Welcome: The Return
Welcome: The Return
This module focuses on the next phase of the Heroic Journey, where we find our Protagonist ready to begin the Return home, after hearing, and accepting the Call to Return. They are fresh, new, and raw... and ready to take the first steps, and continue on the journey, through the Gates. At each Gate, they wonder, “Who Am I Now?” and work through their story on some level. This Module highlights Pam England’s concept of the Birth Story Gates—which is a map for the postpartum journey. It recognizes the Postpartum time as a profound process that takes time and mentorship, in order to find one’s way “home,” fully integrated and whole.
In the final phase of the Heroic Journey, we find our Protagonist hearing yet another call, this time, it is the call to completion, integration, wholeness. They now carry what Pam England calls the Warrior’s Treasure—integration of Light and Shadow, a new knowing, a new Self-Knowing. They have deconstructed and reconstructed their story, worked through it, passed through the gates, and now know that their identity is not wrapped up in the story. They don't need to be validated for their experience. They are now able to be a mentor, elder and Love Warrior for themselves, but also for others, from a place of compassion and love. They are home. Integrated and whole.
Highlights: Module 7
Inanna – The place of not-here nor-there, metamorphosis and receiving the gifts of the Allies, moving through the Gates, and the intentional sending of something to the Underworld in her place
Mentoring prenatal preparation for the Postpartum Return and navigating the “Fourth Trimester”
Mentoring during the Postpartum Return
The Innocent Archetype
Deepening the foundation for Pain-coping Mindset with Circular Breathing
Processes to help parents prepare prenatally for what lies ahead in the postpartum period as well as to guide parents after the birth towards healing and wholeness
The Birth Story Gates
Postpartum Reunions and Birthing Again classes
Processes to help parents integrate and be in their adult archetypes as they tell their birth stories, and possibly prepare for another birth.
Rituals of the Return
Welcoming my Baby art process
Learning Objectives: Module 7
Upon completion of this module, participant will be able to:
Identify characteristics and relevance of the Innocent Archetype and describe how The Innocent is present at both the beginning and beginning of the end of the journey.
Discuss the relevance of The Return in the Heroic Journey and how it relates to birth.
Teach the pain coping practice, Circular Breathing, to parents.
Explain the concept of the Birth Story Gates and how they apply to the postpartum experience.
Lead a solution-focused process and discussion regarding partner support and collaboration as well as relationship changes in the postpartum period.
Guide a parent in a solution-focused conversation relating to their birth experience.
Describe the Tasks of the Return.
Lead Parents in an exploration of The Good Enough Parent concept.
Lead parents in a prenatal ritual for the return, specifically a Footbath and Massage Ritual, and the sharing of Birth Bundles.
Guide parents in an art process that explores the idea of connecting with and welcoming baby.
Offer a Postpartum Reunion for parents that supports the process of integration and completion of the soul journey of birth.
Lead parents in a Birthing Again class.
