Turning a breech baby

[prettymatty]

So my ex sister-in-law is due in 2 weeks with her 4th baby. She's always had good pregnancies and risk free vaginal births. She found out at her fetal assessment that the baby is bum down pretty far. She's freaking out cause she does NOT want a c-section. Summer vacation will be started by the time she has this baby and will have 3 other kids at home - not exactly ideal circumstances for a c-section.
Does anyone know of safe methods used to turn a baby head down? I looked up a few websites for her so she's going to try everything possible in the next 2 weeks.
Thanks for all advice!

[isras1]

In my opinion, the best online resource is:

Spinning Babies

I hope that helps

[mra]

A friend of mine went to a chiropractor and after two visits her baby turned. She did a lot of research choosing the chiropractor because she specifically wanted one that dealt with pregnant women often.

[fyrwmn]

we see the chiropractor regularly anyways. she did the webster's technique and it worked to make ds turn.

[vanislandmama]

I've heard swimming the front stroke in the pool is a good idea and laying down with pillows under your hips so your head is below your belly helps too. The old school ironing board up against the couch and laying feet up is another way of doing this. I was at my midwife today talking about baby positioning. I am pregnant with my 4th as well. She said it's not uncommon for a 4th baby not to find the head down position until last minute because they have so much extra room in there. She said that she has had to do the turning during labor then break the waters to get the babe to come out quicker in case of fetal distress. I would say that this is not ideal, but considering the alternative.... Don't know if your friend is with an OB or midwife, but there may be some options available to her like this if she has a midwife.

[Ambivalent Dreams]

http://www.spinningbabies.com/

[JessieBird]

Where in Canada are you? There is a midwife in Ottawa who specializes in breech pregnancies/birth. I don't know her personally but have heard lots about her from a friend who is also a midwife. I could find her name in my old emails somewhere, PM me if this would be helpful.

[NorthernPixie]

JessieBird, it's Bette Ann Daviss, I believe she is with one of the practices out in the east end.

I agree, find a practitioner, if you can, who will do a vaginal breech delivery so that if the baby doesn't turn you're not faced with a section as your only option.

[lyshy]

My midwife was willing to attend a breech birth. (in london ontario) and there is also an ob there who does breech briths. Depending on where you are maybe that could help. I am actually 38 weeks pg right now with a breech baby and I am doing moxibustion because I have heard alot of good things about it. Also Pulsatilla from a homeopath is supposed to work. I have been trying it all as well. (although mine is footling)

[mamakaikai]

http://www.breechbirth.ca/Welcome.html

[karen1968]

I'll just agree with the PP who recommend spinning babies and the Webster Technique (chiro). I also know people who have had good luck with moxibustion, a technique done by an accupuncturist.

she gets that baby to turn!

[expatmommy]

I had success with the Webster technique from a chiro with this little one, who turned very late in pregnancy (around 39 weeks).

Also, if she is in BC, BC Womens is opening a breech clinic for vaginal breech births in September but has started to take women from throughout the province already. It may be worth calling them if she is in BC.