Course notes for touch-based workshops for pregnant couples.

1. PREGNANCY
PARTNERS
Avni Touch
www.avni-
touch.com

2. TOUCH IN PREGNANCY
• Touchis our first sense and it is particularly
heightened during pregnancy.
• Positive,
nurturing touch can help reduce many
pregnancy symptoms as well as enhance the
experience of pregnancy.
• Some techniques can be useful during labour too.

3. IDEAS AND SUGGESTIONS
Create a calm space for touch-based work- set the scene with an
area clear from clutter, relaxing music and candles.
Using the same room or area each time helps to make
associations of the positive feelings of touch.
Use pillows, bolsters, gym balls etc. to make yourselves
comfortable.
Be conscious of your breathing- have a slower exhalation than
inhalation.
Set 20 minutes aside every night for touch-based time as a
couple. Practice nurturing one another and reconnecting with one
another. Think of how you will nurture your baby very soon.

4. BENEFITS OF TOUCH
• Reduce tension, stress and anxiety
• Release oxytocin- important hormone for bonding and enabling smooth labour
• Non-verbal communication- without needing the complexity of language
• Creates connection, joy and intimacy
• Feelings of safety
• Conveys love

5. AREAS TO WORK ON
Face, scalp, neck, spine, abdomen, buttocks, hands, feet.
Connecting brain, heart and uterus.
Calming; centre of feet and centre of hands.

6. TYPES OF TOUCH
Holding, palming, light stroking, thumb pressure.
Pay attention to how your hands land on your partner, and how you let go.

7. POSITIONS
Side lying; great position for accessing everywhere in the body
Partner sitting on the floor with you behind them on a gym ball, sofa or chair;
scalp, shoulders, face
All 4s; spine, shoulders
Standing- can stoke the legs, pressure on the spine

8. CONTACT
• contact
Avni Trivedi at hello@avni-touch.com for
more information on pregnancy and baby
treatments and workshops for pregnant couples.