Introduction
As a pregnant woman, you might be eagerly waiting for your due date to arrive. However, sometimes your due date comes and goes, and your baby still hasn’t made an appearance. At this point, you might be looking for ways to encourage labor to start naturally. One method that many women have found helpful is the Miles Circuit. In this article, we’ll explore what the Miles Circuit is and how it can help you induce labor.
What is the Miles Circuit?
The Miles Circuit is a series of exercises that involve specific movements designed to help your baby move down into your pelvis and encourage your cervix to dilate. It was developed by a midwife named Cara Muhlhahn and is named after her son, Miles, who was born after she used the circuit to induce labor.
How Does the Miles Circuit Work?
The Miles Circuit works by using gravity and movement to help your baby descend into your pelvis. The exercises in the circuit aim to create more space in your pelvis and encourage your baby to move into a more favorable position for birth. The circuit also helps to increase blood flow to the uterus and cervix, which can help to ripen the cervix and encourage dilation.
When Should You Do the Miles Circuit?
The Miles Circuit can be done at any time during pregnancy, but it’s most effective during the late stages of pregnancy when you’re trying to encourage labor to start naturally. It’s also a good option for women who are overdue and want to avoid medical induction.
How to Do the Miles Circuit
The Miles Circuit consists of three exercises that you should do in order. You can do each exercise for as long as you feel comfortable, but aim for 30 minutes to an hour each time.
Exercise 1: Tailor Sitting
Tailor sitting involves sitting on the floor with your legs crossed and your back straight. This position helps to open up your pelvis and create more space for your baby. You can use pillows or cushions to support your back and hips if needed.
Exercise 2: Butterfly Pose
Butterfly pose involves sitting on the floor with your knees bent and the soles of your feet touching. You should gently push your knees down towards the floor to create a stretch in your inner thighs. This exercise helps to open up your pelvis and create more space for your baby.
Exercise 3: Side-Lying Release
Side-lying release involves lying on your side with a pillow between your knees. You should bend your top leg and place it in front of your bottom leg, so your hips are slightly twisted. This position helps to open up your pelvis and encourage your baby to move down into it.
What Are the Benefits of the Miles Circuit?
The Miles Circuit has several benefits for pregnant women who are trying to induce labor naturally. Some of these benefits include:
- Encourages your baby to move into a more favorable position for birth
- Helps to ripen the cervix and encourage dilation
- Can help to reduce the need for medical induction
- Can help to reduce the length of labor
- Can help to reduce the need for pain relief during labor
Conclusion
The Miles Circuit is a safe and natural way to encourage labor to start when you’re overdue or trying to avoid medical induction. By doing these exercises, you can help your baby move down into your pelvis and encourage your cervix to dilate. Remember to consult with your healthcare provider before trying the Miles Circuit and stop immediately if you experience any discomfort or pain.