Hypnobirthing is a special pregnancy course for expectant mothers and their partners. In the past, it was largely unknown, but today almost every parent-to-be has heard of it—and that’s no surprise. Not only do expectant parents approach the birth more calmly, but many women (and men) also experience delivery after hypnobirthing as positive. What is hypnobirthing, where can you take a hypnobirthing course, and when is this kind of pregnancy course worthwhile? We spoke with Mamamoon and learned a lot.

How Mamamoon hypnobirthing started in Amsterdam

Mamamoon began with a chance meeting between the founders in Amsterdam. Twelve years later, in 2018, their paths crossed again, and once more it turned out the ladies had more in common than they thought: the urge to pursue a new passion, and the desire to do something that truly felt close to their hearts. And—what a surprise!—they were both pregnant, with due dates only two weeks apart.

As two peas in a pod, they soon announced the birth of a third “little one”: Mamamoon Retreats . The idea: a weekend getaway from all pregnancy troubles . They found a location, built a website, and shouted it from the rooftops on social media.

With a clear program and a well-thought-out plan that Mamamoon wanted to share with participants, something very special happened in Ermelo that weekend. “It is so beautiful to guide someone on their journey to parenthood. Sharing proven methods and knowledge during a weekend retreat with people facing such a significant event is perhaps even more beautiful.” The ladies unanimously agreed: this weekend would not be the last.

What is hypnobirthing? 6 questions for Mamamoon

Feeling like a superhero… after birth. That’s what Mamamoon promises on their website. Are you curious and want to know exactly how the hypnobirthing course works? We did some research and asked Kasia, co-founder of Mamamoon, hypnobirthing instructor, and pregnancy yoga teacher, six questions.

1. Why is relaxation during childbirth so important?

Relaxed and giving birth—two words you rarely see in the same sentence. But that is precisely the goal on the path to a smooth delivery: staying calm, maintaining peace, and keeping your feet firmly on the ground (figuratively speaking, of course).

But many women see childbirth as a mountain to climb . And partners often have quite a bit to endure as well. The media may be partly to blame. On TV, the typical birth scene is familiar: the woman lying on her back, screaming loudly, surrounded by a hysterical partner and frantic doctors.

Yet trust in your own body is so important for birth —trust that nature (and life) will find its way. When that trust is missing, stress takes over, and that is certainly not conducive to childbirth.

Mamamoon shares a vivid example of why rest is so important during childbirth. It may not be the most pleasant, but it definitely sticks with you. “Imagine you’re on the toilet and someone opens the door. You tense up, right?” OK, maybe you’re used to your determined toddler finding you in the bathroom. Now imagine you’re in a restaurant bathroom ;). “The same can happen during childbirth,” Mamamoon continues, “when someone enters the space and you don’t feel comfortable, someone turns on the light, or the music suddenly changes and creates an atmosphere you dislike. Or someone says something. Or you are taken out of your home environment and you’re lying in a hospital bed. The adrenaline rushes through your body… ‘it’s going to happen!’”

All of the above has the same effect: we “close” up. And that is 180 degrees in the wrong direction. We need to stay “open” . We need that opening (or dilation) in order to finally welcome our little explorer.

2. What is hypnobirthing and how can it help me to relax?

Hypnobirthing is a holistic pregnancy course based on the core principle of staying calm during childbirth . You learn hypnobirthing exercises that can make it easier to achieve dilation. Breathing techniques can also be part of the course.

Hypnobirthing helps with the following :

• Recognizing when you are stressed or tense . You—and the people around you—learn to recognize and identify the signals through behavior and body language, without exchanging a single word.

• Doing the right thing in those moments and supporting yourself (for example, with breathing techniques), or receiving the right support from the people around you or the midwifery team to regain calm (massage, changing position, etc.).

• Addressing potential stress factors early on , before labor begins. You can’t eliminate every discomfort, but having a sense of control during birth can work wonders. For example, do you find it stressful when too many people are in the room? Then note that in your birth plan , so the midwife or doctor can take it into account.

• Preparing for everything that is to come . A geboorte verloopt vaak anders dan gepland, maar zolang je de controle behoudt (dus de controle en vrijheid van keuze), is de kans groot dat je kalm blijft en trouw aan jezelf tijdens het cruciale moment. Daarna voel je je krachtig in plaats van uitgeput. Wanneer elke beslissing tijdens de geboorte van jou is, dan voelt de bevalling later echt als jouw moment. Je werd niet geleid, maar dit is jouw prestatie. Iets om trots op te zijn!

• From a practical perspective, a hypnobirthing course helps you develop your own techniques and habits to stay relaxed . The tricks and positive stimuli you already know are woven into your daily routine. Think self-hypnosis (yoga) and breathing techniques, but also simple me-time—listening to your favorite music or using a scent at home that helps you relax. You can take all of this with you into the delivery room.

3. Can anyone participate in hypnobirthing or are there certain criteria?

"Hypnobirthing is for everyone," Mamamoon asserts confidently, "whether you're preparing for a natural birth, an induction, or a cesarean section . Perhaps hypnobirthing is even more important in those last two cases, because they can sometimes happen unexpectedly and cause additional anxiety.” Hypnobirthing is therefore suitable for all expectant parents, whether the pregnancy is progressing smoothly or is a bit more complicated.

Hypnobirthing techniques can help even after birth and during the postpartum period. Mamamoon mentions one especially important tool in this context: breathing.

• Paying attention to your breathing usually calms you down. This can help when your baby cries a lot or you experience a (mild) panic attack.

• Certain breathing techniques can help you fall asleep more easily.

• Breathing is vital for life. Good breathing is a lifesaver . If it all becomes too much, pause and focus on your breath. Chances are you’ll find the peace you need again afterward.

4. From when is a hypnobirthing pregnancy course worthwhile?

A hypnobirthing course can start from week 14 . Because you learn a lot and the lessons are intensive, it’s wise not to wait too long to register. Start by weeks 34/35 so you have time to master all the hypnobirthing exercises .

Are you flexible and quick to turn an exercise into a habit? Then you can comfortably start the hypnobirthing course later in your pregnancy. Many lessons focus on integrating specific techniques into your daily routine. Do you prefer to take things a bit more slowly, or are you feeling quite anxious about birth? Then start early. This gives you enough time to build the hypnobirthing exercises into your daily rhythm. Moreover, hopefully you’ll ease your fear of childbirth and enjoy pregnancy itself more .

Around weeks 28/29, the fetus begins to gradually adopt the birth position. Therefore, it’s advisable to contact a hypnobirthing instructor by week 24 or 25. That person can help you support positioning . In addition, you’ll gain insight into birth anatomy.

5. Can my partner also participate in the hypnobirthing course?

As with many pregnancy courses, hypnobirthing is aimed at both you and your partner . Your partner learns practical methods to actively support you during childbirth, such as massage or applying gentle pressure to certain points on the body. The course also provides information about important decisions during birth. This gives you and your partner the chance to talk things through, agree on what you want and what matters most to you, and helps your partner stay in contact with the midwives during labor while you focus on what’s essential. Building confidence in the choices you make is an integral part of hypnobirthing . And finally, your partner feels more involved in your pregnancy from the very beginning.

6. Is a hypnobirthing course really necessary or can I learn the exercises at home as well?

Learning hypnobirthing on your own is definitely possible. You can find lots of information in books and online , including practical techniques you can do at home. You can also discuss it with your doctor or midwife—maybe they can help you get started. But a hypnobirthing course , such as Mamamoon’s, undoubtedly offers added value .

Of course, that’s also because you don’t have to invest time—or interrupt your learning process—with long searches for the right information and input. “Another advantage is that during the retreat, you meet other expectant parents who are at exactly the same stage of life as you. Even after pregnancy, this network can mean a lot,” says Mamamoon with a smile, “because we definitely shouldn’t forget how important that is.”

Sign up for a hypnobirthing course

After a hypnobirthing course, you’ll have the tools to stay calm during labor. Many mothers therefore look back with a positive feeling about the birth . They describe it as an experience in which they were able to maintain control and feel proud of what they accomplished. Your partner won’t feel like a third wheel, because they’ve learned how to support you best during *the* moment. Hypnobirthing can also have a positive effect on your baby . Babies enter the world in a calm setting, which can help them stay calm, too. They may also be more alert, which often helps breastfeeding get off to a good start.

If you start working with hypnobirthing, you do need a certain level of discipline . The classes are intensive, and you’ll also practice hypnobirthing techniques regularly at home. That means truly mastering certain breathing techniques, relaxation exercises, and various birthing positions. But it’s worth it—to have the most natural and comfortable birth possible.

Want to get started right away? Visit the or the of Mamamoon for more information.