Frank breech: What to expect/help as a newborn?

[TeamEponine]

Hi all,

My baby is due for delivery by ELCS next weeks due to a frank breech position. They have had their feet up by their head since the very first scan at ten weeks!

I have been reading up abut on the implications of a frank breech position once baby is out in the big wide world, and was wondering if others had any experience or advice? Some specific things I've been wondering about are...

• Did baby's legs stay extended, and how long for?

• I've read that they can have a funny shaped head. Anyone have any experience of that?

• What can I do to help baby keep their legs down afterwards? Double nappy, swaddling and slings (any particular types?) seem to come up in searches. Any advice on these or any other techniques?

• What should I ask for and expect from the HCPs? Many of the websites I've looked at are US, and I know that they can do things quite differently.

Thank you so much in advance!

Although I've had no experience of frank breech I've had twins who were pretty squished together.
I wouldn't worry about head shape as their skulls are designed to allow for lots of being squished in various ways. They have 2 soft spots to help with this and their bones haven't begun to fuse. Once out they gradually move into place to take on the more rounded shape.
As for legs I've never heard of doubling up nappies. All my babies have come out scrunched up and have taken wks to relax enough for legs to drop down so that they don't have a freak when lying down. Don't force them just give them time to do it naturally. Swaddling often helps as the feel safe cocooned in blankets.

I didn't do anything and DS was fine. He slept with his legs up like a frog for a few months but gradually grew out of it by himself. He had a hip scan when he was a few months old. He's a toddler now and had no problems - early to walk, etc.
his head was a normal shape when he was born. Not heard the head thing before.
Good luck!!

My daughter was in this position - nobody knew until I was in labour! She was a 9lb baby and had to be delivered by emergency caesarian. As far as I can recall, there were no longer-term consequences at all. She's 22 now and absolutely fine! Good liuck.

Thanks all. That's so reassuring to hear!