The Miles Circuit is a series of stretches that not only feel awesome but also help baby get into optimal position, ideally, in the “Left Occiput Anterior” (LOA) Position. This series of stretches can be done before your birthing time begins and during labour. Some birth professionals feel like it can help if you labour is slow, contractions are not getting closer together, back labour or if baby is not in the optimal position. Traditionally, birth did not occur exclusively in a supine (laying on back) position. A supine position “tucks the tailbone under” which decreases the diameter of the space baby is given to exit the body. The use of gravity is not maximized in a supine position. Sharan Muza the doula that discovered the benefits of doing these 3 moves in a row states the circuit will not ‘hurt” a baby that is already in ideal position.
What you need…
-A rebozo or sheet
-loooooots of pillows
This exercise can take 30 minutes if being proactive and practicing BEFORE your birthing time, or up to 90 minutes during your birthing (through contractions and breaks)
With your bum in the air and your chest to the ground get yourself as comfy as possible on the floor. This position allows the baby to move out of the pelvis a bit and gives baby more room to rotate, shift head position, etc. It can be helpful to carefully position a rebozo under the belly and hold the tension gently. Hold this position ideally for 30 minutes. The addition of a rebozo around the waist allows gentle traction of the pelvic and lumbar spine which feels incredible for mom as it relieves some pressure on the pelvic and spinal joints. Relief of pressure and pain will allow mom to relax. Relaxation will allow for great natural oxytocin release from the pituitary gland, helping to progress the natural birth.
This stage is not only great for spinal and pelvic mobility, it also enhances maternal circulation, endorphin release, and distraction from pain. Stand up tall and let gravity do its job! Keeping your pelvis open is key. Keeping the front leg in external rotation maintains proper alignment of the pelvic and hip joints, keeping the pelvic and vaginal birthing canal open to encourage baby to drop low and engage with mom’s cervix. Hang out here in a squat type position and relax, this is a great time to watch Netflix! Don’t forget to keep your toe of the raised foot parallel to your belly.
Lastly rest (as best you can!) Use as many pillows as possible and place them under the upper leg, this allows the pelvis to stay open. If you haven’t slept in 30 minutes, try the other side. Remember… It is ideal for women to sleep on their left side because your liver is on the right side of your abdomen, lying on your left side helps keep the uterus off that large organ. Sleeping on the left side also improves circulation to the heart and allows for the best blood flow to the fetus, uterus, and kidneys. By supporting the top leg in a flexed position with pillows, baby can work on moving lower and wiggle into a great position for birth.
All yours in a healthy, happy pregnancy- Nicole and Zehra
Dr. Zehra Gajic is a chiropractor who practices at Maple Ridge Wellness Centre in the heart of Maple Ridge, BC. She has a special interest in pregnancy and pediatric care and is passionate about helping her patients live the happiest and healthiest life possible.
Nicole is a doula at Ridge Meadows Doula Services and has worked with hundreds of pregnant women over the last 15 years and has taught over 300 parenting classes on many topics. Nicole and the other birth doulas focus on ideal positioning for their pregnant clients and educate on why that is helpful during birthing.