Friend's baby is breech - suggestions please

[dollius]

My friend who is 36/37 weeks pregnant has just discovered baby is breech. She is keen to avoid c-section as has two other littlies to look after as well. Are there any good techniques for getting the babe to turn around by itself?

there is things that can be done by the docs, but its quite painful and sometimes starts labour. its called external cephalic version.its not done before 37 weeks. she could try resting on all fours, might give baby encouragement to turn by himself. she shouldnt worry too much as some babys turn at the last minute and it is possible to birth a breech baby naturally, although extra care is needed to deliver the head. if your friend has had previouss births the midwife might let her try.had one myself,(they used forceps, but no stitches!).hope it goes well x

She could try acupuncture (it's not needles, it's hoki candles but you do need to go to see an acupuncturist). Didn't work for me but did for a couple of people I know.

I also had an ecv, it was more uncomfortable than painful.

Some people on here have had experience of a vaginal breech birth. Have a search for the threads - it can be done!

Sorry drlove - didn't read your post properly, obviously you are one of those people!

ECV, moxibustion, acupuncture....

Duck dives in a swimming pool!

Bag of frozen peas at the top of her bump.

Shining a torch at the bottom of her bump.

Willing the baby down.

All anecdotal methods used in this book: Breech Birth which is a fantastic read.

Oh she has time yet. Try getting in contact with a HypnoBirthing practitioner. It is part of the training (done in 1 session) and is quite successful.

Thanks ladies!

There's a website called something like 'spinning babies' which sums up everything useful.

DD was my 1st, and was born as a breech baby at home. We used IMs. We did a LOT of talking, thinking and reading before making that decision and it wasn't easy by any means. In addition to the Benna Waites book already linked, AIMS do a book called "Breech Birth: What are my options" by Jane Evans, which is very good.

I had a vaginal breech birth (MW led but hands off, mother probably on all fours) as oposed to a vaginal breech delivery (Dr led and managed, mother on back in stirrups) as described in more detail here. One of the reasons we turned to IMs was that we wanted to be sure that the MWs present at the birth had good breech birth skills. NHS MWs with breech skills are getting harder and harder to find as CS becomes more and more standard for breech babies, and those that are vaginal within the NHS tend to be managed deliveries rather than births.

I'd suggest your friend talk to the Senior Midwife (or Head of Midwifery) at her PCT to establish what breech skills the MWs have, and that she start talking to Independent Midwives near her (most will be more than happy to make suggestions whether or not she books them).

Fingers crossed for her

Can she find a chiropracter that knows the Webster technique?

I had an ECV at 37 weeks with DS2. It was painless and quick, he was turned in less than 5 minutes and stayed head down, followed by normal vaginal birth. There were no complications although an anaesthatist was on call during the procedure in case I had to have an emergency c-section. In what area does your friend live? I am in Essex and fortunate enough to see a specialist who was able to perform the ECV herself.

Is your friend open to having a breech birth?

Because they're statistically no less risky than a section.

I don't know, she is considering the options I think. Thanks for all your pointers.

I had ECV and it was fine and baby stayed head down. I think it is more likely to be successful if it is not the first pregnancy so a good option for her? I would not have been brave enough to try a breech and with two older dcs wanted to avoid a c section if possible as would not have been able to do school run, etc afterwards...