Anyone deliver a breech baby vaginally?
NovOwl
member
We have had a few complications during this pregnancy (first baby) so we have had monthly ultrasounds since 6wks. I am almost 35 weeks and baby is Frank breech. At my appointment today my OB was telling me that she has a lot of experience delivering breech babies vaginally and that a vaginal delivery may still be an option for me if everything else goes well. I also am given the option for a C-section. I'm not sure what to do. She mentioned that Dr.Google will give me inaccurate results as the largest study they have done on vaginal breech deliveries was skewed due to the inclusion of many preterm/unhealthy babies.
She also mentioned that I can go to the perinatal clinic to try a manual version to flip baby around. I know this is a painful procedure but I'm willing to try it.
There are risks with any delivery, but I'm just up in the air on this one. Anyone out there deliver a breech baby vaginally or want to share their 2 cents? Part of me is leaning towards a c-section because it seems like it is more common but there is a nagging part of me that feels like this is the easy way out for me.... even though post partum recovery will be more difficult after a section.... I don't know what I think really... input please!
Re: Anyone deliver a breech baby vaginally?
I remember in the Ina May book that she has a maneuver for breech babies named after her, I think (it's been a few months, plus baby brain).
If your DR is willing and able to deliver a breech baby, I am very impressed, and I would definitely be interested in pursuing that over a C-section, which is, after all, major abdominal surgery. Most DRs do not even consider it because they are so afraid of malpractice suits.
Just my two cents...
I've got a breech baby right now, too. This is my first kiddo, so I don't have previous experience, but you do what works for you. Talk with your doctor extensively, think about it, Google it, ask whoever you feel comfortable talking about it with, and make your decision. No one can make it for you, so inform yourself as best you can, and do what works for you and your family.
It's a girl!
I had a extremely easy vaginal birth and recovery but I would still feel more comfortable going with a section for a breech baby. I think it's great that your midwife is trained and has experience so I would ask more about how many breech births she has attended and if there were any complications.
Been married since 2009.
Unicornuate Uterus (yes I menstruate glitter)
Several MCs
DD born 2013 (our miracle "you can't have babies" baby!)
I have NO experience with delivering a breech baby. But you should take a look at spinningbabies.com they have a lot of success. And it's still early. Hang in there mama.
***Twin fraternal girls born at 35w6d in 12/2008***
If I had an OB who was trained and willing to deliver a breech baby I would absolutely choose that over a c-section. C-sections are major abdominal surgery and if you have a dr. who is trained in breech deliveries there shouldn't be much more risk than a regular vaginal delivery (as compared to a section which definitely has more risk involved just b/c it is major surgery).
I would also look into trying to get the baby to turn in the weeks you have left- as pp said, try spinningbabies techniques, see a chiro trained in the Webster method, and even an external version. If none of that works than I would at least attempt a vaginal delivery.
My mom did it! And that baby was me! I was actually preterm and couldn't even wait for them to do their turning, spinning whatever it's called trick.
But that was back in the 80's and drs were used to delivering breech babies, now they normally cross the option of natural birth out afraid of law suits and what not.
But once your dr is giving you the option and feel strong and confident about it I would trust her. If it was me I know I would prefer having it vaginally regardless.... as long as it was safe for the baby.