[NizhoniTwice]

I'm 34 weeks, measuring 35 weeks. At my OB/GYN appointment yesterday it was noted that my baby is breech, which I've known for weeks if not months. Well, my Dr scheduled me for another appointment on Tuesday and if the baby's still breech, she's going to schedule me to go in to the hospital on Wednesday to do an external version - her words: if there is a complication from the version, which is common, we'll be there to do an immediate c-section. or if she refuses to turn, we can do the c-section right then and there.
WHAT?!!?? Am I nuts for not feeling comfortable with her approach?? I'm freaking out. Baby only has this weekend to turn, or she's out at 35 weeks!! For no other reason than being breech!! I've done everything I possibly can to get this baby to turn: swimming, hand stands, cold on her head, birthing ball, yoga positions, chiropractor, read the spinningbabies website 100 times. I'm going to see a chiropractor trained in webster's technique today and will schedule an acupunture appointment asap if I can find someone to fit me in before tuesday. I called my doula, and she gave me some numbers to call while she makes some calls on her own. I've talked to a lot of midwives and delivering a breech by a licensed midwife is illegal in AZ!! What they all told me was to call The Farm in TN and see if they would take me this late in my pregnancy. I called this am and left a message but I don't know if that would be an option due to cost.

This is my first pregnancy. Hubby and I had agreed to only 1 child. I was looking forward to a dreamy home delivery and now it seems like everything's going out the window and I'll end up with a traumatic birth and a baby in the NICU.

Can someone please share more ideas to try to get this baby to spin? Any words of encouragement? Advice??

Hubby said if I wanted to have her by ourselves at home that he completely believes in me and he'll put his all into it, but I'm uneasy about it. Are there any other 1st time Moms who went the unassisted route with a breech?

I'm thinking I could refuse the external version on Wednesday and wait until baby's ready to come out, and then go in to get a c-section...

 

[Super~Single~Mama]

no advice, but lots of

I would also refuse to version at this point - especially if she wants to do a c/s at 35 weeks if baby doesn't turn. Maybe you should call and share your concerns with a c/s at 35 weeks, and ask if you can wait until later to do the version? Sorry, I have no experience, but as far as the UC goes, maybe you could post on that board and ask?

 

[ebbybaby]

I don't understand why they wouldn't let you fatten your baby up for another week or two unless it was starting to show distress from being in the breech position too long...I've also read about women's labors starting and the contractions forcing the baby out of the breech position into the proper delivery position somehow but I'm not entirely sure how that happens or if its true? Either way if it does present breech after labor starts couldn't you be rushed for an emergency c-sect then? At least you'll have a 100% full term baby which in my opinion is the best option. I don't like the sounds of all this invasive "have to do it this way" kinda stuff. Hope you get something figured out sweetie.

 

[dallasslynn]

Ok this may sound crazy, but I read that in other countries they try diving from a diving board and the centrifugal force can turn the baby. Also (I know it sounds like you've already tried everything!) you can try laying so your bum is way in the air and have your husband shine a light between your legs and "talk" the baby around.

My son was breech at 34 weeks and I just told him all day, "this isn't ok, you have to turn around, you're hurting mommy." That and a lot of prayer...and he turned by the end of the day! Much to my relief and comfort!

Hope he turns!! Sending thoughts your way!

 

[KimProbable]

I've heard that the website Spinning Babies is a really good resource. I haven't read it in-depth myself but it looks like it has tons of info.

Personally, I wouldn't consent to a c-section at 35 weeks due to positioning.

 

[DeannaK]

Will you be delivering at a big hospital?

I have made up my mind, that I will NOT schedule a c-section if one or both of my babies are breech. If I go into labor and the first baby is breech or both babies are breech then they can do a C-sect at that time. But I'm going to a big hospital that has the staff for that.

Is that an option for you? Give the baby time to turn?

 

[CookAMH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by LorenaAZ I'm thinking I could refuse the external version on Wednesday and wait until baby's ready to come out, and then go in to get a c-section...

I think I would go for that too - try the version but adamantly refuse any further action and mentally prepare for the possibility of a less than ideal birth later on

. Remember, YOU are the consumer here.

My m/w said first babies tend to settle into their position early on and not turn at the last minute like subsequent babies, but I don't have a lot of other knowledge. Your baby just may be breech period, but that is NO reason to take her at 35 weeks. Geesh. It's unfortunate that at least in my area, there is no chance for a vaginal birth for a breech if it's a first time pregnancy. Keep hoping that she'll turn, refuse the early intervention. If a c-sec is your only choice, I'd insist on going into labor first before having surgery - then you know baby is ready.

 

[GoddessJ]

So sorry to hear about your situation.

Here are some things I have heard that work well for turning babies...

Moxibustion- This is a form of acupuncture- It really helped my MS, but I also heard it works miracles for turning babies. There is actually a great acupuncturist in Sedona who does a fantastic job...I'd have to look up her name for you.

Peppermint Oil-I know someone who rubbed pure grade theraputic peppermint oil on her belly while talking to the baby and encouraging it to move, and sure enough it did!

Pelvic Tilts- As in the book by Ina May Gaskin (they delivered breech babies naturally, so you may want to read her books) I hope that you can reach the farm.

Do you know what type of breech your baby is? I also have a friend who had a footling breech at home with absolutely no complications.

Unless the baby or you are in danger I agree that you can go into labor naturally and then see if you need the medical intervention. At least that way you and the baby start the process, which has been linked to all kinds of health benefits.

Hope that helps.

 

[mamadelbosque]

I definetly would *not* agree to a c-section at 35 weeks JUST because of position. I'd certainly wait till I started labor and THEN if she/he was still breech, consider maybe a c-section (though, tbh, I still might try to deliver vaginally...). My son was facing the wrong way (head down, but facing up) ALL through my labor - so I had back labor for like 12 hours. The last 2 were spent in a water tub rocking around till he finally flipped over. Then I got out and deilverd on a bed (twas way too hot from bein in the tub for 2 hours already

.

Good luck!!

 

[Cherry Alive]

35 weeks? No way! I know someone who's OB pressured her to deliver early (preclampsia risk but she didn't have preclampsia with that pregnancy), and her baby turned out to be a preemie and had to spend a few weeks in the hospital because the doctor had the date a couple weeks off.

I would look at other resources until at least 38-39 weeks (if not 40+). I'd probably even stay away from doing a version as it sounds like they can really put pressure on you to have a C/S if things don't work out right away (which they may not).

 

[JERENAUD]

Quote:

Originally Posted by CookAMH My m/w said first babies tend to settle into their position early on and not turn at the last minute like subsequent babies, but I don't have a lot of other knowledge. Your baby just may be breech period, but that is NO reason to take her at 35 weeks. Geesh. It's unfortunate that at least in my area, there is no chance for a vaginal birth for a breech if it's a first time pregnancy. Keep hoping that she'll turn, refuse the early intervention. If a c-sec is your only choice, I'd insist on going into labor first before having surgery - then you know baby is ready.

My limited, anecdotal experience says the opposite. With my first the doctor was talking scheduled C section etc. because seh was still breech at around the same point. She turned eventually and was born vaginally.

When my Mum was pregnant with my sister, she had external versions then we would watch the baby spin back to a breech position within a few hours. She too was born vaginally after moving herself into the right position.

A friend was pregnant with twins and the day before they were born she saw/ felt the one twin (who had been breech) change to vertex. She bruised, there was so little space, but he managed!

35 weeks just seems *so* early to worry about it!

Erica

 

[Goatriffic]

I would never agree to a csection at 35 weeks unless there was a problem with the baby. Did your doctor even discuss the risks of prematurity with you? 35 weeks is awfully early to take a baby for no reason other than being breech. If I had a breech baby at 35 weeks I'd do all the things you're doing and wait. I would do a lot of research and continue looking for care providers who were comfortable with breech vaginal delivery. You can always have a csection once you go into labor if you feel that is necessary. I mean, you could have 5 or more weeks left to consider all your options!

 

[CookAMH]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JERENAUD My limited, anecdotal experience says the opposite. With my first the doctor was talking scheduled C section etc. because seh was still breech at around the same point. She turned eventually and was born vaginally. When my Mum was pregnant with my sister, she had external versions then we would watch the baby spin back to a breech position within a few hours. She too was born vaginally after moving herself into the right position. A friend was pregnant with twins and the day before they were born she saw/ felt the one twin (who had been breech) change to vertex. She bruised, there was so little space, but he managed! 35 weeks just seems *so* early to worry about it! Erica

Good to know!! I'll have to ask my m/w if they'll let labor at the birth center if still breech and give the baby a chance to turn before transferring, should my baby be breech. I've heard it *can* be genetic, and my mom didn't have any breech babies. DH's sister was born breech vaginally.

 

[Night_Nurse]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mamadelbosque I definetly would *not* agree to a c-section at 35 weeks JUST because of position.

Yes, that.

 

[mytwogirls]

I would not be consenting to that in a million years. Your gut instinct is right! I have known one woman who delivered her first baby, which was breech, at home, but it was by "accident" she said. She had planned on going in for a section in a couple of days and she had complained of "backaches" all day and lo and behold before she could get to the hospital she delivered her son breech. I was an EMT and when we arrived it was awesome. She was already nursing him, wrapped him up and he was BIG baby (I think he was around 8.8lbs) I know there are other mamas on here who have delivered breech babies too. I wish you the best, keep us updated!

 

[ABand3]

I would not consent to a c-sec at 35 weeks unless there was an major life threatening complication. I would not consent to a version at 35 weeks either - I see that as a last resort, before c-section. I understand they may want to do it earlier so the baby is not as big as closer to 40, but there is still plenty of time for the baby to turn.

My third baby was breech until 35-36 weeks, and prior to that she was in a different position at every checkup (no ultrasounds, just palpation). Several times a day I rested on the ground with my shoulders on the floor and my bum on the biggest pile of pillows I could get on, and stayed there for as long as I could (maybe 5-10 minutes 4-5 times a day). When I couldn't stand it anymore I would lay on my left side with music & light down low (yes, I held a flashlight and earbuds between my legs

) and relax or sleep for as long as I could. I did this for several days in a row while waiting for my accupuncture appointment (@36 wks). When I got to the accupuncturist (who was previously a midwife) she told me the baby had turned already, but she did the treatment anyway. Once baby was confirmed head down I sat and wiggled on my birth ball and walked as much as I could tolerate.

I think there's still time for your baby to turn, and still a few rememdies/treatments to try before an external version, if you do that at all.

 

[goodmomma76]

If there is no other reason besides the position, I would not consent to a C/S at this time.

My DD, First born, was head down the ENTIRE pregnancy, Including on her due date. She decided to come 5 days late and sometime in that 5 days she turned breech. There is plenty of time for your baby to turn. I would let them try to turn it, but I would insist on waiting until closer to the due date for anything else. The baby might turn on its own too.

Listen to your heart. You aren't comfortable, so talk to them about what will make you comfortable.

 

[jwoodbri]

Definitely ask some questions... I would want to know what type of breech position the baby is in and how likely is it that they would be able to turn the baby. Your dr might think that it is very likely based on the baby's position that they would be able to turn the baby around. The earlier it is tried the greater chance of it working, but there is a chance of causing labor when turning a baby which is why they have to be prepared to deliver.

With DS#1 my dr said there was very little chance (less than 5%) that an external version would work because he was frank breech and it was my first pregnancy. So we skipped it and just had a scheduled c-section a week before I was due. They want you to not go into labor before a c-section but 35 weeks is clearly early! As both of my boys were scheduled for 39 weeks.

Ask questions, but it does seem like you would be better off declining the external version unless there is overwhelming evidence that it could be successful, and just scheduling the c-section later around 39 weeks I would guess.

HTH!

P.S. My chiropracter had said he had a fairly good rate with turning babies but I never ended up going back as he was over an hour's drive and at that point I wasn't convinced based on what my doctor has said and we had finally gotten comfortable with the c-section idea. But it might be worth a try!

 

[SusieRain]

My third baby was breech until 39 weeks. I would *never* consent to an external version at 35 weeks. There is still plenty of time to turn. Walk. Walk. Walk. I went to a chiropractor who did the Webster Technique. My appt was on a Friday. I was supposed to go back in on Monday for another adjustment, but Monday morning was my follow-up with midwife who determined baby had flipped head down. I would suggest looking for a chiro who will do this. It widens the hips and relaxes the muscles to allow baby room to move. Misalignment can cause breech.

 

[CarolBe]

This is a pretty neat article on a birthing naturally website about breech babies. It talks about the different kinds, possible reasons for it and how FEW babies are actually still breech at 40 weeks or so. It's pretty interesting. It also talks about things to do to try and turn the baby and quesitons to ask your health care provider. Just though I'd post it incase it says something you may not have found, although from the sounds of it, you've been doing plenty of research yourself.

http://www.birthingnaturally.net/bir...es/breech.html