When a pregnant couple (or really any couple) takes time to honor their relationship

I had the privilege to work with a pregnant couple the other night.  I found myself imagining that I was cupid, shooting hearts of love through the air.  The night was blissful, watching the tired husband return from his long day of work in the entertainment industry.  The wife, being 37 weeks pregnant AND a stay at home mom, chasing after an energetic two year old son, had her own feelings of exhaustion.  Together, this made for the perfect time to restore and renew, not only themselves, but each other.

We started by having the husband sprawl out on the couch, with the wife lying in front of him, her back on his chest.  I asked her to give "all of her energy" so that he could hold and support her.  They both melted into a cocoon-like state, and unconsciously, they were able to sense each other rhythms of breath.  They began to tune into the other and it was as if their breaths became one.  As it should be.

This being baby #2, there hadn't been as much time dedicated to preparing for his or her (they want to be surprised) birth.  We discussed the birth of their son, and this provided an opportunity to rid any held tension, anxiety or frustration that they may have been carrying into their current life.  They then were lulled by a visualization created to allow love and peace to prevail as the expansion of their family gets even closer.

Lastly, we ended with some partner yoga.  We laughed.  We laughed some more.  And, here's what the wife emailed me yesterday:

"Thanks so much for last night, we had a lovely evening, it was just what I was looking for. A perfect blend, and a true testament to the enjoyment.   In my 37th week of pregnancy, I slept like the babe within and didn't need to get up once! Also, Andy who's been plagued by papa stress, didn't have his early morning insomnia!  So great.  

We need to do that more often, just the two of us, always good to have a helpful reminder!   I recommend all partners take some time to reconnect and get excited about the next journey!"

-Brooke Castor -Manhattan Beach

I left them with more joy and love in my own heart, knowing this new baby was inside his/her mama performing cartwheels of gratitude.

Whether pregnant or not, it's always a good thing to do something as a couple to reconnect.  Go walk in nature.  Write each other  a love letter (or even an email).  Do something to honor the person who is walking side by side with you through life.  I have done so with my life partner, and will continue to do so because no matter how long we are together, I want that blissful feeling to prevail.