Time for Coach to Relax

The tables are turned in Class 3 and instead of coaches focusing on helping their pregnant partners to relax, coaches get to appreciate the importance of relaxation and a good coach to help you get there. Pregnancy is such a wonderful time for both parents to soak up time with each other before the baby arrives. Make sure to enjoy this precious time with the one that you love.


Although it is not a good for pregnant women to lay on their backs for long periods of time, we have the coaches lay on their backs for this one. The pregnant partner tailor sits with the back of the coach's head on a pillow in her lap, his body extending straight away from her. She SLOWLY goes through the following head/neck/shoulder massage using slow and deliberate touch to help with physical relaxation. I've written it all out completely rather than using (3x, etc.) for ease of use if you do read it aloud.
...


Say "hello" to the face with a gentle touch of the fingertips over the face.


Neck and Shoulders
Gently stroke neck, shoulders, and back of head.
Gently stroke neck, shoulders, and back of head.
Gently stroke neck, shoulders, and back of head.
With fingertips bent, stroke neck, shoulders, and back of head, digging into the muscles of the neck and shoulders.
With fingertips bent, stroke neck, shoulders, and back of head, digging into the muscles of the neck and shoulders.
With fingertips bent, stroke neck, shoulders, and back of head, digging into the muscles of the neck and shoulders.
Gently stroke neck, shoulders, and back of head.


Face
Smooth across the forehead, massaging temples in circles with thumbs.
Smooth across the forehead, massaging temples in circles with fingertips.
Stroke across the eyebrows with thumbs, ending in circles at temples.
Stroke under the eyes with thumbs, ending in circles at temples.
Stroke down the nose and across the cheeks, ending in circles with fingertips.
Stroke across the mouth areas, ending in circles with fingertips.
Using your hands, deeply massage the jaw, chin and cheeks.
Feel around the ears with fingers.
Massage ears with palms.
Trace convolution (shape of ear), shut off sound, and retrace.
Massage area of head behind the ears.


Finishing strokes
Gently stroke neck, shoulders, and back of head.
Gently stroke neck, shoulders, and back of head, end by squeezing head gently between hands.
Gently stroke neck, shoulders, and back of head, ending with head cupped in hands, then...
Lift and lower head very slowly.
Lift and lower head very slowly.
Lift and lower head very slowly.
Rotate head side to side very slowly.
Rotate head side to side very slowly.
Rotate head side to side very slowly.
Lower head down to pillow very slowly.
Cover the eyes with fingers resting gently on eyelids for a few moments to allow meditation.
Slowly, place flat palms very close to the face without touching.
Lift hands very slowly, while you allow the person to re-enter at his own pace.


Adapted from The Bradley Method® Teacher's Manual material r246 (from Laurel Institute, Incorportated)