour, oxytocin, is incredibly fragile. If a woman feels scared during
labour she will release catecholamines, the most well known of these being adrenaline. The release of
adrenaline during labour causes two things to happen, firstly it inhibits the release of oxytocin, this
causes the uterus to stop contracting effectively and can cause the labour to become erratic and slow,
secondly when we release adrenaline we cannot release beta endorphins, nature's own natural anaesthesia
and feel good chemical. The contracting uterus also becomes starved of oxygenated blood which leads to a
build up of lactic acid and thus pain (ever experienced severe muscle cramp?) and combined with the lack
of release of our own natural pain killers labour becomes harder, longer and more painful (often known as
"failure to progress"). By ensuring that the birthing mother releases as little adrenaline as possible we
can help the birth to progress easily, safely and comfortably.
As is now obvious, fear is the enemy of the birthing room, HypnoBirthing aims to remove that fear through
the use of hypnosis. Hypnosis is nothing more than a deep feeling of relaxation (much like a daydream) it
is a very natural state to be in, you won't feel out of control and everybody can experience a hypnotic
state (even if you think you "won't be able to be hypnotized") - We all experience this state every single
day!
In HypnoBirthing® you will be working with nature, not against it, in a calm and fearless state of mind,
your body will be working with you, not against you!
Can Anybody Do It?
Yes! With time, patience and practice HypnoBirthing® will work for anyone. Some may find they are more
susceptible and may find that the effects are much stronger for them, but HypnoBirthing® can benefit anyone,
it's not a case of saying "I can't be hypnotized" or "I have a low pain threshold", hypnosis is a natural
state, as is childbirth - anybody can do it!
Will I still be In Control?
Yes! Lots of people worry that HypnoBirthing® will be similar to stage hypnosis or that seen on TV where
people are made to impersonate chickens and the like. With HypnoBirthing® you are in complete control,
all hypnosis is self hypnosis, it is not something that is done to you, it is not therapy, and it is just
a naturally relaxed state. Nobody can make you do anything you do not want to do while in hypnosis and you
will remain alert and lucid throughout the whole birth experience, just very very calm.
I'm having a Caesarean - Will it still benefit me?
Yes! HypnoBirthing® isn't just about natural, drug-free, vaginal births; it can be used for any type of
birth experience! It is wonderful at helping prepare you for the birth itself, but the benefits do not end
there. HypnoBirthing® can help you experience a happier, more relaxed pregnancy, will help with bonding with
the baby, with lactation and with life after the birth.
I'm planning a VBAC - Will HypnoBirthing help?
Very definitely! Especially for those who had a caesarean because of "failure to progress" or "failed
inductions". HypnoBirthing will help you to regain your confidence in natural birth and your own body and
will help you to regain control of the birth process.
it is strongly recommended that you attend classes with an officially recognized HypnoBirthing® instructor.
HypnoBirthing is the longest established and most widely respected hypnosis for birth program in the world.
HypnoBirthing is thought in 33 countries and there are over 2,200 practitioners around the world.
A list of official practitioners can be obtained from the official HypnoBirthing website in the US here:
http://www.HypnoBirthing.com
If a practitioner is not on this list, then they are NOT official HypnoBirthing® practitioners!
When Should I Start?
Ideally you should start as soon as possible, often 28 weeks is the recommended start time, but you can start
sooner or later, we have taught people as early as 12 weeks into pregnancy and as late as 38 weeks. The
sooner you start though, the longer you have to practice!
Does My Partner Have to Come Too?
Ideally your partner will come with you, HypnoBirthing® is designed to be taught to couples and this is one
of the keys of its success, this could also be a friend or relative though.
What is the cost for the classes?
For five weeks of group sessions of two and half hours in Montreal 445$
Group classes are limited to a maximum of 4 couples.
For five classes of 2-1/2 hours private one to one sessions in Montreal 595$
For individual one to one sessions in your own home (to be discussed)
For a complete 12.5 hour refresher course for past clients - 250$ (subject to availability).
A 75$ deposit is required to secure your registration, with the remainder payable in full at the end of
the first class
Course fees include:
A copy of the official HypnoBirthing® the Mongan method book.
Affirmations and Rainbow Relaxation official HypnoBirthing® CD.
Class handouts
Birth plan
Refreshments
Free support for as long as is needed
Free hypnotherapy sessions should the baby be in the breech position
If you genuinely cannot afford the course fees, then please do not let this stop you of learning
HypnoBirthing, please contact me and we can discuss finances, I offer numerous payment plan options,
reduced rate course fees and free places for those on a low income. I passionately believe that money
should not be an obstacle to achieving a beautiful birthing experience.
Where are the Classes Held?
Group classes in English are held :
Wednesday evenings at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m. in Montreal at
4020 St-Ambroise, Suite 472, walking distance from the Atwater Metro and market.
When should I register?
As the area's most popular HypnoBirthing classes, I usually get booked up quite far ahead, so early booking
is advisable.
What Experience do you have?
I have been trained by Marie Mongan - HypnoBirthing® Institute and have been practicing as a HypnoBirthing
Childbirth Educator since 1997.
I have thought many new practitioners across Canada and my name is well known in the HypnoBirthing community
and also with local midwives and hospitals.
I find clients are willing to travel great distances to
me because of this and my other highly relevant experience.
My career background is Medical Hypnosis, Nutrition, HypnoBirthing Labor Companion and I also specialise in
HypnoBirthing Fertility.
Being a Hypnotherapist, I am at ease with the use of hypnosis and its
related issues, the theory of the mind, the anatomy and physiology of normal pregnancy and birth and
related obstetric concerns. I am able to work with you to create a perfectly tailored program to suit
your needs.
I am also a practicing, experienced, recognized birth doula and therefore have an incredibly in depth
knowledge of pregnancy and birth, over and above the usual required for a HypnoBirthing practitioner, not
only do I teach HypnoBirthing I see the effects first hand when I doula for clients.
So - if that wasn't enough to convince you - why else should you choose to learn HypnoBirthing with me?
Apart from being INCREDIBLY passionate about pregnancy, birth and babies (and making sure my knowledge and
skills are kept up to date with ongoing training and learning) I am the longest running practitioner
covering the Greater Montreal Area.
Call 514-507-7772 or 514-592-4946to reserve a half an hour free consultation with me to discuss if HypnoBirthing the Mongan
method would be the ideal preparation for the birth of your child.
Wishing you a peaceful birth,
Ilona Fritsch
For further information about HypnoBirthing courses in Montreal, Canada click here
HypnoBirthing® Canada:- Ilona Fritsch
514-592-4946 or 514-507-7772
ilona@hypnobirthingcanada.com