Turning a Breech Baby (to prep for Homebirth)

Jazibel · March 2014

Hi Everyone,

I am almost 35 weeks and found out yesterday that our midwife believes that our baby is currently breech (head up). She requested I make an appointment with my former OB on Monday to confirm the exact position. We're planning on checking in once I get the results to develop a plan to hopefully turn the baby.

I'm planning another home water birth (as I had with my son in July 2012). We had a wonderful experience the first time around, and are back with our same midwife hoping to repeat the experience. I'll admit now that I've learned our second son is breech I am freaking out a little bit and worried we'll end up with a c-section.

Anyone have experience turning a breech baby? Any tips or tricks?

Luckily I had already scheduled acupuncture and chiropractic appointments for tomorrow, I plan to ask both doctors if they can assist with turning the baby. I'd also like to start working on this at home as I hear turning a baby after 37 weeks can be more challenging (and less likely).

Thank you!!

aylafsu88 · March 2014

Have you checked out the spinning babies website? They have a lot of exercises/positions to try to help turn LO. I know I started doing their inversions around 32ish weeks. Not sure if LO was breech but she was heads down at 38 weeks.
Also, babies can turn at any time so try not to freak out just yet. A friend had a breech baby who turned at 38 weeks. She thought for sure she was in labor and laid down to get some rest. She fell asleep and in the morning things fizzled out. At her MW appointment a few days later she found out LO had turned. The MW assumed that the cramps/pain she experienced a few nights prior was LO turning.

Jazibel · March 2014

Thank you for the recommendation - I'll check out the website. I'm glad to hear your friends (and your experience). Hopefully baby is as accommodating :-)

AmyRI · March 2014

My DD flipped from vertex to frank breech sometime between 40w and 40w6d, so there's plenty of hope for the reverse to happen to you

Have you considered a vaginal breech birth delivery with the OB? Especially since you're a STM, you might be a good candidate. I delivered my DD vaginally and I'll dig up my birth story if you might be interested in one.

Other than spinning babies and a Webster certified chiro, and a version if those fail, I have no advice!

Good luck!

Jazibel · March 2014

Thanks @AMYRI - I haven't looked into a vaginal breach delivery fully, but I will talk to OB about it to see if she would be willing. I'd definitely prefer that to surgery if given the option.

I'd love to read your birth story if you don't mind. Thank you :-)

fiendelle · March 2014

^^ I am interested in your breech story too! 38 weeks and planning for baby to flip, but otherwise vaginal breech- the more positive info the better!

Jazibel · March 2014

Good luck to you @fiendelle!!

AmyRI · March 2014

@Jazibel and @fiendelle - Here's the link. Annoying that all the apostrophes are now showing up as question marks because of the bump's new format, but it's really long and I don't want to paste it here to fix it. Happy to answer quesitons about it if you have any.

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/8740433/natural-breech-birth-story-very-long

SidraJedi · March 2014

After moxibustion and acupuncture my baby turned from OP to OA

NYGirl02 · March 2014

A chiropractor who is certified in the Webster technique might be especially helpful. Good luck!

Jazibel · March 2014

AmyRI said:

@Jazibel and @fiendelle - Here's the link. Annoying that all the apostrophes are now showing up as question marks because of the bump's new format, but it's really long and I don't want to paste it here to fix it. Happy to answer quesitons about it if you have any.

https://forums.thebump.com/discussion/8740433/natural-breech-birth-story-very-long

Thank you for sharing - such a great outcome for a breech birth, it was inspiring to read :-)

Jazibel · March 2014

Thank you all for the great suggestions. I'll post if (not if - when) we get baby to turn ;-)

Have a wonderful day!!

amandazant · March 2014

A friend of mine went to a chiropractor to help and it worked! I good luck!

Jazibel · March 2014

Update on our "no longer breech" baby.

I had an u/s today that confirmed baby has turned. I've been feeling different movement patterns as well since yesterday.

What we did:
-Acupuncture (performed 1x)
-Acupressure (massage of the lower back) by my Acupuncturist (performed 1x)
-Moxa (performed at home) on the edge of my little toe (performed 3x)
-A "downward dog" type of position several times (recommended every two hours..but I have a toddler ;-) who would just climb all over me (performed multiple times)
-Hot & cold technique where we put a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel on the top of my belly, and a heating pad lower. (I did this about 3x)
-Partner talking to the baby low in the womb (pelvis area) (1x)
-Flashlights shining low in the womb (pelvis area) (2x)
-Chiropractic (performed 1x)
-Homeopathics: Pulsatilla 200c (which I took only several times before today's appointment).

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he gets really cozy head down and stays that way. Many thanks again for all of the helpful tips!!

Want a personalized experience?

Turning a Breech Baby (to prep for Homebirth)

Re: Turning a Breech Baby (to prep for Homebirth)

Choose Another Board

Search Boards