Baby in frank breech position - slinging after birth?

[monopod]

Hello :)

My little one (DC2) has been in a frank breech position since at least 28 weeks (ELCS scheduled for this Friday!) and I've been told that this makes her more at risk of hip dysplasia and that it may take a longer time for her to straighten out after birth (legs may have a tendency to go up around her ears, etc.)

I was hoping to get out and about a bit more and a bit earlier than I did with DC1 and would prefer slinging to faffing about with heavy prams/strollers. I was wondering however whether the breech positioning might make this a bit of a problem or whether there was anything I would need to take particular account of?

FWIW I have a Cuddly Wrap and was intending to purchase a Manduca or Connecta for when baby is slightly older/bigger.

Thank you for any advice :)

www.hipdysplasia.org/developmental-dysplasia-of-the-hip/prevention/baby-carriers-seats-and-other-equipment/

a good carrier is ideal for babies hip health.

the ones you have are ideal

DS was frank breech for much of my pregnancy. I used a connecta from about 3 weeks I think with no hip problems. In fact when we went for his hip scan at 6 weeks and I arrived in the connecta they all said it was the best thing for him.

My DS was just the same. After birth his hips were checked, then at 2 months they were scanned to be sure there were no problems. I used a soft carrier to start with and then a manduca as he has grown. I did check with the dr and they didn't think there would be a problem. He is now 1 and very active!
Good luck on Friday

DD was footling breech (so slightly different) but we used a sling with no problems, in fact it meant that i was able to keep her legs frog leg style as was recommended by dr after her initial hip scan (she was also double nappied). After her third scan they were happy with her hip and we were discharged. Now as a very busy 2 year old you would never know there was an issue.
Good luck with your ELCS and enjoy those newborn snuggles

Thank you all so much for your replies and good wishes - I have been reassured!

Do any of you happen to have experience with swaddling your breech babies too (the next thing I am researching )? We found it very helpful with DC1 and from what I've read it seems to be ok as long as you don't tightly wrap the hips and legs?

shelley72 - never heard of double nappying?? Must go have a Google...

Good link for demonstration of safe swaddling.

double nappying - just putting two nappies on to keep the legs splayed out to encourage the hips to go back to the correct angle - or so i was told at the hospital but i am in no way medically qualified!

and as for swaddling - the maternity assistant swaddled DD the first night as she was screaming the place down and other mothers were getting no sleep and DD hated it. i have since read (again i am not qualified) that this isnt the best thing for breech babies if it is done very tightly. thankfully we were home the next day so didnt have to try again!

Thank you again shelley72! SlightlySuperiorPeasant - thank you for the link :)