Seeking Advise on Breach Baby

i met with a chiropractor just thursday and she talked with me about something called the Webster Technique. basically it is making sure the woman's hips are in alignment. the turn around rate(of the baby)for this particular chiropractor is nearly 100%. it seems worth a try. these practices are covered by most insurance companies - you do not need a referral. good luck.

My midwife suggested my husband sit between my legs and read stories to the baby. She said babies will often turn to the voice. We did that every night and a week later she was turned correctly. Easiest solution ever for us.

HTH,
C.

I was in a similar situation with my second child. She was actually in the right position until 10 days before my due date and then she turned breach. My doctor gave me the same choices, but he also gave me one more, to just wait. Well, I was due July 5th, so being the middle of summer I was not too happy with this one. But 22 days later (yes 12 days past my due date, she did turn back around on her own). While that was uncomfortable, my doctor assured me that if they had tried to turn her it would have been more on the painful side. Then 3 days after that I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl! I took my chances and would have gone with the c-section if I had to, just because my doctor also told me that when they do try to turn the baby it can put extra stress on them and I decided that I did not want that.

Good Luck!
M. S.

Well, its not the most comfortable thing to have done.. sometiems a baby will turn on here own if you kneel on all 4's and let you belly hang. are you uncomfortable now? J. (mom to 4 kids 18,16,11,9 my 18 year old passed away Dec 5,2007 hunting accident)

I am an Ob/Gyn. I'm guessing your doctor is not, and is planning to refer you to an Ob/Gyn for consideration of an external cephalic version (not inversion, Carly; that's a life threatening condition where your uterus turns inside out with placental delivery!) vs. a scheduled cesarean section. The fact that this is your second child makes the likelihood of the external cephalic version (external means all hands used are outside the mom, cephalic for head, down, and version for turning). When to do a version takes into consideration how far along the mom is, and which type of Breech position the baby is in (complete vs. frank vs. incomplete breech). We also evaluate the position of the placenta and the amount of amniotic fluid around the baby. Success is highly variable; from 30-75+%. Some physicians have a knack for the procedure (it's really an art). I'm not going to go into anymore detail regarding the procedure, as each physician will have their own nuances that they will discuss with you. That's the key; that they are willing to discuss it with you and let you and your husband ask questions.
I would, however, recommend against waiting until labor to decide as Carly the nurse recommends. A version in labor has a very low likelihood of succeeding (but I have seen it work), and a cesarean section without labor is less risky than one done in labor due to an increased risk of infection for the mom as well umbilical cord prolapse. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)(see ACOG.org for publically accessed information and details)
does not recommend vaginal breech deliveries; too many risks to baby (entrapped head and neonatal hypoxia being the biggest concerns) as well as to the mother (trauma to the birth canal and cervix being the most likely). As for the recommendation of inducing labor after a successful delivery, I consider this the most optional. Physicians will vary highly in this manner. Induction after a successful external cephalic version is to try to insure that the baby stays vertex and doesn't flip. Most babies will stay head down once turned, but I have seen them flip after a version. I've even seen one flip in labor!
Finally, I'm all for trying exercises to get the baby to flip. One is to place a flat ironing board with one end on a couch or sturdy chair. You then lie on it head down and feet up for 10-15 minutes several times a day. An easier position is to lie on the floor with your head and chest on the floor and your hips up in the air (on kneeling knees). Do this a few times a day. Most moms are able to tell if the baby has flipped. The most "radical" or controversial method is to find an accupuncturist who practices moxibustion. There was a study done in the 1990's that showed that this method, which involves burning certain herbs combined with certain accupuncture methods, has a higher success rate than external cephalic version at getting a baby to flip to head down position.

Good luck and let me known what happens!

Congrats on your pregnancy! My suggestion is to find a Chiropractor that is certified in Pediatrics that also has a certification to do the Webster's Technique. You can find one by checking out the ICPA website (I think it is www.icpa4kids.com) and searching for a practitioner near you.

Webster's technique is safe and very effective! Usually within 24-48 hours the baby will turn on its own! My husband is certified in this and has helped many moms enjoy the beautiful births they dreamed of...with no complications.

This is the concept: Your uterus is like a hot air balloon and the tendons connecting to it determine its position. If the tendons on one side are tighter, then the "balloon" or uterus will be tilted also - and many times this can effect the ability of baby to get into the correct position. Webster's technique works on the tendons to allow the uterus to go back to the position it needs to be in so baby can get into the correct position for birth. It's really pretty amazing..I just know that it works!
C.
:)

Dear A.,

My daugher (who is 5-1/2 now) was breach. I am not sure if the "procedure" for turning the baby has changed, but during my pregnancy, the mid-wife referred me to an OB/GYN and she tried to turn the baby "manually". Meaning she literally tried to push the baby by pushing on my stomach.

She tried to push her forward and then tried to move her backward, my daughter did not budge. I wouldn't say the procedure hurt, other than the doctor's nails dug into me a bit.

I think she attempted this "procedure" for about 15 minutes and realized it just wasn't going to work.

I am grateful that my daughter had the wisdom to stay put. I eventually went into labor a few weeks labor (several days before my scheduled c-section), and upon her delivery, it was discovered that the imbilical cord was wrapped around her neck several times. Fortunately, it was loose enough throughout the pregnancy and through the delivery, so she had no complications, but it made me think that had she been turned would the cord then have put pressure on her neck during vaginal delivery (more than likely it would have).

Unfortunately, the ultrasound cannot really see if the cord is wrapped around the neck, but if the procedure is not successful to move the child, continue in your own thought of knowing how protected and right this child is in your life and nothing can hinder the outcome for a healthy child....

Good luck and congratulation for the wonderful joy that will soon be part of your family's life.
S.

A chiropractor can help with getting the baby to turn as well. It's called the webster technique. I would research that before having the baby turned. I did handstands in the pool and my baby turned himself the next day. Sometimes babies will turn if you ask them too. It sounds kinda corny but sitting in a relaxing chair and having a little chat with the baby may do the trick. Good luck!

I'm a licensed massage therapist, a midwife once adviced me that to turn a baby you pinch the outsides of your little toes. Also dancing is supposed to have amazing effects of turning a baby.

Hope this advice helps and works for you.

I had a c-section and it wasn't bad. The end result is still a beautiful baby!!

Go to spinningbabies.com and I know there are plenty of ideas there. Go see a chiropractor that knows the webster technique, that may help also. Good Luck.

My first child, my daughter, was breach. They tried turning her and for me, it was terribly painful. After about 15-20 minutes of trying to unsucessfuly turn her the doctors stopped and scheduled a c-section. Granted this is just one instance but for me it was almost worse then the labor I went through with my second child. Sorry, I couldn't be more up beat and positive about it, but if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't have done it.

I had the same situation with my second baby. At 36 weeks they told me he was breach. I went into the hospital for them to try to turn my baby, but they were unsuccessful. (It didn't hurt that bad... I was convinced that it would hurt less than a c-section.) I was scared to death of having a c-section. So, I got into a pool when I knew the baby would be active. I submerged my body and kept rubbing my tummy in a circular motion for about a half hour (maybe more) I was convinced I was going to turn this baby. But I didn't think anything happened. I went in for a check the next morning and HE TURNED. I can't pinpoint exactly when it happened, but I didn't care!
Good luck to you! I'd try the external version (I think that's what they call it?) before I'd surrender to a c-section. However, I have friends who say a c-section is the only way to have a baby.

I'm in my third pregnancy and they were all breech. I checked into having the baby turned and while they will give a partial epidural it is still supposed to be a very uncomfortable procedure, and it's not guaranteed to work. I remember my doc saying that only like 70% of babies actually turned around. Also, the farther you are along the less chance of it working because there isn't as much room for the baby to move around in there as there would be if it was attempted earlier. Now don't get me wrong, it does work for a number of people, but it really comes down to how much you want a vaginal birth. If you are ok with having a c section or a vaginal birth then it's a personal choice of what you want to do. If you really don't want a c section then I would say go for it, the least it can do is let you know for sure if the baby is going to turn or not and you can get a c section scheduled.

Hi! My sister-in-law had this done shortly before her due date with her third child and said that it was quite uncomfortable for her. It worked, but by the time she gave birth the baby had turned breach again. The doctors assumed the baby was turned the right way since she had done the "turning" procedure, so they ended up delivering the baby breach and he got a broken collarbone in the process. If you choose to have this done, you may want to ask them to do a last-minute ultrasound in the hospital to see if they can be certain that the baby is still in the head-down position.

One other note: I had a C-section 6 months ago with my first child and it was fine! A little intimidating to think about, but I had mine at 2:30 in the morning and was sitting up eating lunch the same day and walking by dinner. Plus, as another mom mentioned, you can plan a babysitter for your son and schedule more easily with a c-section!

My twin B ended up being breach and they tried turning her from the outside (called external cephalic version) and it was very painful BUT keep in mind I had JUST got done giving birth to her twin without any pain meds and had started my second round of labor pains for the day. I am thinking without being in labor it would be quite uncomfortable but not actually painful. They can also try doing it internally where they actually go inside y ou and I can only assume that would be extremely painful.
The cephalic version in my babies case did not work after 3 attempted tries and she was born via ER Csection so obviously there are not guarantees it will work.
Since you still have time there are things you can do to try to get your baby turned around. Go to spinningbabies.com and they have information about something called optimal fetal positioning, something I was very diligent about doing with my twins older brother and I ended up with an easy, natural birth and he was over 10lbs! And I owe it all to the fact he was in such a great position for birth that he just came out so easy despite being a compound entry (meaning he had the cord wrapped around his arm and neck...his hand was tied to his neck by the cord so his entry was not "round"...I ended up tearing but it did not make the birth harder) So I would highly recommend researching more on optimal fetal positioning to try to get that baby turned on its own without any intervention. I would also suggest talking to a midwife, even though you are not under their care I am sure they would be willing to give you some non-invasion advice on turning a breach baby.
Good luck K. H

I have had 2 breech babies. I had c-sections with both of them. Initially, I was going to have my first child try to be turned but my water broke the day before and they had to do a c-section. My sister has had 2 breech babies as well. They did turn the first one and then he turned back around breech. She delivered it breech, believe it or not. That was a number of years ago when they still let you do that. They turned her last baby as well and that baby stayed turned the correct way. Her advice to me if I went ahead with turning the baby was DO NOT get up too soon after having the baby turned. They think that is why the first baby turned back breech. Give time for the baby to settle in to a new position after being turned. She said it is VERY painful though, and of course you have to be ready for an immediate c-section in case the cord gets wrapped around the baby's neck when it's being turned.
All in all, after having the c-section, I think that's the way to go. There's nothing to guarantee they will be able to turn the baby and it's a lot of pain to go through without guaranteed results. Also, keep in mind that if you are planning to have any more children after this one, you will most likely have to have c-sections from here on out if you do a c-section now. There's too much risk of your uterus rupturing to deliver vaginally after having a c-section.
That's just my opinion, but after my planning to have the baby turned and then having to have the c-section, I think it worked out great. I would just skip the turning.

I went to a chiropractor for my entire pregnancy and he told me that there is something that they can do to turn the baby that is different from the MD's. Even if you don't believe in chiros, you can call one and talk to see what they say.
Good luck with your baby!

I think every situation is SOOO different. Personally, I've heard of babies turning on their own at the last minute. My 3rd was in the breech position at 37 weeks and I was worried. My midwife recommended www.spinningbabies.com. There is information on things to try to get the baby to turn. The two things I did that I think helped, was the invertion poses and being on "all floors". (I scrubbed my floors)

Good luck! Check the website, because you never know...the baby may just flip on its own...Let us know.

Hey there!
Our last baby did a surprise turn and was breech when we went in for our 41 weeks appointment. I was concerned and very emotional about the thought of c-section so decided on them turning the baby. I don't know how big your baby is but our little Clara was 7-5. The doctor gave me something to relax my uterus and turned her without any problem in one motion! It was uncomfortable, but bearable, especially better than c-section! Then they broke my water and gave me pitocin and Clara was born six hours later. It's worth a try! I'll be praying for you!

My 2nd pregnancy was textbook until I was sitting on the ground under a tree, Indian style, and a kid who was climbing the tree lost his balance, falling on top of me and causing my tailbone to break. At the time I was 8 months pregnant. Because I was pregnant, nothing could be done about it at that time, and because it was now out of shape, my daughter didn't like it and turned away from it, causing her to be breach. The doctors turned her at 37 weeks. It was very tense for me, but not at all painful from the inside, only on the outside because of the pushing and manipulating. When I went into labor 3 days later she was still in the correct position. They tried to stop my labor but my body still went full-bore. My water wouldn't break so they did it and that is when the problems started. She immediately flipped back around, probably because she no longer had that cushion, one leg came down the birth canal and the other stayed up. I immediately told them something didn't feel right, they checked me and saw the leg. They said they could try to push the leg back up, but it might break it or try to reach inside to pull the other one down, which might break it, or they could do the c-section. I opted for the c-section and was on the table within 20 minutes. She is now 29 years old and still has a problem with her hips. And I also still think that turning her caused me to go into labor early. Of course I don't know that for a fact, but my 1st and 3rd pregnancies were full-term.

Each situation is of course different. Yours may turn out ok and you won't have the same problems that I did. I certainly hope that your situation will turn out ok. K. H, Minneapolis, MN

Hello A., I also had a baby that was in the breach position. My Dr. told me of an excersise that ended up working for me. first you get onto your hands and knees, then you just rotate your hips around and around. Try not to be "gentle" when doing this but do it slow. If you can do this a few times a day from one appointment until the next and see if this helps. It worked for me, hope that it works for you. Also with my hands i gave him little nudges to move around on his own,like massaging my belly. Good Luck!

K.

My second baby was also breech. I was two weeks away from my due date. I did have the procedure External cephalic version (ECV), although this was done by my doctor, and performed in the hospital incase of emergancies.

I did the research also and really didn't want a c-section. I weighed my options and chose the procedure for these reasons, it was second baby (can be easier turning the baby), it was close to my due date, and my baby was healthy.

When the ECV was perofrmed it is very painful, the pressure is immense, but her breech position had her head basically right under my ribs and trying to put on shoes or bend for other reasons was painful. I don't know how long it is supposed to take but monitouring was performed before the procedure, then I was given a drug to relax the uterus (same drug given to pre-term mommies to stop contractions), then the procedure was done, then monitouring. When the doctor started turning they put their hands on the belly kind of push deep into the skin and basically like lifting the baby and turning it from the outside. The pressure was very intense but it was only like a minute or two and she popped into place. Once she turned the pressure from her breech position was like a big release. So for me I had a succesful ECV.

Four days later I delivered naturally and no complications.

I do realize this doesn't work for many people but looking at the optins I had good chances of it working.

What ever you decide I hope all goes well.

H. (stay home mommy to 3 1/2 girl, 17 mo. girl and new baby girl 6 weeks)

Check out www.spinningbabies.com It is a WONDERFUL website on positions you can get in to help turn the baby on your own. I suggest it to all my pregnant friends in their last trimester to ensure their baby is head down at the time of birth. GOOD LUCK!

I had a friend who did this, not me personally and it worked just fine. Another friend did it and it did not work and she ended up with the c-section.

I had 2 c-sections and they are nothing to fear. If I can give you any advice, it would be to follow your gut instinct. Do what you think is best for YOU and your baby.

Scheduled c-sections are much easier to recover after than an emergency one (my first was emergency, second was schedule), so consider that when weighing your options on what to do. If the MD's tell you it's highly likely you'd have to have a c-section, then I would schedule it. It is much less stressful on you and the baby. You know exactly when to get someone to watch your other child, and exactly when that baby is coming. My 2nd one was actually FUN if you can believe that:)

Another alternative is seeking Chiropractic care. If you look on the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) ther should be a doctor in your area who can examine your pelvis and determine why the baby is not turning. They will do a simple manual adjustment called the Webster Technique (you can also get info on the webster technique on this website) I am a chiropractor certified in the Webster technique however I will not be practicing for another month or so (my clinic is being built) Anyway this technique (depending how far along you are) has a very high success rate. I can reccommend a Dr in Green Bay her name is Dr Jennifer Vollrath Grossum. If you have any questions email me back.

Sincerely
Dr J. Vander Sanden

I have 4 children, my last was a very easy pregnancy, but I found out she was breech at 36 weeks. I was given the choice of having her turned or a having a c-section. I had a history of early and quick labors, so they wanted to turn her, but wouldn't induce until the following week. I chose to have her turned and although it did work, I would never make the same choice again. The pain was excrutiating. My first child was born after 8 weeks on very strict bedrest (so I was completely out of shape), my second they had to use the vacuum extraction, and my third was without any drugs. By far, the worst pain I ever experienced was when my daughter was flipped. And although the procedure itself lasted only about 1/2 hour, I felt like I had been beat up and could not get out of bed for several days. My husband was with me and still cringes whenever he hears about it or someone else considering having a baby turned. If given the choice again, I would without a doubt go for a c-section. Good luck!

Hi A.

My first child was breached and we tried to do the aversion and turn the baby around. They gave me some meds to relax my body and started to attempt to turn him. I made it through three attempts and was shaking so bad I said no more. It hurt and did not work. I went into labor 3 hours later and had a c-section. My second child was only 13 months later and opted for the c-section again due to I was afraid of tearing my stitches. C-sections are not that fun but it's also not the end of the world.

Best of Luck
M.

Hi! My name is E.. and I am the Grandmother of three, ages 17, 14,and age 2years old, My third grandchild, which is 2 was a breach i, and the doctors were worried about this one. they wanted to turn him or preform a c-section, but God had other ideas At the last moment, durning labor! the child had turned and was in the right postion for a normal birth,Antonio is now 2years old, is tall for his age, by the time he is 5 he will reach my under arm! please try not to worry, I will put you on the prayer list and you dear friend, have a blessed day From E.

Just a word of caution. My son was suppose to be turned on a friday but I went into labor on the Tuesday before. He started coming out feet first and they just thought it would be safest to deliver him c-section. Well when they got in there they discoverd I had a heart shaped uterus. If they had tried to turn him so I could deliver vaginally my uterus would have torn and both me and my son could have died. Now I know that is just my story and I am sure you don't have anything that bad going on in there. Probably just a baby who got comfy facing the wrong way. LOL But I thought it would be best to warn you of one of the risks that was not brought up to me when I discussed turning the baby with my doctor. Good luck! And just remember it is not about how the baby gets here (c-section or vaginally). That is not the important part. All that is important is that both mom and baby are healthy.

My daughter was also breach at 37 weeks. At 38 weeks, I had her turned (they called it a version) by one of the ob/gyns in the hospital. It wasn't bad at all. They started an IV, gave me a drug to relax my uterus(that was supposed to help make the uterus more pliable, I guess). The drug also gave me the shakes really bad, but that was normal and it didn't last long...maybe twenty minutes or so. The doctor and a resident each put a hand on part of the baby (one had her head, the other had her butt) and they literally pushed on her until she turned around. Their pushing lasted about 15 minutes and then she was head down. She turned pretty easy. I was able to go home that afternoon.
My doctor said he has seen most versions being successful at 35-37 weeks, and the bigger the baby gets, the harder it is to turn it. He said pushing on the baby like that also induces labor in some cases. (It didn't for me, and I was disappointed! I wanted her out!)
My mom had a similar problem with my youngest sister, she was breach near the end, but my sister turned on her own. She was a smaller baby than my daughter, though, so she probably had more room to turn. (At the time we had her turned, they estimated my daughter to be about 7 to 7 1/2 lbs)
I was reading a lot of old wives' tales about how to encourage your baby to turn if they are breach, but none of it worked for me. Most of the exercises and positions I tried were uncomfortable and ended up not being worth it in the end.
I also ended up having a c-section anyway for other reasons...I had a long labor that was going nowhere after two days, so we had the c-section. I'd suggest trying to have the baby turned and avoiding the c-section. It's a painful and extended recovery, and I regret having one.
Best case scenario: They turn your baby successfully, you go into labor and deliver vaginally all in the same day! :)
Good luck!

I completed my internship for nursing school on a labor and delivery floor. I was able to watch what you are referring to one time, it is called an external version. It is were they attempt to turn the baby from breach to the normal downward position. I was told that depending on your comfort level and the doctor that some doctor's are willing to give some sort of pain medication prior to the rotation attempt. The external version that I watched was unsucessful and appeared to be moderately painful for the mother who was in tears by the end. She did not have any pain medication. There were two doctors that together attempted to rotate the baby manually from the outside "external" on the mother's belly. I was told by my preceptor that an external version is not usually sucessful. I hope this helps but it would be a good idea to come up with some questions to ask your doctor. Is it an external or internal rotation, will I recieve pain medications, how will this affect my baby? Good luck with your delivery!

My now kindergartener was a breech baby. We tried to avoid a C-Section with an inversion, where they tried to turn the baby. It is a procedure done in the labor & delivery ward at the hospital AND it is very painful for the mother. First, they gave me a shot to prevent contractions and then my doctor and a nurse with the help of a ultrasound pushed on my stomach and tried to "flip" the baby. The baby didn't move, so we planned a c-section. During the c-section, (two weeks after the inversion) they found that endometriosis adheasions had "glued" my organs together which prevented the baby from turning.

After the c-section, a different OBGYN told me that acupuncture is known to turn a baby, when there is not an underlying issue.

I see you've made a decision & had lots of replies, but just wanted to add that my 2nd was breech & the doctor told me to lay at an incline with my head lower than the rest of body for 20 minutes 3 times a day. I folded out our recliner & put pillows in the crease where the back meets the seat. Then I lay with my feet over the head part & my head on the foot part. It worked! She turned on her own. But, I was about 36 weeks at the time, so she was a little smaller than your baby probably is by now (although she was 9# 4oz at birth 3 weeks later!). I too had serious reservations about the manual turning technique. Good luck!

Hi A.,
My baby was breach throughout the last few months and my doctor had tried to turn her but was unsuccessful. She would turn slightly but go right back. It was pretty painful to be honest. They can't give you anything. They just try to maneuver the baby with their hands. I ended up having to have a c-section. All of the things people tell you to do to turn the baby like standing on your head or sleeping on a different side don't work; at least they didn't for me! So, I didn't have any luck but I do wish you luck in whatever you end up doing.

I would schedual a c-section because turning the baby is very painful. Although a c-section sounds scary it is better then turning the baby.

A., my first was breech-didn't know it until i was in labor-ended in c section. for my next two, i was a optimal fetal positioning fanatic. Jean Sutton is about the best i found in ofp. she has a pretty good website, and gives some logistics about the positioning/mothers posture. my next two were successful v-bacs (vaginal birth after cesarian), and never discredit the power of positive th inking. :) all the best, A.

There are some wonderful yoga positions that can hlp the baby turn. Other options are acupuncture and energy healing. Contact a midwhife or a doula - this doesn't have to be unpleasent or risky on either of you.

My first baby was breach and I did not opt for the 'version' where they turn the baby. They would have attempted it at 37 weeks and I understood that it could be very painful and that it needed to be done near an operating room in case of an emergency. It sounded risky to me, particularly when the baby had a few more weeks to go potentially. It sounds like you may be further along. I think it is only successful a little over half of the time and they can turn around again. Since you mentioned that they would 'start your labor' afterward then I don't know if that would be an issue for you. There are some different exercises you can research to help the baby turn. I did want to mention to you a chiropractor in Eden Prairie, Ian McNeil at the Pennebaker Clinic. He specializes in pregancy cases and has experience assisting with breech cases. I went to him for several weeks. He works to relax the lower abdominal ligaments to make room for the baby to turn. I got a lot of back and leg relief and initially he, my doctors and I all thought the baby had turned, because she definitely shifted, but unfortunately it didn't happen. Once she was born by c-section though it seemed clear why she wouldn't have gone into the right position even with his help. Her head was in the shape of a 'breech shelf' from being crammed into my ribs for so long. It was really elongated toward the back (sort of the opposite of a cone head). I don't think her head could have been delivered naturally, so I was glad we opted out of the 'version'. Just thought I would mention McNeil, because I wanted to try more natural courses first. Good luck!

A.,

Some things you can try are, and this one sounds crazy, you can get your ironing board and slant it against your couch and lay on it with your head on the down side and your feet up. Try this for 20 minutes a day, even twice a day if you want. Also, try playing music where you would like to have the baby turn his head.

Or....try elephant walking. Walk around on your hands and feet for a while. i have heard this works well.

There are some exercises you can do to get the baby move, if it can or wants to. One thing I've learned as a certified doula, is that the baby knows how it needs to be born. Maybe the umbilical cord is too short and the baby has to stay in that position. I would google some breech baby exercises and try them - I know some recommendations are raising your hips up for about 15 minutes or so and encouraging the baby to move. Check with your doctor about positions too.

I've had patients that have had the baby turned, only to have her move back into position the next day. The procedure is painful for mom.

I would wait to go into labor, because then you know the baby is ready too, and labor as long as you can before trying to move the baby or scheduling a c-section. As long as everyone is healthy, the longer you labor, the better off delivery will be for you and the baby. Your body will have time to release the important hormones such as oxytocin so you can bond better with your baby. Your body will also release your breastmilk the longer you labor.

Good luck!
W.

Hi A.. My first pregnancy was breech where his butt was at the bottom and head/feet at top. My doctor did not suggest turning the baby and the sound of it sounds painful. My doctor stated that if he turns on his own then it would be fine and I could have a natural birth. But he did not so I had a c-section. My recovery from the c-section was great with no problems. I am not sure what is entailed in turning the baby but would suggest hearing from other moms having had this experience. My experience with c-sections have been great and I had 2 so far. Good luck!

I would highly recommend contacting a doula or midwife on this issue. There are some very safe and natural ways of turning babies that may still work. You should check out the Minnesota Childbirth Collective. There is doula information there. You may also want to do a web-search on natural ways to turn babies. Most are easy and safe and can be done at home. Doctors will rarely give this information.

A.

Hi A.,

SpinningBabies.com
It's a great site. I got it from our doula when I was pregnant. Just an idea. Also, another idea would be acupuncture.
I needed to have two c-sections. I tried to have both of them naturally, but neither one would come out! They were both just fine.

I will pray for you that the Lord would help your baby to turn and to be born healthy. Health for you and for your baby.

Blessings to you. Enjoy your pregnancy.

G. H

My last baby was breach, and my midwife, my mom and I turned her a couple of times, but, with her, she just wanted to be difficult, much like she still is at 4. With that aside, here are a few things that you can do on your own with the help of a a friend or two. If you have a full sized ironing board, you can prop it up at an angle and lie inverted with head down. Then have your friends gently push on your belly until the baby turns. You can also do this on your own in the bath. Check online to find other ways to turn the baby on your own. Obviously, the less invasive the procedure, the better for baby and mom.

A., I gave birth to twins 8 years ago and one of them was breach going into labor, now while he was a size that would have been fine to deliver breach ( side note, why are they concerned? If your baby is fairly small and you have good hips you should have no problem with delivering breach)they still would have liked him normal... But I was blessed with an amazing gift- my mom recieves acupunture and when her specialist found out, he showed her how and where to put pressure on my toes to turn him... when it came time, my best friend (hubby was already gone with first born)used the technique and wow- he turned! It was very painful and no one was pushing on me! I cannot imagine the pain of them trying to force it. I am all for vaginal births if you can manage it- but a c-section is nothing bad either. I would just say that our medical community sometimes wants to "force" things to be what they believe is easiest, so be cautious, make a decision based on YOUR gut, not theirs. My doc wanted to force deliver of my boys by 37 weeks if they had not come yet (which is past due for mulitiple)... with no other reasoning than that is past due for twins... but there would have been NO harm to have let them incubate a little longer naturally... But, I went into labor just before 37 weeks- solution solved. I am just sharing that so that you can consider these things.
Last thing, have you called a midwife (not with the hospital) to ask if they have any advice? They often use practices that are thousands of years old and quite effective.
Best of luck!

I know when I was going through my birthing class with my first child, the instructor said her two children were breach and the doctor suggested putting a radio playing baby music between her knees for several days. I guess the babies respond by moving toward where the music is coming from. I have not tried it, but I guess it doesn't hurt.

I'm kinda surprised I didn't see anyone mention this, but you CAN actually have a vaginal birth with a breech baby. People do. It's sure not as easy as others, but it's possible. I have a friend who's mom had TWO, lol. Yikes. I would talk to some midwives and see what they have to say. A lot of ob/gyn's aren't trained to do breech births, which is why here in the US we do them by c-section. (Not the case in other countries, fyi)
Good luck to you, whatever you choose. And remember that what's most important is that everyone turns (HA, bad pun, sorry!) out okay.
A.

My first pregnancy was the exact same story, except we didn't find out he was breech until we were in labor. At that point there was no time, so I had a c-section. I had a vaginal delivery with my second (19 - 1/2 months later too!) Anyway, the c-section was a breeze, but with a second child so young, your recovery will be hard especially if you have to lift him to a changing table or into a crib.

I also have had 3 friends with breech babies, two were FPs. The two doctors decided to try the version. I have heard many doctors say that it not only rarely works, but that it is painful. One of the girl's worked and the other ended up going into labor during the version, having a c-section and then her daughter was in the nique (sp?) because they had done it so early.

If it was me, I think I'd opt for the c-section because there is really no pain for you and little stress on the baby.

I had a c-section because my first baby was breech...she was butt down and head touching toes. Turning was NOT and option for us because of my placenta placement..there was too great of a risk of it tearing. My cousin had her baby turned and she said it was the most painful experience she's had ( and she has had 4 kids). Good luck!! and don't be afraid of a c-section. I've had 2 and never a problem. Don't let others scare you!!

Hey A.-you could try a chiropractor. Both my nephews were breach and my sisters ob suggested it. It's worth a shot if you're feeling uncomfortable about turning the baby.

Hello, I have had quite a few children three of which were Breech at exam prior to delivery. My first son was breech until the day I went into labor and he turned on his own. My daughter I was induced when they realized she turned to a breech position... They manual turned her and then placed monitor on her head to help ensure she wouldn't turn again. I will be honest that the manual turning of her hurt extreme, but all in all I was very happy that I was able to deliver her and not have a c-c-section. If your baby is quite active still there is a chance the baby may move on his/her own still before labor begins as it has with three of mine... I still think that my daughter would have possibly turned on her own had I waited to see if I would go into labor. But anyway I see it I had healthy babies and the pain of turning my daughter was short lived and worth the try instead of the ongoing pain that a c-section would have been.

I'm a Mother of 3 & altho i've had ALL Natural Births with all 3, if I were in YOUR shoes, i'd have the C-Section done BECUZ, I watch the Baby Story everyday for 14 years now & their was a mother on there & she had her Baby turned & it was SOOOO Painful, she said that if that happens again with her second baby, she'd have the C-Section, she'd NEVER go thru that again. But, if I were you, ask your dr just How Painful that'll be becuz it IS painful.

My first was breach and they tried to turn her. It was extremely painful and left my stomach full of bruises. After 20 minutes of trying they said, "Let's schedule your c-section." I was extremely disappointed, but the c-section went well. I wouldn't recommend the manual turning of your baby.

Some other things that I tried, but didn't work, were going to the chiropractor and doing certain excercises that required some interesting positions. Usually those excercises resulted in some good belly laughs for my husband! :)

Whatever you decide to do, I hope it goes well for you and your baby!

I certainly don't want to scare you.... or maybe I do. I know a woman who had the same problem at the same time I did. I opted for the c-section and she went with having her baby turned. My son was delivered healthy and I now have a beautiful and perfect 12 year old little man lighting up my life every day. Her story doesn't have such a happy outcome. When attempting to turn her baby, the umbilical cord got wrapped around his neck. He spent months in intensive care and is so brain damaged that it's enough to break your heart. He can't walk or talk and must be tube fed. The procedure resulted in a lifetime of heart-break for their family.
My advice is schedule the c-section. In the meantime, if the baby turns on it's own...Great! If not, then you're scheduled in and ready to go. And honestly, the c-section really isn't that bad. Yes, the recovery time is longer, but really, an extra month or even two of being sore and uncomfortable is worth it if it means a lifetime with a beautiful perfect person growing and developing J. like they are supposed to.
Good luck with your decision!

Natural ways to spin babies can be found at spinningbabies.com
Good luck!

I will echo the recommendations of many to try to turn the baby through painless methods. These include the chiropractic Webster technique and to try the ideas on going upside down yourself. All the suggestions along this line here are good. Plus check out spinningbabies.org. If the baby has a problem (cord wrap) or there are problems with the uterus, the baby will not turn with these methods. Medical versions can be very painful and can create trouble, as noted in other posts.

Vaginal birth provides is very important developmentally for the baby for many reasons, including brain development. A C-section is major surgery for mom and is not a gentle procedure for baby. Not all children have problems after C-section. However, many do and some problems don't show up for years in terms of behavior, learning challenge or postural issues. I work with these babies and children as a craniosacral therapist and developmental movement therapist.

i'm so sorry to hear that. my baby was breech, but didn't know until 20 hours into natural labor!
there is a website you should check out called spinningbabies. it is a website designed by a doula with years and many births under her belt! there are also free classes put on by doulas 2 to 3 times a week around the metro area that would be helpful as well at a website you could find on the above site, called childbirthcollective.
i wasn't given the choice to try and flip him before, but for me, everytime i think about how he came out it breaks my heart. i know how much better it would have been for him to be born vaginally.
good luck inwhatever you can do and enjoy your new little baby!

Hi A.,

I am pregnant with my first (due anyday--actually 2 days ago), and I had the baby turned from a complete breech position at 37 weeks. I would do it again, since it will save me from going c-section. The procedure was uncomfortable, but took less than five minutes to complete. (Though they will have you on monitors before and after.) There was a chance that the baby could turn back, but at my check up the next day, the doctor said s/he probably wouldn't anymore. At this point, s/he is still head down. The day after the procedure I felt more sore, but that went away in a day or two.

Apparently, the time that the baby was breech delayed dilation. The doctor was impressed that I got dilated 2 cm within the 3 weeks since the version (that's what they call the procedure).

If you do decide to go with the procedure, tell the doctor which way the baby has been moving if it seems to move one way more than the other. I could have saved a minute or two and some major discomfort had I told him that bit of info. :)

Hope this helps. Good luck!
J.

I have not had a version, however I've placed epidurals for them. They do have moderate success rates in the hands of an experienced person, but risk of labor is not minimal. If an epidural is placed it becomes both helpful for the version or C-section if it does become necessary. I must disagree with anyone who encourages someone to go straight to the c-section. Having and recovering from a c-section is NOT pain free--or without further risks!!!! This is especially when you have another young child at home that will want you to hold him and pick him up (potentially putting strain on your incision)
The way I see it, there is minimal risk of an attempt to version as long as everyone is prepared for an immmediate need for emergency delivery. You may go on to have a normal delivery. But going straight to the c-section does not allow for that.
Bottom line, talk to your OB, find out his/her success rates as well as his/her experience with emergent deliveries following a version attempt. A thoughtful practioner should steer your individual situation in the proper direction. Sometimes asking them what they would do if they themselves were in your individual situation helps.
Good luck and feel free to contact me with any further questions.

Hi A.: first i want to congratulate you on your pregnancy. My first child was breech i guess the advice i would give you is to consider a couple of things (1) how big your baby is roughly because the bigger the baby the harder it is to turn the baby (2) if you are that close to having this baby that it may be too late to have it turned depending on how big your babies normally are when you deliver (3) and yes it is painful to have them try to turn your baby. I personally chose the c-section and was able to successfully deliver naturally 3 more babies after that. Also, my aunt had her baby turned and they ended up having complications after he was born. Hope this helps some i know how hard it is to decide these things. Good Luck!

A.,
I was in the same spot as you were with my premie. If I had to do it all over again I would not as when they tried to turn him, very painful by the way, they ripped by placenta and that started a whole new problem, which was why he was premature. They give you some relaxing meds and then 2 or 3 people are there pushing on your stomach and pulling to get the baby to turn all at the same time. Labor was nothing compared to this. I would take my chances on baby turning when the time comes. Hope everything goes ok for you.

I also had a breech baby and had to have a c section. Later I was told that to make the baby turn on it's own, a person should get on their hands and knees and rock from side to side and that will encourage the baby to turn. Wish I had known about this before I had to have the c section.
Try it, can't hurt, could help.

C-sections should only ever be used as a last resort. they are dangerous for both Moms and babies. I suggest trying the turning method. It may help you to avoid a dangerous surgery.

Do the child's pose with your butt up in the air for thirty minutes twice a day, I have known good results to come from this exercise to turn a breach baby.

Last July I was in the same situation. I have had two other text book pregnancies and deliveries and then came my son who at 37 weeks was breach and no desire to turn.
We did attempt to turn him with the doctor at the hospital. It didn't work. It was mildly uncomfortable and it was good to have my husband's hand to hold. I expected him to turn so I tried my last resort and went to my chiropracter who has studied turning breach babies. He followed the procedures and it is apparently very successful normally. However my son was stubborn and not moving.
I went ahead and scheduled the c-section at 38 weeks and it was a good thing because he was 9lbs 1oz. Big boy! He had no room to move and thankfully he didn't because the cord was wrapped around his neck once and it would have caused a problem.
My only thought is that everything happens for a reason so i just went with the flow. The c-section was not my ideal birth plan but it wasn't the most horrible thing in the world. It frightened me and it was a bit of a tedious recovery for someone who likes to get up and get around!
As long as your baby is healthy and gets here that is all that really matters and since you have a son the plus side is you can really plan with a c-section!
Good luck and I wish you all the best!

Congratulations A., My girls are 19 months apart also and the second was born in the Spring. I was so anxious for Spring and to have my baby. It seemed like each day was forever as I waited. My knowledge of turning babies is from my husband who is a chiropractor. There are some things to check to make sure your body is aligned properly. This can help the baby turn by itself. They get freed up and get right to the place they belong. This is way better than someone phsicaly try to move a baby. Sometimes babies are turned around for a reason like the cord is too short. If you have anymore questions you can e-mail Dr. Brian at ____@____.com or check out www.y-chiropractic.com. They could also find a doctor in your area who could help. In anycase I can tell you from experience that geting hips and ligaments in the right alignment before going into labor can make a world of difference. Good luck, soon you will have your baby and I hope Spring will soon follow.

my oldiest daughter was breech. i went in and had he version done, and i had no pain meds. I have a high pain tolerance, and i would never do it again. Also every time they turned her she would just spin right around again back to the breech position. I would just opt for the c-section in which i had anyways. There is still a chance she will turn. K.

Hi A., i have gone through this procedure when i was pregnant with my oldest daughter. I was close to delivery as well, when they noticed she was breach. I went in and had a mild sedation, and the doctor had the ultrasound machine hooked up to me. The procedure is quite painful, they basically pushed into my abdomen damn near up to their elbows, from the top all the way around until she was turned. I will tell you honestly it was horrible. I was in a lot of pain and wish i had never done it. But they did turn her and they will also tell you it can start your labor. It didn't happen to me, but i can see why it would. It was a rather traumatic experience in my opinion, if i had the choice c section would have been it. I don't want to scare you, im just being truthful. Good luck and if you have any questions please ask.

http://www.spinningbabies.com/
Check out this website and I would recommend looking for someone who could help you turn the baby rather than opt for a c-section.

Good luck.

Dear A.,

My first child was born breach, 17 years ago. They learned she was breach in my 9th month. I was due in two weeks and he suggested trying to turn the baby and induce me. I went to Iowa City with "the specialists", who accidentally forgot to have me sign the form incase something would happen to me or the baby I wouldn't hold the hospital liable, and tried to do this. The doctors, I think is was 3 put their hands on your belly where they believe the head, butt, whatever is protruding that they can grab ahold of, and they push. I am not going to lie it is very painful and got me no where. Two days later I went into labor. Then I could go to Iowa City and have a breach baby vaginally, now I don't believe they allow that. Would I do it again? No, it is dangerous to both of you in my opinion. I hope I didn't scare you, I just wanted to make my opinoin clear. I don't really see this as a good option, only a forced, stressful one for the baby. I have had a c-section with my last one, he is 4 now, piece of cake!! If you would like anymore info from me, you can email me at ____@____.com Good luck!

You can try to have it naturally too. It's not as big a deal as it sounds, apparently. I know a midwife who does it all the time. I think you'd want gravity working for you, not against you, so definitely don't give birth lying down, but the secret is to not touch the baby until it's born up to it's navel. Only then should your practitioner touch it. Of course, the easiest breech to handle is the complete (?) breech where its buns are born first. Then there are the kneeling ones, the footling ones, etc. so be sure they know how it's presenting. Anyway, if you're not too nervous about it, there's always the option of having it naturally. :)

I have a friend who was in this same situation. She went to her chiropractor and she was able to turn the baby right away. It was fast, easy and painless. If you have a chiropractor you see I would suggest checking out that option. Good luck!

A., I have had personal experience with this. I unexpectedly went into labor 3 weeks early with my third child. I had experienced some trauma and they did an ultrasound (while I completely doped up on pain meds) to make sure my son was okay. During that ultrasound, they discovered the baby was breach, but didn't think anything of it at the time (they also didn't know I was in labor either). They were going to keep me overnight for observation, and via the monitoring process discovered I was having very regular contractions and 3 centimeters dilated.

They confirmed again with ultrasound that he was indeed breach. The OB that performs the c-sections came an and we discussed our options. I explained to her that my mother had delivered two breach babies and I wasn't about to do so myself. She said that we have two options, we do a c-section or try the procedure you are referring to, an External Version. She said with the version, they will give me an epidural, stop my labor, lube my belly up with mineral oil and with the help of another physician, try turning the baby around. If it was successful, they would hold him in place (head down), break my water, and restart my labor. If it didn't work, I would already have the epidural in place for the c-section. It was not painful at all, but rather a really weird sensation.....quite can't describe it.

The OB said the success rate was about 50%, and my research has shown that to be pretty accurate. However, it is more successful if you are not full term (like 2-3 weeks early)....more menuevring room for the baby. For myself it was successful and my son came into the world 6 hours later (pain free I might add hehe).

The most important thing is that you have a healthy baby, no matter how he or she enters the world. If the version doesn't work, they always have the c-section to fall back on.

B.

For me I was relieved to find out my Claire was breach. I had an horrible experience during my first labor. My daughter had to be taken out by vaccumme extraction.
I heard that there is some risk and alot of pain with the "aversion" process and that was enough for me to decide against it with my second daughter. So I decided on a c-section and had no complications afterwards.

My first pregnancy was breached. Turning the baby put a lot of distress on the baby. In addition, the cord was wrapped around the baby's neck in the process of turning the baby. Please seek advise from experts and monitor the baby very carefully if you are thinking about turning the baby. I ended up having an emergency c-section to save myself and the baby. Good luck.

I have a friend who was pregnant with a breach baby. She has always done a lot of holistic healing, so when that happened I believe she went to see an accupressurist. I don't remember all of the specifics, but I believe it had to do something with her little toe. I know it sounds weird. I had never heard about it, but actually had two friends with success. There was no pain involved and no pushing on their stomachs, so I know that is why the one friend tried that first.

Hi A.,

I had my baby turned this past December. Honestly the procedure is quite painful, but the painful part doesn't take very long -- less than a minute (although we were there for several hours because of monitoring the baby both before and after the turning). If in the same situation again I would definitely try turning the baby again. I went on to have an emergency c-section due to fetal distress during labor. I can tell you that the pain of the turning was much, much, much shorter lived than the pain recovering from the c-section. I think anything you can do to avoid a c-section is worth it.

Good luck whatever you decide to do!

S.

Hi A. - I had a similar situation with my first baby. She flipped and was breach about 10 days before I had her. My doc had me come into the office and they did a little 'pushing' on my belly, trying to get her to move. It was a little uncomfortable for me but not painful. She didnt move while we were in the office but when I went home, later that night, I had terrible back pain and she flipped. I delivered her naturally abt 10 days later. I would definately try the baby moving before having the c-section. If all else fails, try some spicey food!! That might get the baby moving!! haha! (just kidding!) :-) Good Luck!! I hope things work out for you!

Hi A.,

I am a chiropractor and have pretty good success helping breech babies turn. I use the Webster technique. It takes 3-5 visits. If you have a chiropractor, ask him/her if they are familiar with this technique. If not, I could maybe help you find a chiropractor in your area that may be more familiar. My email is ____@____.com if you would like me to help you find someone in your area.

L. R.

I don't know if you doc told you this, but the is a chance that the baby would turn itself. As a nurse I have seen where they go to have the inversion done and the baby had already done it. The inversion causes slight discomfort, more pressure than anything. The doc manipulates the baby outside the belly. Not really that invasive. I would recommend trying. If you can deliver vaginally it is best for you and your baby. If you don't do it and go into labor you will have to have an emergency c-section which makes things a little more stressful than an induction or planned c-section. It is longer healing time with a c-section and it increases some risks with the baby. They really are becoming more popular and some people actually request them.

Just a little note from my experience: I was induced. I would take the longer healing time over the forced contractions. I have heard people say that induction is harder labor than natural. I couldn't tell you the difference since I only experienced the one (with an epidural mind you) and I didn't really like it much. Maybe I'm a wimp.

Good luck with your new baby. My baby is turning 1 on the 13th of this month!

My son was breech (footling breech with his feet into the birth canal) they gave me the option of doing the turn, but after research, I decided it was to risky and painful. My best friend had it done the year before and she ended up with a c-section anyway. I decided not to do the turn and opted for the c-section and it went well. I'm glad I made that decision and have never regretted it. Good luck with your decision.
C.

May I suggest that you go to Mothering Magazine online? They have tons of articles on breech births which are well researched and incredibly helpful.

I know several women who delivered their babies breech without any trouble at all and no turning of the baby. I know many others who's babies turned at the last minute anyway - literally while they were in labor.

Breech births happen all over - although they are not pleasant. I had one child posterior and I thought I was going to die (but I didn't obviously). Good luck... I'll be thinking of you!

You could try seeing a chiropracter. I have not had personal experience with this, but I have been told that chiropractic care by someone that specializes in that area can be very effective in having the baby turn themselves.