when i did my DONA doula training my instructor spent a good bit of time speaking about Hypnobabies. i loved the idea of it then and have often thought i would seek Hypnobabies education for myself whenever wrucker #2 is on the way. through my involvement with Birthworkers of Central Ohio i have been able to meet and get to know a few Hypnobabies instructors, one being the sweet miss Maloree Munn. Maloree and her cutie pie son were kind enough to meet up with us for a play date and us mommas got to talk birth. i’ve asked Maloree to answer a few questions about the Hypnobabies program.

ladies gestating babies take note. enter Ms. Munn:

1) can you sum up in 3 sentences or less the essence of hypnobabies?

Oh boy! Ok, Hypnobabies is a COMPLETE childbirth course that also teaches moms to use Hypnosis during their birthing time. Our moms are able to walk, talk, change position and move around during their labor by using our Eyes Open Childbirth Hypnosis. Our Hypno-moms and their birth partner also learn four other hypnosis techniques, which enables the mom to enter hypnosis easily and aids her in an easy, comfortable birth.

2) does hypnobabies differ from other childbirth prep courses? how so?

Yes, it sure does. The Hypnobabies course is very detailed. We teach our moms everything they need to know about natural childbirth, staying healthy and low risk, and how to incorporate hypnosis during their birthing time. Our “Eyes Open Childbirth Hypnosis” is completely unique to Hypnobabies, and is a very popular reason why people choose Hypnobabies. We are the only course that teaches this technique of Hypnosis, which allows our moms to remain comfortable and completely anesthetized while being mobile in their birthing time. One of the most powerful things that our course does for moms is eliminate fear that is associated with pregnancy and birth. We do this by literally re-programming the mom’s brain through Hypnosis CDs, Hypnosis scripts, and their “Daily Pregnancy Affirmations” CD which provide positive suggestions to the mothers about their pregnancy and birth. We also have changed many of the traditional words used in childbirth classes and birth to more positive words. Our classes are taught in a very positive way. And our moms also are taught to have a “Protective Bubble of Peace” which ensures their mind will only accept the positive views on pregnancy and birth.

3) what is your own personal experience with hypnobabies?

When I was pregnant with my son I came across a forum on babycenter.com that was titled “Hypnosis for Childbirth”. I was completely freaked out by the thought of people being Hypnotized to have babies but I was also intrigued. I started reading the posts in this forum. I read comments like “un-medicated and pain free birth”, “30 hours of labor that felt like 10 hours”, “5 hour labor for a first time mom” “really comfortable birth without an epidural.” After hours of reading birth stories and watching Hypnobabies birth videos I knew this was something I had to do. I started the Hypnobabies course when I was 20 weeks pregnant and it was amazing how different my pregnancy was from 20 weeks and on. The second half of my pregnancy was much more positive, I was much more in-tune
with my body and baby, and I just felt better. My confidence level was so much higher when it came to natural childbirth. And I was able to make some really tough decisions at the end of my pregnancy. When my birthing time started I was so calm and relaxed and I knew just what I needed to do. My “pressure waves” really did only feel like pressure. And I was so comfortable the whole time. My husband/birth partner was such a great support and was very involved as well. After 7 hours, and 25 minutes of pushing, I was able to meet the sweetest baby boy that has ever entered my life. My midwife had never seen a first time mom be so calm and relaxed before. She had many questions for me over the next couple of days.

Because my birth experience was so relaxed and peaceful, I am able to remember it so clearly. Once I had my Hypnobabies experience, I had to recommend it to every pregnant woman I came in contact with. Which led me to become an instructor. And it really is the best feeling to be teaching other women how to give birth peacefully. I just love it.

4) what is your most important piece of advice for expecting moms?

Well, I will tell you what I always tell expectant moms: Please look into Hypnobabies if you plan to have a natural birth. It is amazing how peaceful and comfortable your birth can be. And please don’t let anyone tell you how your pregnancy and birth will be for you. Not all moms experience morning sickness, not all moms are miserable their last month of pregnancy, not all moms experience pain or discomfort in their birthing time. Every woman and her body and baby are so different, and your pregnancy and birth can be positive!

I look forward to learning more from Maloree this coming year. If you’re in the Columbus, OH area and are looking for a childbirth education class please consider Hypnobabies education with Maloree! Her information can be found at her page Special Deliveries.