Breech Vaginal Delivery?

victoria+james · September 2014

I'm finding myself more and more upset that my ECV was unsuccessful and, while I'm not sold on it, I've been looking into delivering vaginally despite LO being breech.

Problem is... that every website seems to very strongly push their own opinion and knock the other. I'm looking for some honest research!

Has anyone here had a breech baby vaginally or opted for a c section instead? What made you go the route you did?

trisharenee0316 · September 2014

I can't answer this for you because I haven't had a breech delivery, but does your doctor do breech delivery? Many doctors do not because they're not comfortable with it and the liability. It's probably the biggest reason that so many breech babies are born via c/s--not because the mama doesn't want a vaginal birth, but that the doctor requires it.

kindacrunchy · September 2014

Most doctors aren't trained to deliver breech babies anymore. Finding one is rare, if your doc happens to be familiar with vaginal breech you'll have to decide where your comfort level is with the risks. I know there are some vaginal breech mamas on the natural birth board. It can happen with the right position of the baby and a good doctor. My father was a breech almost 11lb baby and he was delivered all natural, but that was around 60 years ago when breech births were still common. My LO was breech until last week and if she hadn't turned I would have had a c section. Good luck, hoping your baby turns on their own!

Emerald27 · September 2014

No personal experience here, but my grandmother delivered two breech babies (my dad and my aunt) and one OP baby (my uncle). She said that the labors were long and the recoveries more difficult, but she and both babies fared very well.

Not saying you SHOULD try to deliver vaginally, but just that it of course has been done with success when baby was breech. I wish I had some resources to share! You could try contacting the folks at evidencebasedbirth.com to see if they have any resources.

Tabithahaileyc · September 2014

Might look at this
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CAwQFjAA&url=http://sogc.org/guidelines/vaginal-delivery-of-breech-presentation/&ei=YpsZVKGoOsf38AGiioDoCw&usg=AFQjCNGsXJYY-vr38oWlyH3qJ7xw4nhyBA

Tabithahaileyc · September 2014

Or this one. From the same website

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CA4QFjAB&url=http://sogc.org/publications/breech-childbirth/&ei=YpsZVKGoOsf38AGiioDoCw&usg=AFQjCNH8u0b3OiRsHHqmxTm1Yo3wNAHa5w

jesslinnn · September 2014

The only person I know that's had (attempted) a breech vaginal delivery is my mom. But that was 15 years ago with my little brothers. She had an old-school OB that said as long as one of the twins was head down, he'd deliver the other one breech if necessary. And that's what happened, med-free too. :-O I know now a days a lot of OBs won't even attempt it and I'm not sure I'd go that route anyway, but she said he'd done it before and was confident in his abilities.

rlyttle · September 2014

My mother delivered my brother breech. He had his arm up over his head when he came out and it dislocated his shoulder. He was pretty busied from it and ended up being left handed. Not sure if that had anything to do with it, but he didn't use his right arm much for the first year or so. Now he is 36 and 100% fine. Your ECV may not have worked for several different reasons. If he has the cord around his neck he may not be able to turn, or be born vaginally. I would be open to a breech vaginal birth, but just know that it may still end up in a c-section. I've heard that c-sections after labor are much harder to recover from.

elsie2014 · September 2014

I don't have an answer for you, just that I'm in the exact same position. My baby has been breech my entire pregnancy, and now at almost 38 weeks, it looks like I need to make a decision. My ECV on Monday was also unsuccessful, which is very disappointing. My doctor said he'll try it one more time next Monday, and he has seen babies turn with the second ECV. He is also very experienced in breech births and confident in allowing me to deliver vaginally should I choose to do so. He's leaving the decision up to me.

I'm really struggling, because I have been preparing myself for a med free birth up until this point, but never imagined a breech birth. After all the classes, books, and websites, it would feel like a giant disappointment to end up with an elective c-section, so I don't know if I should try vaginally or not. I have no problem with moms that choose a c-section, it was just never I my head that I might have to CHOOSE a c-section over a natural birth.

If you do find any useful resources, please do share @victoria+james‌, and feel free to pm anytime, it would be nice to talk with someone in the same position as me!

ashie0610 · September 2014

I'm sorry your version was unsuccessful and you are facing this decision. I have been there, as my first was breech with no chance of turning.

In my opinion, the way that today's doctors are trained makes it an easy decision and I feel a c-section is medically necessary with a breech baby.

I was so down about my c-section but I really believe it was for the best. I also think it's much, much easier if it's planned and scheduled rather than risking a difficult labor and/or an injured baby. My recovery was so easy and I was glad to have a few extra days with the lactation consultant at the hospital.

golfingdarwinfish · September 2014

elsie2014 said:

I don't have an answer for you, just that I'm in the exact same position. My baby has been breech my entire pregnancy, and now at almost 38 weeks, it looks like I need to make a decision. My ECV on Monday was also unsuccessful, which is very disappointing. My doctor said he'll try it one more time next Monday, and he has seen babies turn with the second ECV. He is also very experienced in breech births and confident in allowing me to deliver vaginally should I choose to do so. He's leaving the decision up to me. I'm really struggling, because I have been preparing myself for a med free birth up until this point, but never imagined a breech birth. After all the classes, books, and websites, it would feel like a giant disappointment to end up with an elective c-section, so I don't know if I should try vaginally or not. I have no problem with moms that choose a c-section, it was just never I my head that I might have to CHOOSE a c-section over a natural birth. If you do find any useful resources, please do share @victoria+james‌, and feel free to pm anytime, it would be nice to talk with someone in the same position as me!

I wouldn't consider your situation an "elective c-section". Just because your ob is experienced in delivering breech babies and is confident about it doesn't mean that you have to be 100% comfortable with him doing so. This isn't an elective c-section because you don't want LO to have a cone shaped head, or you want to choose the birth date, it's weighing the risk-benefit profile of various medical scenarios.

ss265 · September 2014

ashie0610 said:

I'm sorry your version was unsuccessful and you are facing this decision. I have been there, as my first was breech with no chance of turning. In my opinion, the way that today's doctors are trained makes it an easy decision and I feel a c-section is medically necessary with a breech baby. I was so down about my c-section but I really believe it was for the best. I also think it's much, much easier if it's planned and scheduled rather than risking a difficult labor and/or an injured baby. My recovery was so easy and I was glad to have a few extra days with the lactation consultant at the hospital.

This! The positives of a planned C-section is that you have time to mentally prepare yourself for it and also make a C-section related birth plan so that you can accommodate everything else you are hoping for with the birth. I ended up with a C-section with my first after laboring for 14 hours due to failure to progress and FWIW, I had a fairly easy recovery. It's still a major surgery though and I completely understand the trepidation. I was devastated when I had my C-section because I really didn't want one but after I had it, it really wasn't so bad.

If you do end up going down the C-section path, I would advise walking as soon as the doctor approves it because it will make your recovery a lot easier. Also, try and get as much help as possible the first couple of weeks at home - hopefully your DH can be with you to help you with the baby.

FX that LO turns on his own so you don't have to make this decision.

heatherjeanp · September 2014

I was delivered breech to my mom (back in the 70's) without complications. I was 6lbs9ozs, 21.5 inches long. FYI. My baby is breech and I have a c-section scheduled. If he flips I'll deliver vaginally. I was probably no help here.

victoria+james · September 2014

elsie2014 said:
I don't have an answer for you, just that I'm in the exact same position. My baby has been breech my entire pregnancy, and now at almost 38 weeks, it looks like I need to make a decision. My ECV on Monday was also unsuccessful, which is very disappointing. My doctor said he'll try it one more time next Monday, and he has seen babies turn with the second ECV. He is also very experienced in breech births and confident in allowing me to deliver vaginally should I choose to do so. He's leaving the decision up to me.

I'm really struggling, because I have been preparing myself for a med free birth up until this point, but never imagined a breech birth. After all the classes, books, and websites, it would feel like a giant disappointment to end up with an elective c-section, so I don't know if I should try vaginally or not. I have no problem with moms that choose a c-section, it was just never I my head that I might have to CHOOSE a c-section over a natural birth.

If you do find any useful resources, please do share @victoria+james‌, and feel free to pm anytime, it would be nice to talk with someone in the same position as me!

I didn't even think to ask him to try the ECV again... I'll bring this up at my next appointment. I do vaguely remember something being said that if they had to do its ssecond time they would want to induce right after so baby couldn't flip back. (Not sure if that was just for babies where the ECV worked the first time though.)

I'm sorry you are stuck making this decision too. I was also hoping to do a med free birth and it never even crossed my mind that I may be faced with a c section. I guess I kinda feel blind sided by it.

elsie2014 · September 2014

victoria+james said:

elsie2014 said:
I don't have an answer for you, just that I'm in the exact same position. My baby has been breech my entire pregnancy, and now at almost 38 weeks, it looks like I need to make a decision. My ECV on Monday was also unsuccessful, which is very disappointing. My doctor said he'll try it one more time next Monday, and he has seen babies turn with the second ECV. He is also very experienced in breech births and confident in allowing me to deliver vaginally should I choose to do so. He's leaving the decision up to me.

I'm really struggling, because I have been preparing myself for a med free birth up until this point, but never imagined a breech birth. After all the classes, books, and websites, it would feel like a giant disappointment to end up with an elective c-section, so I don't know if I should try vaginally or not. I have no problem with moms that choose a c-section, it was just never I my head that I might have to CHOOSE a c-section over a natural birth.

If you do find any useful resources, please do share @victoria+james‌, and feel free to pm anytime, it would be nice to talk with someone in the same position as me!
I didn't even think to ask him to try the ECV again... I'll bring this up at my next appointment. I do vaguely remember something being said that if they had to do its ssecond time they would want to induce right after so baby couldn't flip back. (Not sure if that was just for babies where the ECV worked the first time though.)

I'm sorry you are stuck making this decision too. I was also hoping to do a med free birth and it never even crossed my mind that I may be faced with a c section. I guess I kinda feel blind sided by it.

I totally know what you mean about feeling blind sided! My doc said the same thing, that normally he doesn't induce, but he would want to try and cause some contractions to get her head nice and engaged if she does turn so she can't turn back. Because it was hypothetical, I didn't ask a ton of questions...I don't know if that means he'd want me to deliver the baby early or if he can cause contractions that don't turn into full-blown labor? I honestly didn't even really think about it, but I should be prepared if he wants to induce labor I guess! This is my first time mom inexperience and lack of knowledge talking here...hope I don't sound too dumb. Lol.

victoria+james · September 2014

elsie2014 said:

victoria+james said:

elsie2014 said:
I don't have an answer for you, just that I'm in the exact same position. My baby has been breech my entire pregnancy, and now at almost 38 weeks, it looks like I need to make a decision. My ECV on Monday was also unsuccessful, which is very disappointing. My doctor said he'll try it one more time next Monday, and he has seen babies turn with the second ECV. He is also very experienced in breech births and confident in allowing me to deliver vaginally should I choose to do so. He's leaving the decision up to me.

I'm really struggling, because I have been preparing myself for a med free birth up until this point, but never imagined a breech birth. After all the classes, books, and websites, it would feel like a giant disappointment to end up with an elective c-section, so I don't know if I should try vaginally or not. I have no problem with moms that choose a c-section, it was just never I my head that I might have to CHOOSE a c-section over a natural birth.

If you do find any useful resources, please do share @victoria+james‌, and feel free to pm anytime, it would be nice to talk with someone in the same position as me!
I didn't even think to ask him to try the ECV again... I'll bring this up at my next appointment. I do vaguely remember something being said that if they had to do its ssecond time they would want to induce right after so baby couldn't flip back. (Not sure if that was just for babies where the ECV worked the first time though.)

I'm sorry you are stuck making this decision too. I was also hoping to do a med free birth and it never even crossed my mind that I may be faced with a c section. I guess I kinda feel blind sided by it.
I totally know what you mean about feeling blind sided! My doc said the same thing, that normally he doesn't induce, but he would want to try and cause some contractions to get her head nice and engaged if she does turn so she can't turn back. Because it was hypothetical, I didn't ask a ton of questions...I don't know if that means he'd want me to deliver the baby early or if he can cause contractions that don't turn into full-blown labor? I honestly didn't even really think about it, but I should be prepared if he wants to induce labor I guess! This is my first time mom inexperience and lack of knowledge talking here...hope I don't sound too dumb. Lol.

You certainly don't sound dumb to me, but I'm a FTM too!

roundabout2 · September 2014

I was talking with a co-worker yesterday who had her baby "sunny side up". All along the Dr thought the butt was the head so they never knew til L&D that baby was breech! She delivered breech but baby had major hip problems and was in a body cast until 8 months or so. Someone else I knew delivered breech (not sure how baby was positioned) and while it was hard and painful, there were no problems. Just wanted to share both sides

themiss · September 2014

I am not breech and have not had a breech baby. However, someone in our prenatal class was breech and brought up the question, and there is a doctor in my city that specializes in vaginal delivery for breech babies.

It can be done, and this doctor consults leading up to delivery and will say yes or no if it is possible. Could you inquire around your area to see if there is someone specializing in this?

kindacrunchy · September 2014

I was talking with a co-worker yesterday who had her baby "sunny side up". All along the Dr thought the butt was the head so they never knew til L&D that baby was breech! She delivered breech but baby had major hip problems and was in a body cast until 8 months or so. Someone else I knew delivered breech (not sure how baby was positioned) and while it was hard and painful, there were no problems. Just wanted to share both sides

"Sunny side up" does not refer to breech, it means OP (octiput posterior) which is when baby is head down but instead of facing the mother's back the baby faces the mother's front. OP is not breech but does make for a harder delivery. Also it sounds like your friend's baby has hip dysplasia which happens in non breech baby's also, I have two daughters and both had hip dysplasia and neither was breech.

Eastie156 · September 2014

My Mom delivered my older brother breech via vaginal birth, but that was legit 40 years ago. When DD was breech a few weeks ago, I asked my Dr. If I was allowed to deliver breech. She said they schedule c/s's and wouldn't give me the opportunity to try. She said all research in the past 5-10 years shows overall the risks of trying to deliver breech far outweigh the risks of a c/s. Like a pp said, I bet a lot of Dr.'s aren't experienced in doing it since it's not done anymore.

atraveller · September 2014

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this and that the ECV was not successful. The doula in our birthing class said that breech vaginal deliveries could be done all the time, BUT most doctors aren't trained in them and many hospitals have policies against breech vaginal deliveries. I think its what many of the other PPs have said - first you need to know if your doctor and hospital are on board with it and then weight the pros and cons of both in terms of your comfort levels. I'm with you on c-section, but I know a lot of people who have had them and been just fine and baby was great, etc.... so there is something to be said for scheduling and not having some of the risks associated with trying a vaginal breach delivery.

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