Labor Positions for Early / Slow Labor - The Miles Circuit

Published on 30 April 2024 at 22:40

Are you familiar with the Miles Circuit? Developed by doula Meghan Hamilton Miles, this series of positions aims to guide the baby into the optimal position, Left Occiput Anterior, before or during labor. Not only can these positions assist in optimal fetal positioning, but they may also help induce labor naturally or aid in progressing labor if it has stalled or slowed down.

Why Try the Miles Circuit?

The Miles Circuit offers a natural, gentle way to encourage optimal baby positioning and progress in labor. By incorporating these positions into your routine, you may help prepare your body for childbirth and potentially aid in a smoother labor process.

Remember, it's always a good idea to consult with your healthcare provider or a doula before beginning any new exercises or positioning techniques during pregnancy. The Miles Circuit is just one of many tools available to support a healthy and positive birthing experience.

When to Start

You can begin practicing the Miles Circuit around 37 weeks of pregnancy. Start gradually, aiming for 10 minutes per position each day until you reach a total of 90 minutes.

The Miles Circuit Positions

Open Knee Chest: Begin on your hands and knees (in a cat/cow pose) and lower your chest all the way to the floor or bed. Keep your bottom elevated and knees wide apart, with the angle between your torso and thighs wider than 90 degrees. To increase comfort, use pillows for support. Settle in and relax for 30 minutes.

Exaggerated Left Side-Lying: Roll onto your left side and raise your upper leg as high as possible, keeping the lower leg straight. Use plenty of pillows to support your body as you roll forward onto your stomach. This position can also be comfortable for sleeping. Stay in this posture for 30 minutes.

Moving + Lunges: In this final step, incorporate various upright asymmetrical positions such as lunges, sideways walking up stairs (taking two steps at a time), or curb walking (placing one foot on the curb and the other on the street). When lunging, ensure that the toes of the raised leg and your belly button form a right angle, and avoid lunging past the knee. Spend 30 minutes engaging in these movements.

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