“Your baby is still not head down yet.”
When you’re nearing the 9-month mark, this phrase can be the most anxiety-inducing of them all. Instantly your little pregnant mama brain can go into a tailspin wondering everything from if the baby will turn on its own, what you can do to help or if that instantly means that you have to schedule a c-section.
Depending on who your provider is, breech may be no issue at all. There are several practitioners who do not believe the untraditional position is a deterrent for a vaginal birth while other doctors want nothing to do with it.
So why don’t we take some time and reduce the fear by unraveling the stigma around breech birth, shall we?
What is Breech?
Breech position simply means that your baby is in a rear-down, foot-down position. This can make vaginal birth more difficult, hence why some practitioners like to avoid it completely. If you’ve never had a baby before, your doctor will likely check the baby’s position around 7-8 months and every consecutive appointment following, whether by palpation (feeling your belly) or by ultrasound. Did you know that there are 3 different breech positions?
When baby does not turn into the traditional head-down position for birth, they are typically resting in a rear down, foot down position known as breech.
Encouraging Baby to Turn
If your practitioner is not a fan of delivering breech and you are nearing your due date with a rear-down cherub, it is not the end of the world. There are ways to encourage your little angel to get ready for their grand entrance.
Can yoga poses help?
Yes! Try this one each night before bed (and repeated comfortably throughout the day) you can perform child’s pose. You can do so while supported against a stability ball or on the floor. This forward-resting position opens up the hips and the belly, giving the baby a little extra wiggle room.
Consulting a Prenatal Chiropractor
Yes, believe it or not, that’s a thing! Chiropractic uses manipulative techniques to relieve muscle tension and pressure off of the central nervous system, improving overall health and range of motion. In the case of pregnancy, a chiropractor can be just what the pregnant mama ordered to address breech position.
According to Dr. Katie O’Conner, a Perinatal Chiropractor at LifeNaturally Chiropractic in the Chicago Suburbs.
“ Webster Technique helps more gently and indirectly by balancing the ligaments that hold the pelvis and uterus together, which can open the appropriate space so that baby can get right where she needs to be… (this is an excellent alternative to) a technique called an ECV (external cephalic version) to physically attempt to turn the baby, this can be difficult and is usually used as a last resort.”
Moxibustion
Moxi--what?? It sounds like a really intense procedure but actually, it might be the simplest of them all. This technique hails from Traditional Chinese Medicine using the understanding of acupuncture points, without the needles. Don’t worry, I’ll explain.
In acupuncture, there is a position on the baby toe that is believed to encourage fetal position movement. Using the pressure of an herb on that very position, the baby responds by moving in the correct birthing position --- as early as 32 weeks gestation. Interesting right? No needle phobia? Ask your professional about acupuncture!
No matter your chosen method to encourage baby, breech presentation is nothing to be afraid of. Taking the time to try natural methods in your 3rd trimester will increase your chances of having a head down baby in no time!
Want natural support?
Come visit us for a yoga class and our partners Pulling Down the Moon for Moxibustion and acupuncture support!
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