Is your baby breech? You have options!
Ok, so you’re here. First and foremost I want you to take a DEEP breath. In for 4, out for 6 with a BIG sigh. Ok, one more… Very good.
I’m sure you heard things recently like “well if your baby doesn’t turn, you’ll have a cesarean at 39 weeks” without much more explanation or care given to what your plans were. “babies make their own decisions” I’m sure someone has placated you with. But I’m here to tell you about your options.
First and foremost, I want to preface all these options with a message that your intuition is SO important here. Trust that newly minted parental gut. Tap into what feels right for you and your baby. These are options, not mandatory steps you have to take. You are allowed to sign up for that 39 wk cesarean without any judgement, IF that’s what you want. My job is just to ensure you know that there are options.
Body Work:
Chiropractic Care - specifically search for Webster Technique Certified professionals
Acupuncture & Moxibustion
Massage Therapy
Mayan Abdominal Therapy
Spinning Babies:
A breech release session with a Spinning Babies practitioner
In Eastern MA, I highly recommend; Shari McBurney, Erin Ronder Neves, or Bonnie Rovics
You may be able to find someone in your area using this list on the Spinning Babies website
External Cephalic Version (ECV):
What is it?! An ECV is the process in which a provider applies pressure to your stomach externally to attempt to move your baby into the head down position. Sometimes done with an epidural. Usually done around 37 weeks.
Vaginal Breech Birth:
Most providers in MA do NOT offer breech vaginal birth, but there are a few that do! You can switch your care to them, if vaginal breech birth is something you’re interested in. (I also highly recommend connecting with a doula to aid in this process)
The Evidence On Breech Birth - Evidence Based Birth
Old Wives Tales:
Flashlight on the belly
Music, reading books, parents talking to the belly
Ice packs and/or heating pads
…and so many more!
Now I want you to remember, THIS IS ALL OPTIONAL, but you have options! Do research on what you feel comfortable trying, if any of it! I resonated deeply with a post I saw ages ago about how we can encourage nature, but we can’t force it to change. If your baby is chronically breech, theres probably a reason why. Pregnancy is the first lesson in parenthood; We cannot control, but we can encourage and guide.
Sending you lots of love as you navigate your next steps, and if you don’t already have a doula, PLEASE reach out! There’s a community here to support you.
