Just learned baby is breech - at 41 weeks

[kelsie_jayne]

OK, I have never posted before, but I have been reading like mad since I learned I was pregnant. I have been planning a homebirth and my midwives wanted me to get a biophysical profile done because I am at 41 weeks. So I just went today to the Dr. that they refer to and had one done, which was when I discovered that my baby is breech. Which throws all of my plans up in the air. Now, I have more options than some, this Dr. will deliver breech babies, I would just have to go to the hospital. So I am personally upset about the probable loss of my homebirth. He will also attempt an external version, even at this late date, he says that I have a considerable amount of amniotic fluid (for being this far along). So I am trying to determine whether or not I want to attempt the version. He gives it a 50/50 chance of working. I am trying to quantify the risks of the version. The thing that is most appealing to me is that if it does work and she stays head down then I could still have my homebirth (and I have a lot of anxiety about having to go to the hospital). But that makes me wonder if I am just being selfish, especially since I will at least get to try having her vaginally in the hospital. Also, my husband is somewhat uncomforatable with the version and I think he would prefer we not do it, although I know he will support me if I decide to. The doctor also says he thinks the baby is quite big at this point. But I know size estimates are not very accurate at this point. But this and the risks of the version have my husband worried. I don't know, and I am rambling badly, but if anyone has advice on whether or not to do the version I would greatly appreciate it. I am seeing the Dr. tomorrow morning and they would want to do the version on Monday, so I do not have much time to figure out what I want to do. Thanks for reading my ramblings.

[hunterofkyle]

Honestly, I would at least TRY the version. Having a homebirth would be worth the effort to me. You are obviously lucky to have an OB who would attend a breech delivery in the hospital if the version doesn't work, so it seems like a win/win. Good luck with your decision and upcoming birth.

[Robinna]

I don't know what I would do. I think I would try the version. I've btdt - I tried ECV 4x, but that was because I didn't have someone to catch, if I had somebody to catch I think I would have tried it once or twice to preserve my homebirth but then accepted a vaginal hospital birth (as it was I was forced into c/s, I was trying with all my power to get vaginal birth of any kind).

Ask about his experience with version, and if he's ever seen a baby go into distress. What you want for a safe ECV attempt is a very experienced caregiver with a high (like 70%) success rate and a 0% distress rate. Version does not have to be in hospital if your care provider has this kind of expertise - an experienced CP knows when to stop.

ECV in my experience is an extremely uncomfortable procedure. Worse than natural labour, for me personally. Yet, to preserve a homebirth, I think I would try it at least once, maybe twice, because homebirth seriously does rock, it's worth a try. But remember that babes are people with opinions and free will and s/he may choose not to move (as mine did), or there may be a good reason your babe is breech in which case a breech birth is the best thing for he/r.

Anyway I'm so happy to hear that you have a care provider who is actually basing his practices on the evidence. If you're willing, could you please PM me his name so I can add him to my list? I am contacted a lot by mamas trying to find a catcher.

Best of luck mama. You'll be in my thoughts!

xo robin

[cappuccinosmom]

It is quite late. You might try a version.

But personally, I would be very grateful for a doc who would deliver breech. :

[hapersmion]

I tried a version, because my alternative (I thought) was c-section. Didn't work, but I had to try everything. Luckily I found the Farm and had a great natural breech birth there! I would certainly try a version again if my alternative was the hospital, even with an OB who wouldn't section me automatically. Like Robinna, mine hurt significantly, but some people report no pain. And it can be worth it.

However, it's possible that those aren't your only options. It's really rough to have to switch providers at 41 weeks, but sounds like you'll have to do that anyway if the version doesn't work. Maybe there is a homebirth midwife somewhere who would take you, even now? You didn't say where you are, but ask in your Finding Your Tribe forum, that's the best place to find local midwives. I never knew it with my last pregnancy, but I'm surrounded by midwives I never heard of until I came here! And even if you're far away, give the Farm a call if there are no midwives near. You can stay there while you wait for labor, and it's so worth it! (See my birth story in my sig!) I only visited the place once, three days before I went into labor, but I couldn't have asked for a better birth.

And even if nothing else works, remember the baby can turn even during labor. Maybe you can call your homebirth midwife to come check that he's still head-up before you head to the hospital.

And for yet another option, it's worth checking out the Unassisted Childbirth forum and seeing if that's something you could be comfortable with. Personally, I'd prefer it to the hospital.

[Gnatty]

I'm glad your doc will do a breech birth! I had to find one last pregnancy as a backup, but DS flipped, fortunately.

I know Henci Goer deals with the pros and cons of having an external version in "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth."

In your place I think the first thing I'd do would be to find a chiropractor certified in the Webster technique and book an appointment ASAP. I don't know if the Webster technique is more effective earlier or not, but hey, going to the chiro would probably be relaxing anyway, which you probably need at this point!

I would probably try a version if my practitioner were skilled at it.

[kelsie_jayne]

Thank you for all the replies!

Thanks everybody! It really helped me calm down to read everyones responses. I was just so shocked yesterday, it was the last thing I expected to hear. I am scheduled to have the version done next monday morning, so I am crossing my fingers that it will work. I also just managed to get a chiropractors appointment for this evening after my midwife pulled some strings with a former client of hers, so I am going to give her every chance I can to get her head down. And if, after all that, she won't turn, then at least I will still get a shot at a vaginal delivery, even if I do have to go to the hospital (which still makes me nervous, but better than an automatic c-section).

[Liquesce]

Originally Posted by kelsie_jayne

I am scheduled to have the version done next monday morning, so I am crossing my fingers that it will work.

Best of luck! I had a version pretty late in the game, albeit not as late a you, and -- while obviously experiences differ -- it was really quick and easy. Even a late term version definitely doesn't *have* to mean difficulty or failure.

[2pinks]

I had a version and it ended up putting me into labor. I hope this works for you.

[lrlittle]

That's a hard one. I had an unsuccessful, very painful version. So after a very uneventful vaginal breech birth I'd skip the version next time. However, I understand wanting a homebirth, too.

Another thought...maybe you could ask the doctor to stop if the version doesn't work fairly quickly. The two people I know who had successful versions reported that the baby flipped within 30 seconds. Mine seemed to last for.e.ver.

Good luck, and keep us updated!

[mizlizzy]

Count your lucky stars that you have a practicioner who will deliver breech- I could not find anyone in our area, midwife or OB who would attempt a normal vaginal delivery. Due to their liability concerns, all the docs wanted to do an automatic C-section despite no real evidence that the outcomes are better. I was absolutely terrified and filled with grief at the thought a surgical birth instead of the homebirth we planned. I had to work through those emotional issues before the version was successful.

My midwife is very experienced in doing ECVs, 20+ years. She did not seem to think they were that risky (I was 36 weeks, don't know about 41). (She did not want to deliver a breech at home for a first time mom).

The first attempt at a version with her and her apprentice was unsuccessful. Meanwhile we were doing every home remedy to turn a breech under the sun (swimming, moxa, inversions, music, prayer, talking to the baby, visualizations, etc).

The second version attempt last Saturday was successful! The midwife was guiding the head and listening to the heart as needed, with my partner was pushing and supplying the power from below, he is pretty skilled at massage and being strong yet gentle and picking up on my cues. I was doing breathing, relaxation techniques and talking to the baby. It was uncomfortable, but not painful. They were very gentle, and would ease off when it seemed like I or the baby needed to chill for a minute. Overall, I was very grateful for the experience, we all worked together to turn the baby, it increased our trust and confidence to work together at the birth. I feel more prepared for handling the pain of labor. And I am so grateful to be able to go ahead with a homebirth, due Feb. 9th. Looking back, I am amazed that the MW trusted us enough to let my man help turn the baby. Can't imagine an OB doing that.
Two other notes:my midwife is an accupunturist and used needles on the breech turning moxa points before the version. My partner and I did some intensive spiritual practice together to release my fears about the c-section and communicate to the baby that it would be easier for everyone if she/he would work with us to turn right before we went in to the appointment. I don't want to discount the energetic and spiritual components of turning this babe.

So based on my exp, I think the version is worth a shot. If they do in in the hospital, they have very good monitoring technology, and also most likely they will give you a drug to relax the uterus. Good luck and let us know what you decide and how it turns out.

[kltroy]

My first was a c/s because of breech presentation - we tried an ECV at 37 weeks and it was unsuccessful. (we tried everything else in the book from weeks 30-39 too). If I were you, I would try the ECV. A head-down baby will be easier on everyone and ECVs are one of those things that either work or they don't. In my experience your doc will give it a couple good tries and it will be clear that the baby is either going to flip or not. I never felt as though my baby would be hurt by the procedure - when it was clear that James wouldn't budge we ALL agreed that we shouldn't continue to try.

Good luck with the birth however you do it. I know it's hard to think about going to a hospital after planning a home birth, but really, you can have a great hospital birth, I promise. I certainly did! (see link in my sig)

[catters]

Originally Posted by cappuccinosmom

It is quite late. You might try a version.

But personally, I would be very grateful for a doc who would deliver breech. :

Here here! Good luck. I know if I had had an option for a doc to deliver my son breech I would have snapped at the chance! No option for that here in mainstream town, USA!

[kelsie_jayne]

It worked!

I just wanted to let everyone know that the version worked! She is now head down! I am so pleased, now the homebirth plans are back on. It was rather painful, and the first try did't do it, but on the second try she finally made it down there. I am just so relieved. Her heartrate didn't even really react, she stayed about the same the whole time. I am very happy we decided to give it a shot, even this late in the game. Now I can go back to excited waiting game wondering when she will decide to make her appearance. I wanted to thank everyone for their advice and support. It was wonderfully comforting to be able to reach out to such a supportive and knowledgable group of people.

[aileen]

um, i don't know how i ended up on this thread, but i just read the whole thing and i just wanted to say that i am THRILLED that it worked and i got goosebumps and i hope you have a glorious labor and beautiful birth.
:

[Kidzaplenty]

Congratulations! And I hope you are already holding your LO.

[Romana]

Oh, so glad it worked! I hope you had/have a wonderful and uneventful birth.

[hapersmion]

Congratulations!

[Mommy2anangel]

I'm so glad your baby turned mama! i hope everything goes well and you have a wonderful homebirth :

[hunterofkyle]

YAY! That is wonderful news and I'm thrilled for you that you can still have your homebirth.