When a baby is positioned so that its bottom or feet would be the first part of its body to emerge during birth, that baby is said to be in a breech position.
Many doctors will not deliver a baby in a breech position in a vaginal delivery, and will only deliver breech babies by Cesarean sections.
If you want a vaginal delivery for your baby who is breech, then you may need to take steps to encourage your breech baby to turn around so that its head will be born first.
There is a medical procedure for turning a breech baby. It is called an external version. It can be dangerous and painful and basically involves physically manipulating the baby from outside of the mother.
There are, however, other things you can do to encourage your baby to turn. Two of the most effective ways are moxibustion and the Webster’s technique.
Moxibustion is the traditional Chinese medicine practice of burning herbs near particular spots on the body. Sometimes the herbs are placed on the ends of acupuncture needles.
The moxibustion points for turning a breech baby are located on the outside of the smallest toe. In the hands of a trained practitioner, this method of turning a breech baby has been shown to have great success.
Webster’s technique is a special chiropractic technique which involves adjust the mother-to-be’s hips and pelvis. Not all chiropractors are trained in this technique.
If you are interested in exploring whether or not your baby may respond to this method, you may need to telephone several chiropractors to find one who is experienced with the technique, and who has been successful with it.
To help your baby have plenty of room to turn, practice pelvic rocks. These help lift your uterus up higher in your pelvis and make it easier for your baby to turn.
Some women have reported success by placing a radio playing music between their things. It is thought that the baby turns head down to hear the music better. Some women have also found that placing an ice bag on the top of their stomach will cause their baby to turn.
Some babies find it easier to turn when mom is submerged in water. If you have the opportunity to spend some time in a swimming pool, that could be helpful.
Above all, be patient. Babies have been known to turn head down in the elevator on the way to the delivery room to have a Cesarean section!
