Madison HypnoBirthing

11/18/2025

Review for Maria Gohdes, Birth Doula & Hypnobirthing Instructor, Gentle Surge:

Working with Maria was one of the best decisions I made during my first pregnancy. I initially met her through the hypnobirthing classes she taught, and I knew right away that I wanted her as my doula. She is incredibly gentle, truly listens, and brings a depth of knowledge that immediately builds trust. At the same time, she’s open-minded and willing to explore new perspectives or seek out additional information to support you.

During my labor and unexpected C-section, Maria supported both me and my husband with such calm, steady reassurance. She never rushed us—she simply offered clear, grounding information and a comforting presence. Her support made my birth experience feel special, positive, and empowered, even when things didn’t go according to plan.

I cannot recommend Maria enough. She is a rare combination of expertise, compassion, and genuine care, and I’m so grateful she was part of our birth story.

- Rachel Wright Jones, PhD.

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11/15/2025

(part 4 of my why…)

Unplanned unassisted.

At 42 weeks of pregnancy.

A normal day, except the ultrasound the midwife requested, so I could have a few more days to wait for baby.

Older kids tucked into bed, a quiet house, feeling like “maybe tomorrow” would be the day, a hot shower before bed. Laying down the realizing these “warmup surges” were getting stronger. A trip to the bathroom. Then straight to the floor.

Membranes release. A quick hose into the tub and filled just enough.

The quickest labor. A water birth only made possible by the long gestation that gave ample time to have everything in place days/weeks earlier.

A quiet and peaceful entry, breathed out straight into mom’s hands. Witnessed only by dad and big brother. A nuchal cord. Skin-to-skin.

Out of the tub and waiting for the placenta. The arrival of a grandma. This is where found me a quick 30 min after the “you should come soon” text, thinking she’d catch labor + birth. And minutes before the homebirth midwife arrived.

It couldn’t have been more perfect.

After surrendering, doing the mind and body work, eating all the dates, etc…the only thing left to do was welcome baby’s choice in their birth. They have a voice and it often can be heard if we listen 💕

11/13/2025

She did it!!! A recent HypnoBirthing grad and new mama .marty23 who did her homework, educated herself, navigated, and birthed her way! Way to go!!

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“I wanted to give you a sweet update! Our daughter was born Nov. 6th in hospital after a 9 1/2 hour labor! My water broke at 12:30am I arrived at the hospital at 2:30am after contractions really picked up and I got settled and checked at 4cm. Things progressed very rapidly from 4-8cm where I was able to use a labor comb, breathing techniques, and multiple positions for surges. I was getting about 30-45 second breaks in between. It was so intense! When

I was in transition I started doubting myself and my abilities to cope with the intensity of the surges. This is where my birth partner stepped up his game and absolutely coached me through it. I learned so much from the course, but what he was able to learn and do for me helped me the most! He stayed calm, asked the nurses questions and let them know our plans, he told me affirmations and helped remind me of breathing, loose jaw, and that I COULD get through it.

I was complete at 6:00am and labored for an hour with no progression or movement downward of the baby. My Dr. brought in a consult who said the baby was very high and that the baby might have issues passing my p***c bone after examining her head position and swelling. I was given two hours to continue to labor and try to move her down. In that time I was able to push in so many positions and ultimately fell into a tug of war position that helped her pass through. I delivered her shortly after my family care Dr. who I saw all nine months arrived.

I had zero tearing, and baby came out so calm and relaxed I actually got a bit worried. She crawled on my chest to nurse and latched during golden hour. I was up, walking, showering, and enjoying the company of my mother and father within two hours.

I just wanted to reach out and say THANK YOU! I feel accomplished and proud of myself for achieving an unmediated labor. Our daughter is the light of our lives already. ♥️ Arden Star Marty!“

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11/08/2025

SHE DID IT!!! this. is. everything!

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“I wanted to reach out and give a huge heartfelt THANK YOU for everything you taught me during your Hypnobirthing course!

Your course truly changed my life and the way I view birth. With the help of the tools I learned from your class, baby Denver made his appearance earthside on May 12th - AT HOME, in the greatest way I could have ever imagined!

We used movement, breathing, and gentle touch massage to help ease the pain, and only 6 hours into my spontaneous labor, baby Denver arrived. It’s amazing what a woman’s body can endure and accomplish, and I’m still in awe.

I truly don’t believe I could have had the courage to do an unmedicated home birth without your guidance!

Even the little bit of breastfeeding we talked about in the course has helped me achieve my goal of making it to 6 months of breastfeeding! Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

👆THIS is why an out of hospital childbirth education course is so important. Options. Support. Respect. Informed choice. Empowered birth!

👆Emails like THIS are why we are SO passionate about HypnoBirthing - The Mongan Method childbirth education courses. Taking calls late in pregnancy, in special circumstances, and early breastfeeding are just PART of the continued support that comes with the course from GentleSurge because continuous support matters!

10/24/2025

THIS is why we continue to teach the HypnoBirthing - The Mongan Method course! SHE DID IT!

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“I just wanted to say THANK YOU 🥹

You were truly the sole reason why I had my dream birth experience.

We welcomed Kendall Jay Nelson on 10/10 at 3:31 AM over the course of a 23 hour labor with zero drugs 🥹 🙌🏻

Thank you for doing what you’re doing. You truly got me through every doubt that ever crossed my mind & gave me the confidence that I was on the right track.

Our bodies are incredible and I have never been more proud of myself in my life.

Thank you 💕

She’s perfect 💕

Every woman deserves to feel this way. Every woman that tells me their pregnant will be directly referred to you & your class 🙌🏻 “

10/15/2025

i am confident. i am safe. i am secure.

it is possible to be all of this in labor + birth! do the work in pregnancy to surround yourself with people who support your vision of birth (providers/family/friends/doula/etc). be prepared for how to address those who don’t support you. learn + practice BRAINS. take an out of hospital childbirth education class.

every single birth is different, but you still have choices regardless of your situation. check out our bio 🔗to learn about affirmations for birth, HypnoBirthing childbirth education classes, fitness + how GentleSurge can help you in your journey.

08/14/2025

our September 2025 HypnoBirthing LIVE childbirth education course meets 5 times - Sept 7, 14, 21, 28 + Oct 5 (4pm-6:30pm). in-person seats are full, but there are spots available in the virtual classroom (via Zoom)!

HypnoBirthing® is an easy to learn childbirth education method focusing on education, breathing, relaxation, visualization, self-hypnosis, and affirmations.

HypnoBirthing isn’t just for unmediated birth, it’s actually quite perfect for all birth, including special circumstances and issues that arise during pregnancy and birth. Classes are perfect for partners/birth companions as well!

Each course includes five-2.5 hour classes, textbook, relaxation tracks, workbook, and so much more.

For more information see bio link, visit GentleSurge.com or email info@gentlesurge.com

08/05/2025

World Breastfeeding Week is acknowledged globally every year August 1st - 7th.

why does it exist? to help promote/educate so many aspects of breastfeeding... the benefits provide essential nutrients & antibodies that protect babies, reducing infant mortality rates... recognize that women should feel supported, empowered and confident to nourish their children with their right to breastfeed whenever and wherever...

why is it in port at to me? because through the years, the crackers ni***es, tounge ties, tandem feedings, late nights, early mornings, pump sessions, engorgement, mastitis, clogged ducts, and much more….there was support…

with support there is….beauty, snuggles, wins, successes, inclusion, months (or years!) of breastfeeding, freedom, and much more!

I would not have the same journey without those who paved the way so I could feed anywhere/anytime, those who had tips for when it was hard, offered water when I was parched, or advice when it just wasn’t easy.

as someone trained in lactation, who traveled the country for a breastfeeding company, has taught and supported hundreds of families, and has personally been breastfeeding for over a decade (!!!)….i think it is IMPERATIVE to educate, support, love on, and celebrate every. single. win/drop/moment on this journey.

need help? reach out! it may be “natural” but it may not be easy!

08/05/2025

we birth easily

*we. it is a relationship. two voices. listen to what baby says, needs, wants.

you’ve got this!

06/10/2025

It's been in the works for years and we are excited to announce this documentary premiers in this month....

"While Fear and Now focuses specifically on hypnobirthing as a cornerstone of the maternal healthcare revolution, the heart of the documentary’s message is about women being in the driver’s seat of their birthing experience. If women are able to experience birthing from a place of empowerment rather than a place of fear, it could have a ripple effect of impacting how they show up across other areas of their life—and be a gift they give to the next generation. It’s about tapping into inner strength, resilience, and ultimately, joy."

https://www.forbes.com/sites/hollycorbett/2025/05/31/a-new-documentary-reveals-why-america-may-need-a-birthing-revolution/

Fear and Now The HypnoBirthing Institute

Send a message to learn more

05/29/2025

HypnoBirthing is for all births!

05/28/2025

last call - 2 seats left!

our June 2025 HypnoBirthing LIVE, IN-PERSON (+ via Zoom) childbirth education course meets 5 times - June 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 (4pm-6:30pm) - and will be held at Vibrant Life Family Chiropractic in Waunakee, WI.

HypnoBirthing® is an easy to learn childbirth education method focusing on education, breathing, relaxation, visualization, self-hypnosis, and affirmations.

HypnoBirthing isn't just for unmediated birth, it's actually quite perfect for all birth, including special circumstances and issues that arise during pregnancy and birth. Classes are perfect for partners/birth companions as well!

Each course includes five-2.5 hour classes, textbook, relaxation tracks, workbook, and so much more.

For more information see bio link, visit GentleSurge.com or email info@gentlesurge.com