Did you say Breech?

Don’t panic! It’s going to be OK. Your baby is breech for a reason. (S)he may or may not turn and can do so even right before birth. So, be patient.

Which breech presentation is your baby favoring? There are three common types.

Frank Breech, which tends to be the most favorable. This is when baby’s bottom presents first and feet are by the head.
Footling Breech is when baby has one or both feet presenting first.

Complete Breech is when your baby is comfy sitting cross legged.

There are things you can do to help baby turn if that is what baby wants. Remember, your baby knows best what position to be in for his/her birth. Look into the following options:

•Chiropractic adjustments
•Acupuncture
•Spinning babies
•Moxibustion
•Playing music low on the belly and placing frozen peas on top of your belly. Fun things that won’t hurt any, so why not try?

•Visualize, meditate and pray (this is more powerful than most people realize).

•Hire a care provider who is comfortable and knows what to do (and not to do) for breech births.

•Acceptance and Faith (your baby knows exactly what (s)he is doing).

Even when you decide to have faith in your body and your baby, you still want to be prepared and know how to help him/her gently enter this world. Here are some things to consider and research.

Know and be firm in your knowledge that a breech baby does not automatically mean c-section.

Make sure your OB or midwife is 100% on board and does not fear breech birth.

Always listen to YOUR intuition. If you have a fear, process it. If someone else does, don’t waiver in your faith. Trust your gut!

When birthing, get in a favorable position like standing, squatting, or even hand and knees (unless your body is telling you different).

Read a lot of great breech birth stories! I've posted here some awesome pictures for your viewing above to help you understand.

Do NOT let anyone (your midwife, spouse, doula, OB, etc.) pull on baby!

Something to educate yourself on further is making sure baby’s head is birthed before they start breathing. The book Emergency Childbirth by Gregory J. White was helpful for me.

Have a back up plan. There is nothing wrong with having one. Don’t focus on it, but know it’s there. Continue to have faith that your vaginal birth will be wonderful and successful.

If you get nothing else from this post, remember this: Even IF you have a c-section, WAIT.

Wait for baby to start labor. I say this for two reasons. First, you will know for sure that your baby is ready to be earthside.

Second, is that you have given your baby every chance to turn head down. In hindsight, my first baby was born at least 3 weeks early as all my others.

A baby that is breech is not an automatic dangerous situation or cesarean. Breech babies have different risk factors and those should be discussed with your care provider, so you CAN make an informed decision on what is best for your baby and birth, with their support.

-Natasha