HypnoBirthing Book Summary - HypnoBirthing Book explained in key points
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HypnoBirthing summary

Marie F. Mongan

The breakthrough approach to safer, easier, more comfortable birthing

4.2 (104 ratings)
21 mins

Brief summary

HypnoBirthing by Marie F. Mongan is a guide for expectant mothers looking to have a calm, natural childbirth experience using hypnosis techniques. It offers a step-by-step explanation of the process and practical advice on how to achieve a safe and comfortable birth.

Table of Contents

    HypnoBirthing
    Summary of 7 key ideas

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    Childbirth should be a cause for joy, not trauma. 

    The author, Marie Mongan, was five years old when she overheard a conversation she would never forget. Marie’s mother and her friends were talking about childbirth, but they didn’t realize that Marie was listening. One woman described a long and painful labor, in which the doctors had used forceps to pull her baby out. These forceps had badly damaged her pelvis, and she had been told afterward that she might not be able to have another child. Sadly, the woman Marie overheard that day was her own mother, and Marie was the baby she was talking about.

    Learning about her mother’s traumatic experience gave Marie the determination to change the status quo. As she grew up, she set out to prove to the world that there was a better way of giving birth – a natural, more gentle way. 

    The key message here is: Childbirth should be a cause for joy, not trauma. 

    Finally, after years of research, Marie Mongan developed HypnoBirthing, a new philosophy and approach to childbirth. 

    The cornerstone of this approach is that the mother’s body, and the unborn baby she carries, already know how to give birth. If the woman is healthy and the pregnancy is without complications, then it’s not necessary for medical staff to interfere with her labor. The human reproductive system is perfect and should be respected and left alone as much as possible. The expectant mother doesn’t need to be told to push, and she doesn’t need drugs or help from medical instruments to bring her baby into the world. 

    The HypnoBirthing philosophy believes that childbirth is a natural human experience, with its own flow and its own rhythm. Each unnecessary medical procedure and interruption risks undermining this natural process and setting it off-kilter. To avoid this, it’s crucial that each birth happens according to the mother and baby’s own pace. The birthing process might slow down, or it might speed up, but this is normal and natural. If there are no complications, then those outside the birth shouldn’t try to manage its time frame. 

    Finally, the HypnoBirthing approach regards the female body as sacrosanct. Nobody has the right to interfere with your body – especially when you’re going through childbirth. 

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    What is HypnoBirthing about?

    HypnoBirthing (1992) explores how expectant mothers can enjoy a more comfortable, joyful childbirth. These blinks provide simple hypnotherapy techniques that pregnant women can practice at home. They also uncover the guiding philosophy of HypnoBirthing and reveal how it can help women to have a natural, less painful birthing experience.

    HypnoBirthing Review

    HypnoBirthing (2005) by Marie F. Mongan is an enlightening book that explores the natural approach to childbirth and why it's worth considering. Here are three reasons why this book stands out:

    • The book presents a comprehensive overview of the HypnoBirthing method, providing valuable insights into how relaxation techniques and self-hypnosis can contribute to a positive birthing experience.
    • With real-life accounts from parents who have successfully used HypnoBirthing, the book offers reassurance, encouragement, and practical tips for expecting couples.
    • Its emphasis on empowerment and the mind-body connection makes this book not only educational but also inspiring, ensuring that childbirth is viewed as a natural and beautiful process.

    Best quote from HypnoBirthing

    Just as a womans heart knows how and when to pump her lungs to inhale, her hand to pull back from fire, so she knows when and how to give birth. 

    —Marie F. Mongan
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    Who should read HypnoBirthing?

    • Expectant mothers
    • Partners or birth coaches of pregnant women 
    • Health care professionals looking for a fresh perspective

    About the Author

    Marie Mongan was director of the HypnoBirthing Institute in New Hampshire, had over four decades of experience as a licensed counselor, and was also a certified hypnotherapist. In 2013, Mongan received a lifetime achievement award from the International Association of Counsellors and Therapists. She passed away in 2019. 

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    HypnoBirthing FAQs 

    What is the main message of HypnoBirthing?

    The main message of HypnoBirthing is that childbirth can be a calm and gentle experience through the power of relaxation techniques.

    How long does it take to read HypnoBirthing?

    The reading time for HypnoBirthing varies, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.

    Is HypnoBirthing a good book? Is it worth reading?

    HypnoBirthing is worth reading for those seeking a gentle and empowering childbirth experience. It offers valuable insights and techniques.

    Who is the author of HypnoBirthing?

    Marie F. Mongan is the author of HypnoBirthing.

    What to read after HypnoBirthing?

    If you're wondering what to read next after HypnoBirthing, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Common Sense Pregnancy by Jeanne Faulkner
    • Expecting Better by Emily Oster
    • Moms on Call by Laura Hunter & Jennifer Walker
    • The Art of Waiting by Belle Boggs
    • The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) by Philippa Perry
    • The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson
    • Good Inside by Becky Kennedy
    • Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman
    • Read People Like a Book by Patrick King
    • The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by La Leche League International