Calling all breeches! UPDATE (a bit long)

archi35 · August 2014

Hi Ladies - so I know several of us have uncooperative breech babies on here and I thought we could do a little support group for what info you've gathered, what techniques have helped, etc. Please let me know via PM if you want to participate and we can discuss maybe either a weekly check-in post or just a running PM group convo? Personally I'm a little worried my monster won't flip in time as I am 100% committed to a natural birth. I'm going to being working with a midwife tomorrow and it would be great to talk to others who are sharing in breech concerns. So I formally volunteer to organize either a check-in or running PM convo.

Let me know!

***UPDATE***

Since some people have had their babies flip already I am holding off on doing a check-in until closer to our dates and if its still necessary. I did want to update so far on what I've tried and what seems to be working though. As a reminder my guy started in a Frank Breech with his legs completely in front of his face. Due to his above average height and very piked position the doctor told me he did not have a huge shot at turning so to get started with active assistance at 32 weeks.

Tried: Breech Tilt w/ Ironing Board: Board propped on couch, with yoga mat under feet to keep it from skidding on floor. Lie down on board with shoulders/head just on floor. I tried to get my whole body on like the little drawings online but that does NOT work and I just kept sliding onto my head. I cut to the chase and just did the whole time with my shoulders on the floor and head on a pillow.

Verdict: Seems to have worked quite well at getting him out of his comfort zone, but I don't think it will work all by itself. He is much more active during and after, but not to a significant degree on its own.

Tried: Forward Tilt on floor and also off couch: Either kneeling on floor or edge of couch, bend forward and put your forearms on ground and butt in the air.

Verdict: Nothing. I do a lot of yoga so this for him I think was an everyday situation and he was not impressed. Neither was I.

Tried: Ice on top of stomach while in Breech Tilt: As it sounds.

Verdict: He did not like the ice at all, but only moved just enough to get away from it. Don't think it helped.

Tried: Acupuncture

Verdict: Amazing. Within minutes the little monster was squirming and moving and trying to bicycle his legs. Seriously - amazing. But expensive and not for every day.

Tried: Moxabustion: DH holds a lit cigar-like mugwort stick at the acupuncture point for "fetal activity" at your little toe, while you lie down. Online it says 2-3 times a day for 15 minutes but my acupuncturist said to do it 25 minutes once day per side. So 50 mins total.

Verdict: Okay the smell. The god-awful SMELL!!!!! It smells like a mix between bad weed and old cigarettes. We did it in a closed room with the window open and a fan pointing out the window. It gave me a headache, DH severe congestion and the room smells like Old Aunt Ida smoked a carton in there. However! I think that this is what is working. I've been doing the breech tilt during the moxa. The monster doesn't necessarily do anything during, but afterwards the movements are intense, almost painful and now I'm happy to report that he's moved from Frank Breech to almost head down. He's not fully committed, his head is a little off center to my hip, but he's working on it!!! I can feel his little legs pedaling and he's now lifting his butt up to move it which he was not doing before.

I wish everyone continued good luck with their little breeches Of course they could turn and turn back again and again for the next weeks. But for those of us who need to be more proactive to feel more comfortable and relaxed, I wanted to give a positive update (for now).

Continued luck and positive thoughts to everyone!

Jennyc00 · August 2014

I'm due 10/17 but will be induced by the 10th if baby isn't here because of hypertension. My little guy has flipped positions almost every few weeks lately so who knows if he's in his final position now! My ob said they generally pick a position by 36 wks. So we have time! I'm not going to elect to do external movement of him by the doc. I hear over and over to try to be flexible and go with the flow of your birth plan. Ultimately I just want us both safe in the end. If I have to have a c/s then so be it. I'd rather not get too upset about that possibility early on and end up disappointed. Babies growth rate has slowed some lately so I'm just going to focus on the end result: happy, healthy baby! However we have to come to that result will end up being fine in the end!

I have a non stress test next week and another sono the following week so I can check back in with his position then. I've seen some neat things on YouTube and google searches about positions to try to flip baby including hanging your head off the couch! Good luck! I bet your midwife will have some good advice

Eastie156 · August 2014

Jennyc00 said:

I'm due 10/17 but will be induced by the 10th if baby isn't here because of hypertension. My little guy has flipped positions almost every few weeks lately so who knows if he's in his final position now! My ob said they generally pick a position by 36 wks. So we have time! I'm not going to elect to do external movement of him by the doc. I hear over and over to try to be flexible and go with the flow of your birth plan. Ultimately I just want us both safe in the end. If I have to have a c/s then so be it. I'd rather not get too upset about that possibility early on and end up disappointed. Babies growth rate has slowed some lately so I'm just going to focus on the end result: happy, healthy baby! However we have to come to that result will end up being fine in the end! I have a non stress test next week and another sono the following week so I can check back in with his position then. I've seen some neat things on YouTube and google searches about positions to try to flip baby including hanging your head off the couch! Good luck! I bet your midwife will have some good advice

This is me as well. Due 10/17, c/s will be scheduled for 10/10 if she hasn't flipped by 36 weeks. Mine's a stubborn one, she's been frank breech for months now. Every u/s shows her in the same position. I've started chiropractic and am going to start acupuncture next week.

@archi35 a check in could be good...

makaelashook2 · August 2014

I'm 32 weeks, due 10/15 and my baby is breeched. My midwife said 75% of babies are turned by now. I'm a ftm so I'd like some info on what you can do to help them flip.

Jlp12314812 · August 2014

I'm due 10/10, and she's been breech the entire pregnancy. However, babies can turn the day you go into labor at 40 weeks. My midwife said we won't worry until 39 weeks, and if she's breech I'll go in for a c-section. Before the c-section they will double check position because she's had too many that go in for their c-section then the baby flipped. She said if baby flips she said she will induce me since she doesn't want the baby to flip again.
Babies are always moving, and truthfully I'm scared shitless of having a c-section but everything happens for a reason, right?

I had a tour of l&d after my u/s today, and discussed the turn out of a c-section. Luckily no one is allowed to my room, or to see baby until I'm back to my room. This was a fear because I want to be with my baby first. I want hubby, and sister to get that first little time before being overwhelmed. I'm so excited the l&d has been redone since I had my first. It's awesome sauce!

reneenearl · August 2014

DS one was breech until somewhere around 34 weeks. I can not remember the exact appointment where we learned he flipped head down. At 39 weeks we confirmed he was head down and in position as well. Then at my 40 week appointment he was breech. Really even if these little ones are head down now they can still turn breech. I have no idea what position DS 2 is in right now but I suspect breech based on movement but don't know for sure.

I had a csection due to him being breech last time so I have to have a RCS as my hospital does not do VBACs.

archi35 · August 2014

Okay so I think I'll do a check-in in a week or so, and go through what I've tried, if its worked, and track it to the end of the delivery if he keeps spinning. If people want to join in the more the merrier!

I appreciate completely that there is time for him to flip on his own (and maybe a few times even), but I'm the type of person who will stress more if I do nothing. So I'm going to begin different options on Monday with the midwife - most are on the spinningbabies site already mentioned on other threads. I have a great and supportive midwife who was very adamant that now is the time to start if I am committed to a V-birth. Due to my medical history (too long and not interesting enough to mention) a C-Section is really not a favorable option for me. For that reason I am committed to getting our little monster to happily flip around. See you back on the check-in probably week after next!!

xx

atraveller · August 2014

My ob/gyn doesn't even start checking for possible breech until after 34 weeks. They told me a the last appt. (32 weeks) that baby is still doing a lot of movement up until 35-36 weeks and position can easily change.

Queencassm · August 2014

My baby has been breech entire pregnancy and I have been doing ball exercises and cat/cows. Yesterday, the nurse at my perinatologist said sommersaults in pool. Thought that was kind of funny. I'm 33 weeks today due 10/10.

jacquelinef09 · August 2014

I'm all for a check in..... Was told he was breech at 32 weeks but at 33 my ob felt with her hands and said he felt like he turned.... She will confirm with an ultrasound next week to check again....

victoria+james · August 2014

My little guy is transverse and I've been trying to get him to flip if for no other reason than whenever he kicks its either against my cervix or sciatic nerve and hurts like hell! I'm also terrified by the thought of having a c-section as I've been preparing myself mentally for a vaginal birth this entire pregnancy, but we'll see what happens!

Jlp12314812 · August 2014

Queencassm said:
My baby has been breech entire pregnancy and I have been doing ball exercises and cat/cows. Yesterday, the nurse at my perinatologist said sommersaults in pool. Thought that was kind of funny. I'm 33 weeks today due 10/10.

My little ones been breech the entire time as well. Must be the due date

Emerald27 · August 2014

I'm due 10/17 and baby is still head up. He's tried to turn a few times but ends up staying transverse a few hours and then flipping back booty down. I'm not "worried" yet, but I am seeing a chiropractor weekly and am spending some time daily on my hands and knees, leaning my head down. This may or may not have any affect on his ability to turn, but the theory is that it helps move his butt out of my pelvis and tucks his chin in so that he'll flip. We'll see!

archi35 · September 2014

update in main post - what I've tried and what has seemingly worked so far.

persephonerose · September 2014

Have you researched mugwort? It was my understand that it should not be used at all during pregnancy. My OB has it on his list of do not use herbal supplements but maybe that is different for each doctor?

ETA: It was recommended to me to use mugwort to help with my cycles when I was having irregular cycles because it was supposed to help relax the uterine muscles and stimulate menstrual cramps. So I am surprised it would be used during pregnancy, not trying to judge so I hope it doesn't come off that way!

archi35 · September 2014

^^ The mugwort isn't taken internally and it's the standard "Moxabustion" method that's used for turning a breech. So it's not an issue as it would be in a tea or pill

meggiev123 · September 2014

So happy to hear your little guy is slowly getting into position!

elsie2014 · September 2014

I'm due October 3, 36 weeks 1 day, and little girl is still breech, she has been for months. My midwife wasn't concerned until this week, now that have me trying a few things and I saw my chiropractor this week, my chiro recommended burning mugwort also. I am going to try some of your tips, I'll let you know if anything works!

archi35 · September 2014

@elsie2014 - Make sure you have someone hold the mugwort while you are lying down with your hips at least on some pillows. You def need to be relaxed and concentrating on the baby - not holding the stick to your own foot, all crunched up in the midsection (this is what the acupuncturist told me specifically). Good luck!!

irrekb · September 2014

I've got a little stubborn transverse babe, too. DH says it's bc I'm stubborn! I'm 35 wks but have consistently measured 2 wks ahead the last few weeks. I too tried the ironing board and the inversion off the couch. Aside from my DH and I laughing really hard, it did nothing. In fact I felt like she was going the wrong way. I've been doing a lot of exercise ball stretching and I sit on one at work. I also use a sick filled with rice as a heating pad at night and put it low where I want her head to go. Don't think it's doing much but it's comforting to me. And I throw it on my lower back after a while. I've seen a chiropractor my entire pregnancy sin that's not helping. I'm going to look into acupuncture and mugwort (hideous name!!) this week.

miss.brittany · September 2014

Hey ladies! This baby isn't breech (praise Jesus!) but my first was. Just thought I'd offer some of the things I tried and what finally worked for us.

I tried all the inversion positions that have been mentioned with no luck. Added ice. Still no luck. Went to the extreme and borrowed a friends inversion table, still no luck.

I wanted to see a chiropractor for the Webster technique, but my insurance didn't cover chiropractic care. However I've heard good things about this method!

Finally at 38 weeks 3 days I tried an external cephalic version. And it worked! My first was able to be turned from frank breech to completely head down. It was a very uncomfortable thing to sit through but totally worth it since I was able to have a vaginal delivery. So I just wanted y'all to know it can work even with stubborn babies!!

Also, not sure if anyone has mentioned this to y'all but don't be surprised if once your baby is born they still keep their legs up all the time. My daughter would be swaddled and her legs would still spring up by her face. It was very bizarre! It stopped eventually though. And because my first was frank breech for so long the pediatrician had her checked several times for hip problems, but she didn't have any.

Best of luck to all of you. I hope those babies turn!!! I remember how stressed I was about it.

eacaldw · September 2014

I'm reluctantly joining the breech club! My little guy has been breech for a couple of months now. He just seems so comfortable where he is and wants nothing to do with turning. I'm 36 weeks today, and I have an ECV scheduled for next week. I've been trying the spinning babies exercises with no luck. Still crossing my fingers that he will turn on his own before the procedure. Hope you all make progress and your little ones turn soon!

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