How to Help a Breech Baby Turn
What You Can do at Home to get Your Baby to go Head Down
Most unborn babies will turn head down prior to 34 weeks gestation. Only 5% of babies begin labor in a breech, or bottom-first (or more rarely, feet first) position. If the baby is well flexed, or curled up, a vaginal birth is possible in many cases, particularly if the mother has given birth before. Modern obstetrics practices, however, usually insist on cesarean delivery of breech babies if efforts to turn them under medication and ultrasound, called a medical version procedure, are not successful.
Reasons a Baby may Remain in a Breech Position after 34 Weeks
Problems with placement of the placenta, a short or tangled cord, anomalies of the mother's pelvis, or twin gestations are common causes. A busy, distracted mother who is not paying attention to the unborn baby and her pregnancy is more likely to find herself with a breech baby. Some babies just need a little encouragement.
The Mother's Mind is in Communication with the Baby's Mind.
Studies show this is a fact. Not only do her feelings produce chemicals in her bloodstream that pass through the placenta, but a mother's wishes and worries also reach the fetus and produce changes in the development of the baby's brain. Ideally, the mother is receiving the emotional support she needs to support the fetus. If there are problems, the mother should seek help as a gift to her unborn baby.
If the baby is breech in late pregnancy, the mother can "think" of the baby being head down. Looking at last trimester illustrations of babies in head down positions will help. These should be placed around the house, wherever the mother will see them. She should be encouraged to talk to the baby, mentally or aloud, and ask her little one to turn. This exercise has many benefits; while talking to her infant the mother experiences increased feelings of warmth and love that create bonding.
Give the Baby More Room
An adequate maternal water intake will insure plenty of amniotic fluid and make turning easier. If the baby's bottom is already in the pelvic brim it will be more difficult to move. The mother should elevate her hips on a slantboard or by doing handstands in a swimming pool so that gravity helps the baby's body move toward her ribs. Fifteen minutes twice a day is adequate. Sitting and swaying on an exercise ball, standing side lunges, hands-and-knees positions and swimming all work to open the hips and encourage heavier parts of the baby to come forward.
Attract the Baby's Attention
Placing music headphones and a flashlight between the mother's legs or against the bottom of her stomach will draw some curious babies in the right direction. As for the type of music to use, studies show babies prefer the classics!
See a Professional
Midwives and Doulas have many tips to help moms relax and get in touch with their babies needs. A skilled homeopath practitioner can provide safe remedies. Chiropractic care and acupressure or accupuncture offer techniques to assist a baby to turn. One study showed an 80% success rate in turning breech babies simply by placing the mother under hypnosis.
Let it Be
If none of the techniques above are effective, it is time to trust the wisdom of the unborn child. There may be a very good reason she or he chooses to remain in a breech position. The mother can reassure the child mentally or aloud that they are loved and eagerly awaited whatever the circumstances of birth might be.
Last Weeks of Pregnancy
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