How can I turn my breech baby? Who has been through it?

[KJ]

Hi all mums,

please can I have advice from mums who have had a breech baby and managed to either turn it yourself or had it turned professionally.

I'm 31.5 weeks and I had a checkup this morning and he's breech. I'm desperate for a natural birth and really want to do everything I can to make him turn head down.

Has anyone had this and what did you do? Did it work and could you feel it happen or tell that the baby had turned? Did anyone have external cephalic version (where the consultants turn the baby) and did that work and what was it like?

Sorry for all the questions. I just want to be as prepared as I can be.

Thanks,

K.xxxxxxxxxx

 

[nikkif]

Sorry hun i don't know the answer but i know that there is still plenty of time left for baby to turn. Hope he turns soon!

What are you measuring now?

Nikki
xx

 

[KJ]

I'm measuring 31cm, bang on what I should be and everything else is perfect ofr this stage. So it's sooo frustrating that he's head up.

I'm going to try all the old wives tales I can get my hands on.

I WILL deliver vaginally!!

K.xxxx

 

[Snuggle]

I've read that you can do things like pelvic tilts on all fours or getting into knee-chest position for 20 minutes a couple of times a day. Dont think there's any medical proof that these work but no harm in trying

 

[mary70]

i was told to put a pack of something frozen on the top of my bump and usually baby turns because they dont like the cold, dont know if it works but i have seen women on pregnancy programs do it

 

[mrs_tommo22]

your bubs has aghes to turn yet, but i always opt for the good old birthing ball as it works like a charm every time for me.
Baby was breech last week and have bounced on birthing ball a few times this week and went into hspital last night and is head down again

 

[trixipaws]

i found out millie was breech at 33+3 weeks- was gutted as i thought my homebirth plan would be scuppered and i'd hav 2 hav a section- which gave me the fear! i was sitting on the edge of my chair (even watchin tv!) with my back straight up and my knees below my waist, and later got a gym ball to bounce on. i was disheartened when she was still breech at 35+4 weeks , but luckily she'd turned by 36+2 weeks. you'v still got awhile yet, try not 2 worry. in the mean time, dont lean back in ur chair, sleep on ur left, sit forward and get a gym ball!

 

[valentine]

Hi KJ,

I don't have this problem or any experience of it - however, I really relate to how you feel being determined to deliver vaginally - I've hit my own barriers along the way.

At least time is on your side - you still have plenty of time for the baby to turn as above posters have said - although I know that's easy for me to say when I am not in your position.

I thought you might be interested in this post earlier this week by topbird, the responses she got and the decision she made re. her ECV.

There is also some info on the AIMS website about the possibility of delivering a breech baby vaginally - I believe this depends whether it's a footling (feet down) or frank (bum down) breech and finding a supportive (maybe hiring an independent?) midwife.

I hope this helps and keep us posted with your progress.

Valentine xxx

 

[Squiglet]

Now I am not going to suggest this as a way to make your baby turn AT ALL...but when I was 36 weeks, Tia was still in the breech position and a c section really looked like it was on the cards...But we were moving house at the time and I had to carry vast quantities of stuff up 3 flights of stairs...well when you are that big, you tend to balance things on your bump...

I think all the bumping on her head upset her because that night she turned. It was quite painful as there wasn't much room left, but she turned in one go and then never moved.

I think the idea of putting cold things on your belly might be a very good idea, because it might encourage the LO to turn round.

31 weeks is still early and there is still pleanty of time for the baby to turn. Fingers crossed and get eating lots of ice cream.

 

[topbird]

You still have plenty of time for it to turn..... though mine has been breeched for the majority of my pregnancy - at all but one of my midwife appointments, and even then she was not sure! So sometimes it seems it is just meant to be I am afraid.

Stuff to try:
- crawl about on your hands and knees when getting around the house!
- go on your hands and knees, drop down on to your elbows and put your head on the floor, so your bum is in the air and your hips are higher than your head. They recommend to do this for 10 minutes every 2 hours I guess you are still at work so prob not that practical. I do this every time I feel the baby move and particularly for about 20 minutes before bed time when junior seems to be most active.
- acupuncture / reflexology - there are a couple of techniques involving your little toe that are meant to help, but you need to find one experienced! I haven't done this.
- Homeopothy - something called moxibustion (I think) - again - need to find some one experienced. I haven't done this either.
- avoid sitting leaning back or slouching. I have been sitting on my birthing ball for about 2 months rocking back and forth and leaning forward.

ECV is an option if it is right for you and he hasn't turned by 37 weeks but it is really unlikely - only 4% chance he won't!

Good Luck!