In 2012 a research study into Australian birth outcomes using the HypnoBirthing®™ the Mongan Method was conducted.


Study background and aim:

HypnoBirthing®™ the Mongan Method is steadily increasing in popularity both in Australia and overseas.  It is a set programme consisting of 10–12 hours of instruction for couples approaching the later stages of pregnancy and birth.

A survey was carried out to investigate how Australian participants attending the HypnoBirthing®™ programme between 2007 and 2010 compared to other studies, where hypnosis was used during childbirth. 

Results:

• The average length for both stages of labour was shorter in the HypnoBirthing®™ group compared to general population figures.

• Caesarean section rates were lower, as was the use of gas and epidurals.

• 51% of participants did not use any pain medication at all and the overall discomfort level for labour and birth was 5.8 out of 10 with 32% of the participants scoring under 5.8, including two participants who recorded zero discomfort. 

Conclusion:

Women attending the HypnoBirthing®™ the Mongan Method programme demonstrated similar results to those found in other research in 
hypnosis for childbirth. However, the findings also demonstrated some added benefits of HypnoBirthing®™.

The majority of women reported feeling more confident, relaxed, less fearful, focused, and more in control. They also commented on the ease and comfort of labour and birth and the satisfaction of having their partners involved and supportive. The partners found that the HypnoBirthing®™ sessions provided them with confidence and useful strategies on how to work together as a couple, enabling them to be more involved in the birthing experience. 

Some women stated that:

The HypnoBirthing®™ programme made them feel more connected and in tune with their body and that learning about the mind-body connection helped on a physical, emotional and spiritual level.

Others found that practising self-hypnosis and the breathing techniques beforehand made them feel more confident and prepared, some women used the techniques they had learnt even though their births took a different path while others said that they were using self-hypnosis in other areas of their lives—especially when they were experiencing stress.

The majority said that they would do HypnoBirthing®™ again and would highly recommend it to other expectant mothers. 

[Study published in British Journal of Midwifery • August 2012 • Vol 20, No 8]

For the full research paper, click here HypnoBirthing®™ Outcomes_Australia 2012