Should You Do a Daily Forward-Leaning Inversion to “Open” Your Pelvis?

There’s a lot of talk these days about Forward-Leaning Inversions (FLIs) in the birth world. You’ll hear it praised as a daily tool for prepping your pelvis, encouraging baby to engage, or even avoiding interventions.

But what if we’ve had it confused all along?

What if the very thing we’re doing to create “space” is actually creating compression?

Let’s dive deeper into the posture, the angles, and the real purpose of this technique. Because you deserve truth over trends.

The Real Mechanics of a Forward-Leaning Inversion (FLI)

What’s happening?

• Many are performing the movement at a 35°–60° angle between the torso and thighs.

• This places the body in 100–130° of hip flexion, similar to a deep squat—but inverted.

• The sacrum is tucked, the abdomen compressed, and the baby often gets pushed UP out of the inlet—not down into it.

So, let’s be clear:

FLI does not open the pelvis. It creates a tighter, more compressed angle in the abdomen.

💥 Instead of Helping, It May Be:

• Compressing the pelvic inlet

• Raising intra-abdominal pressure, straining core and pelvic floor muscles

• Causing guarding or tension in the ligaments

• Disengaging a well-aligned baby

• Slowing labor progression if used incorrectly

And if you’re doing this daily—especially with:

• High blood pressure

• Excess amniotic fluid

• Breech presentation beyond 35 weeks

• Pelvic pain or instability

…then the risks might be outweighing the benefits.

FLI vs. Knee-Chest Opener: Know the Difference

It’s critical to distinguish between the Forward-Leaning Inversion (FLI) and the Knee-Chest Opener (KCO), as they are not the same technique.

Proper Alternative: The Knee‑Chest Opener

• 90° or more torso–thigh angle suspends the uterus gently and lowers abdominal pressure

• Encourages posterior pelvic tilt rebound, which helps open ligaments and release tension.

• The proper alternative if you want to open space, not compress it

• KCO allows for deeper suspension, using gravity to gently stretch and decompress the uterus and abdominal space.

• FLI, as currently popularized, is often done at a steep incline, creating tight angles and compression.

“The last thing pregnant women need is to hang upside down daily hoping it opens their pelvis, it doesn’t. In fact, it might be slowing things down.”

Are We Confusing Forward-Leaning Inversion with the Knee-Chest Opener?

Let’s set the record straight.

The original teachings from Spinning Babies do reference a position where the torso is lower than the hips — often aiming for a 90-degree or more angle between the thighs and the torso. This is frequently interpreted in birth education circles as "forward-leaning inversion".

But here’s where the confusion begins:

❗ What Was Intended vs. What’s Being Demonstrated

1. Forward-Leaning Inversion (FLI) — was designed as a repositioning technique, not a daily prep.

   • Goal: to gently disengage a misaligned or stuck baby from the pelvic inlet.

   • It creates temporary imbalance to encourage repositioning, not engagement.

   • Angle: Much steeper — often 30–60° between torso and thighs, with hips much higher than shoulders.

   • Body outcome: Compresses abdominal cavity, posterior pelvic tilt, tucks the sacrum.
     

2. Knee-Chest Opener (KCO) — is what most people think they’re doing when they say FLI.

   • Goal: Creates space in the abdomen and pelvis.

   • Used as a daily prep or when engagement is desirable.

   • Angle: 90–110° or more between torso and thighs, often with the knees further back and chest lower to floor.

   • Body outcome: Lengthens lower spine, suspends the uterus, and promotes passive, spacious positioning.

   
   

📸 So Why Are We Seeing So Many Deep FLIs Misused on Social Media?

Because the visual example that has become popularized (including from some official teaching images) shows a deeply inclined torso, hips stacked extremely high, torso-to-thigh angle < 60° — but people are applying it like it's the go-to for daily pelvic "opening."

The language was right, but the demonstration didn’t match the intention — and now this deeply inclined posture is being used:

• In third trimester to "engage" baby (wrong use)

• With high blood pressure (contraindicated)

• Daily (unnecessary and possibly disruptive)

Let’s Make It Clear:

• KCO is the “daily prep” space-maker.

• FLI is the “reposition baby out of inlet” strategy used selectively.

They are not interchangeable, and angle matters deeply:

• Less than 90° → Compression, posterior tilt, less space

• 90° or more → Suspension, sacral mobility, more space

Let’s Bring Back Alignment + Intention

It’s time to return to:

• Proper naming

• Correct application

• Listening to the body

Birthworkers, doulas, and mamas alike deserve clarity, not confusion. And it starts with learning the difference between these two tools and how they’re used for different outcomes.

But the problem?

Most are now doing it:

• At the wrong angle

• At the wrong time

• With the wrong goal in mind

So many are unknowingly doing more harm than good in the name of doing “everything right.”

There’s a Better Way

You don’t have to fear birth. You don’t have to hang upside down every day. You don’t need more tricks or techniques; you need truth and alignment.

Your real power is in posture, position, and pelvic balance.

And that’s why we created the Maternal Alignment Assessment.

What You’ll Receive:

✔️ Personal pelvic & posture screening

✔️ Custom plan for YOUR body + YOUR baby

✔️ Daily movement + breathing protocols

✔️ Results within 24 hours

✔️ Optional 1:1 call to go over everything

This isn’t just about comfort. It’s about supporting the descent of baby, alleviating pain, and releasing what’s no longer serving your body so you can walk into labor aligned and confident.

🔗 Ready to align with wisdom?

Book your virtual Maternal Alignment Assessment now:

👉 https://wombsisterhood.wixsite.com/tppjo/maternalalignment

And if you’re a doula or birth worker who wants to learn these methods in depth, join our Hands-On Skills Training to carry this discernment into every birth you support.

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