If you’ve ever heard of hypnobirthing and thought, “What is that, and where did it come from?” — you’re not alone! While it’s grown massively in popularity in recent years, hypnobirthing has roots that go back much further than most people realise. So let’s take a closer look at where this empowering approach to childbirth really began.
🌱 The early roots: Dr Grantly Dick-Read
The story begins in the 1930s with a British obstetrician named Dr Grantly Dick-Read. Working in a time when medicalised births were becoming the norm, he started to notice something important: women who were calm and supported during labour often experienced less pain and fewer complications.
He observed that fear leads to physical tension, and that tension increases pain — which in turn creates more fear. He called this the Fear–Tension–Pain cycle, and published his ideas in the influential book Childbirth Without Fear. His work laid the foundation for a more holistic and humane approach to birth, one that acknowledged the deep connection between the mind and body.
💡 The Mongan Method: Hypnobirthing as we know it
Fast forward to the 1980s and 90s, and across the Atlantic in the United States, Marie Mongan, a clinical hypnotherapist and educator, built upon Dick-Read’s work. Drawing on both science and her own birthing experiences, she created a practical method that combined:
- Deep relaxation techniques
- Breathing and visualisation
- Self-hypnosis
- Birth education
She called it HypnoBirthing® – The Mongan Method, and it quickly gained attention for its positive impact on birth outcomes and the emotional wellbeing of parents.
🌍 A growing movement
Since then, hypnobirthing has evolved into a broad movement, with different styles and programmes emerging around the world. While the methods may vary, they all share a common goal: to help birthing people approach labour with confidence, calm and informed choice.
Hypnobirthing isn’t just for those planning a home birth or aiming for a drug-free labour. It’s used successfully by people preparing for inductions, caesareans, and everything in between. At its core, it’s not about achieving a “perfect” birth — it’s about feeling empowered and supported, no matter what path your birth takes.
🧠 Not “hypnosis” as you might imagine…
Despite the name, hypnobirthing isn’t about being “under” or out of control. It’s about training your mind and body to work together, using simple but powerful tools to stay calm, focused, and in tune with your body. Think of it as mental fitness for birth.
In summary:
Hypnobirthing is built on decades of insight, evidence and women’s real-life experiences. From its early beginnings in the UK to its global reach today, it continues to support thousands of families in having births that feel safe, informed, and positive.
✨ Whether you’re expecting your first baby or supporting others through birth, understanding where hypnobirthing came from can help us all feel a little more connected to the incredible power of birth.
Curious to learn more or start your hypnobirthing journey?
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