Syllabus for the RISE UP certificate program:

Session One
Identifying birth traumas study module – why trauma-mamas put on a brave face

Session Two
Compassionate language study module – what to say, what NOT to say

Group phone call – role-playing

Session Three
>>you are here
Oxytocin power study module – why it is never too late to bond

Session Four
Epigenetic traumas study module – what they mean for families

Group phone call – QnA

Session Five
Tools for stress-reduction study module – the RISE UP method of stress relief

Session Six
Priceless get-help checklist study module – connect moms with resources they may not know to ask about

Group phone call – role-playing

Welcome to session three of the
RISE UP Method of Postpartum Stress Relief
Compassionate language study module – Oxytocin Power Study Module – why it is never too late to bond

Included in this session: an audio file, links for additional reading, and a quiz

Listen to the audio, familiarize yourself with the information at the links provided, and answer the quiz at the bottom to be sent the next session.

If at any point you feel triggered or stressed during this session please contact me immediately via email: Lori@BirthingPeaceWithin.com

What we know about bonding at birth:
Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract during labour. Levels of oxytocin gradually increase throughout labour to peak at around the time of birth, when it is thought to contribute to the euphoria and receptiveness to her baby that a mother usually feels after an unmedicated birth. This peak, which is triggered by sensations of stretching of the birth canal just before delivery, does not occur when an epidural is in place. Interestingly administration of an epidural has been found to interfere with bonding between ewes and their newborn lambs.

Sarah Buckley has the very best overview of what we know about how and why this happens.



BUT what about bonding after a medicated birth?

Often mothers worry that they will be forever disconnected from their child after a mediated or traumatic birth. It is very important for us not to see them as forever damaged, lest we reinforce the hopeless feelings they may share with us.

Studies have shown that a healthy loving attachment formed at any age can reverse some of the effects of an oxytocin deficit. Additional trauma, especially when perpetuated by loved ones, can further damage the ability to allow the flow of oxytocin.

Healing trauma is one of the very best ways I have seen to invite the construction of new oxytocin receptors, allowing closer connections to be formed in the most healthy and natural way.

You may have heard stories of people who come through a stressful situation together, and how their bonds can grow in ways that seem disproportionate to the amount of time they spent together. They can form a deep bond that last decades after spending a trust-filled hour. This often happens after natural disasters – those who helped each other through feel very loved and trusting of those who were ‘there’ and understand what they went through. They have built oxytocin receptors and connections that would have taken a very long time to build under other circumstances. They have, in effect, built ‘missing’ receptors in a very short time.

I see this happen with trauma healing as well. People who have felt very disconnected from their family are able to better connect as soon as they heal the trauma that was blocking connection. Oxytocin receptors and connection can be built at any time, past trauma keeps us from allowing it to happen easily. Too often we fall into patterns that feel safe rather than allowing connection.

Trauma reminds us to keep our distance. Healing trauma allows us to connect, which accelerates healing. Healing people heal people.

After you listen to the audio and review the text above,  the following documents will help frame the next section of the training.

Required exercise – understanding the importance of bonding at any age

Additional exercises for understanding the importance of bonding and why it is never too late – read through these to get an overview of how these amazing hormones work.

If you have any problems with the files or questions about the sessions please let Lori know via Lori@BirthingPeaceWithin.com