So tell me about an external version for breech baby

[kt_mom]

I just got home from my 37 week appointment and in the last week I have gone from 1cm to 3cm and 80%. Unfortunately my little boy decided in the last week to turn around and is no longer head down.

My Dr. gave me the option of scheduling a c-section for 39 weeks or coming to the hospital on Thursday and letting her try to turn the baby. I'm opting to let her try because I would really like to avoid the c-section if at all possible.

Has anyone had this done and did it work? I'm aware that it will be pretty painful but would love to hear from anyone that has had it done.

Thanks!

 

[WDWAurora]

Well, I actually elected NOT to do it, based on the recommendations of a Labor & Delivery nurse (I don't think that part is what you want to hear, so I won't go into that discussion). I wasn't able to find anyone in my real life who had had it done successfully, which was one reason that kept me from trying. Your chance of success is higher if the baby is transverse or oblique, rather than head totally up.

It ended up that my little boy turned on his own a few days after we would have done the version. Despite that, he was at a wonky angle (I think is what the problem was anyway) and stopped moving down while I was pushing, so I still ended up with a c-section. Personally, I wish I had had the c-section to begin with. While recovery isn't fun (I'm only 3 weeks out), it was just so simple and I didn't have to worry about the baby so much once we went into the OR.

 

[Minniemouse07]

I haven't had to deal w/ this personally, but I know a lot of people that have had success w/ chiropractic care. I would definitely find one that specializes in pregnant moms/children.

 

[catherinesmom]

Chiropractors use something called a Webster Technique to get babies to turn. When done properly, it can be incredibly effective at getting stubborn babies to turn.

 

[vettechick99]

I also elected to not have DD turned. Because of my size and it being my first pregnancy, he was concerned there wasn't enough room to do it successfully (she was frank breech and had been since probably day 1). And then they tell you they do it in the OR in case they have to deliver right then. I'm a scaredy-cat so we did a c-section.

Anyway, I was reading that if you do it, to definitely have it done by someone who is experienced in versions.

And Lisa loves Pooh just had it done, but it was her 4th pregnancy. But it being your 2nd pg - that's in your favor. Good luck with your version!

P/S I enjoyed my c-section very much, in case you have to go that route.

 

[bumbershoot]

Definitely find a Webster person. And if I were in your shoes, I'd find a new OB. Because an OB that doesn't trust him/herself to let a baby figure things out on its own is an OB that is working from fear. I had two midwives and one OB working from fear, and it did NOT end well.

Other countries deal with breech. Trick is, I've learned, is to NOT interfere. Problems happen when OBs and midwives start interfering. I read a book that said with breech, the main work the professional needs to do is get a cup of something and go sit in a corner. Getting involved is what leads to problems.

I also question this OB because he wants to take the baby out before the baby has decided it's time. My kid was over 42 weeks, and he had signs of prematurity. DH was born at 44 weeks (normally, because in '72 things were more sane than now) and he was under 9 pounds. Can you IMAGINE if someone had taken him out 5 weeks before he was ready???? Makes me ill to think about.

So this OB is wanting to go against the March of Dimes and everyone else trying to STOP this trend of taking babies out early, why? Why would he schedule things EARLY? Why not wait until labor starts and then have you come in, even if you want surgery? Why make up a date?

I was unable to stand up for myself, ultimately. Even though I thought I could.

My cousin, however, dealt with a pushy OB and very well. She knew her body and her body could actually work under immense pressure (where my body acted like a gazelle in labor when she hears the roar of a mountain lion...things stopped entirely so I could run away, but no one would let me run away...gazelles at least have a chance of running away), and just kept putting off her OB again and again, excuse after excuse, until she knew her babies were just about there, and then she went in. She had two babies all natural, without even a heplock, in Florida, and that's impressive.

Anyway, this OB is throwing out all sorts of questionable things. He wants to take your baby out early, he doesn't feel comfy with breech (and I know this is normal in America NOWadays...still tells me that the OB is a poor OB who hasn't seen enough births quite yet and wants to get in there and interfere), etc etc....it's never too late to change professionals until the scalpels are being used.

That's what I've learned.

Find a Webster chiro and get some referrals to better OBs/midwives. I wish you all the luck and POWER in the world!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bumbershoot]

Also, acupuncture with moxibustion is known to help, and if spinningbabies.com still exists, go to it!

 

[My sister's princess]

Definitely find a Webster person. And if I were in your shoes, I'd find a new OB. Because an OB that doesn't trust him/herself to let a baby figure things out on its own is an OB that is working from fear. I had two midwives and one OB working from fear, and it did NOT end well.

Other countries deal with breech. Trick is, I've learned, is to NOT interfere. Problems happen when OBs and midwives start interfering. I read a book that said with breech, the main work the professional needs to do is get a cup of something and go sit in a corner. Getting involved is what leads to problems.

I also question this OB because he wants to take the baby out before the baby has decided it's time. My kid was over 42 weeks, and he had signs of prematurity. DH was born at 44 weeks (normally, because in '72 things were more sane than now) and he was under 9 pounds. Can you IMAGINE if someone had taken him out 5 weeks before he was ready???? Makes me ill to think about.

So this OB is wanting to go against the March of Dimes and everyone else trying to STOP this trend of taking babies out early, why? Why would he schedule things EARLY? Why not wait until labor starts and then have you come in, even if you want surgery? Why make up a date?

I was unable to stand up for myself, ultimately. Even though I thought I could.

My cousin, however, dealt with a pushy OB and very well. She knew her body and her body could actually work under immense pressure (where my body acted like a gazelle in labor when she hears the roar of a mountain lion...things stopped entirely so I could run away, but no one would let me run away...gazelles at least have a chance of running away), and just kept putting off her OB again and again, excuse after excuse, until she knew her babies were just about there, and then she went in. She had two babies all natural, without even a heplock, in Florida, and that's impressive.

Anyway, this OB is throwing out all sorts of questionable things. He wants to take your baby out early, he doesn't feel comfy with breech (and I know this is normal in America NOWadays...still tells me that the OB is a poor OB who hasn't seen enough births quite yet and wants to get in there and interfere), etc etc....it's never too late to change professionals until the scalpels are being used.

That's what I've learned.

Find a Webster chiro and get some referrals to better OBs/midwives. I wish you all the luck and POWER in the world!!!!!!!!!!

Can you give some references about breech being a safe way to deliver please?

 

[EveDallas]

Can you give some references about breach being a safe way to deliver please?

I was about to say the same thing, but I decided it was pointless. This poster does not trust anyone in the medical profession and always has something negative to say.

ETA: I'm not referring to the poster I quoted, but the one that she quoted.

 

[My sister's princess]

I was about to say the same thing, but I decided it was pointless. This poster does not trust anyone in the medical profession and always has something negative to say.

ETA: I'm not referring to the poster I quoted, but the one that she quoted.

I knew who you were talking about


I always give the benefit of a doubt, maybe this time there is some real research behind what is being claimed...... maybe

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I had a version done with my middle DD, she was frank breech I think. The kind where the baby is folded up. I was 38 weeks, 5 cm's dilated and almost completely effaced. Anyhow, it was a horrible experience for me, very painful and did absolutely nothing to turn her. (I ended up with a c-section which in retrospect was wise since it turned out she had the cord wrapped around her arm. Obviously why she wouldn't turn.) The way my OB did it was they first gave me an epidural and then he and the midwife pushed on my stomach with what felt like super-human force. Very uncomfortable and I shoved him away and said don't do that again!

My mom later told me that there are exercises you can do to try and help the baby turn. I can't recall what they were but I'm sure you could google it! I hope everything works out for you and your little one. C-sections aren't the end of the world, I was terrified for my 1st but it's better to have a scheduled, controlled c-section than an emergency one. Good luck!

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

My daughter was frank breech and we decided not to turn her. It is supposed to be painful-and not always effective!

I delivered my daughter butt-first folded in half. She had a black-n-blue bottom area for weeks, but she was perfectly healthy!

 

[Magic Mom]

. Because an OB that doesn't trust him/herself to let a baby figure things out on its own is an OB that is working from fear.

Or years of education, training and experience...

 

[crazydaisy00]

My son was breech my entire pregnancy and the Dr tried turning him the week before delivery to advoid a c-section, he actually turned sideways a little which was not painful during the process but very uncomfortable the next few days, then i felt him turn a little more in the middle of the night. They scheduled to enduce me but i did not want to do a c-section and prayed he would turn. Went to the hospital morning scheduled and was already in labor. The Dr suggested that I turn over and get on my hands and knees in the bed, i did not have any pain med so I figured if that was my last resort then why not! It worked and he did finish turning on his own and I was able to finish delivery with out c-section. I thought he was out of his mind but this worked so I was very thankful I tried. When they tried to turn him in the office the Dr did not force but more so guide the baby. He didn't keep at it for very long either. Good Luck!

 

[DMickey28]

I do not have any experience with a version myself only what I have read on birth boards I have belonged to. I do not have any good stories to report!

That being said, I have two boys, both c-section babies and thought, as every pregnant woman wants at the end, give you my .02 cents!!

I would give your baby a chance to right (down?) himself on his own. If he doesn't, I'd discuss with your doctor about letting you go into labor and getting to the hospital ASAP, doing an U/S to see the position of the baby and going for a c-section.

I know it's not ideal but when I was thinking about having my second with a VBAC that was one of my situations. I am not completely comfortable with "taking the baby early." My second, 9 weeks old now, was born at 39 weeks, however just that morning I was starting to have a lot more regular contractions so we think I was only a day or two away.

Either way .. Congrats and how the baby gets here in the end, all that matters is a healthy baby and healthy mommy.

Oh, I will say, my second c-section, 9 weeks ago, was AWESOME. Recovery was great and the whole experience was amazing. To the point that when I was leaving the hospital to go home I was said and wanted to start the week over again, surgery and all!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I had a lovely post typed And then goofed....grrr. Eta: posting on iPhone stinks....

I had a succesful version last week followed by induction. The position was sideways. She presented breech and transverse several times in the end so the version had been discusssed in full. I did have the Webster technique done And for week s 38 & 39 she was head down. At week 40 she flipped sideways. I go to the chiropractic that day to once again do the Webster technique but it didn't work.

For the version, I went first thing in the am. I was given iv fluids and tributelene? (med to relax uterus). I was offered demoral and accepted. The procedure felt like medieval torture. All the while my face And body flinched..I was holding my dh's hand so delicately and didn't squeeze it once. I don't know how else to describe it other than it isn't even in the pain realm of contractions. Even if it ended up not working...I felt that it didn't hurt so bad to not even try it.


Fwiw...my doc told me that it succeeds only about 50% of the time though I have read as high as 65%. The reason.... Some babies don't want to change position and others don't tolerate the procedure at all.

Also..afterwards..they had the pit jacked up so high and it seemed that my boxy was responding so slowly. After 6 hours and AROM. I had only fotten to 3cm. The ctx only felt like Braxton hicks. Bu I had a patient doc and mom Nd baby were otherwise healthy...so we jus wAited. Then suddenly---they hurt lime heck (many times worse than the version). I got the epidural about 5:30 and was at 4 and she was delivered 2 hours later.

This is just one experience that turned out the way I wanted. Do your research so you are comfortable with the choices you make.

In the end, just remember the goal: healthy baby/healthy mommy.

 

[carj]

My 1st was breech and we were debating about what to do. At 37 weeks, the OB noted a decline in fluid and scheduled the c-section the next day. With the decrease in fluid, along with it being my first baby, we decided that a c-section was the best route.

I had several people bugging me to see a chiropractor, try a version, etc...I truly felt like if he wasn't going to turn on his own, perhaps there was a reason.

I had my second baby 2 1/2 years later and while she wasn't breech, I had another c-section.

I did not think that the c-sections were bad at ALL! If it ends up that you need a c-section in order to have a healthy baby, then don't let that worry you!

 

[danetter]

My first child DD was breech and went into the hospital to try to get her turned and it was unsuccessful and ended up having a c-section while all along being scared to death but after having the c-section the first time I was scared to death to have a natural birth for my second child which we knew she was going to be the last and opted for another c-section to have my tubes tied. The main thing that really scared me though was getting the epidural but it wasn't as bad as I was thought it would be. And the best part is I never experienced going thru the whole labor process..A little pain afterward but that was not bad either if you get up and get going from the time they let you get up and not let yourself get stiff.

 

[LargoLori]

I had a version done with my middle DD, she was frank breech I think. The kind where the baby is folded up. I was 38 weeks, 5 cm's dilated and almost completely effaced. Anyhow, it was a horrible experience for me, very painful and did absolutely nothing to turn her. (I ended up with a c-section which in retrospect was wise since it turned out she had the cord wrapped around her arm. Obviously why she wouldn't turn.) The way my OB did it was they first gave me an epidural and then he and the midwife pushed on my stomach with what felt like super-human force. Very uncomfortable and I shoved him away and said don't do that again!

This was my experience as well except I didn't have an epidural. I ended up having a c-section and the cord was wrapped around her neck. I would never go through that again.

 

[Willow25]

They attempted to turn my first baby who was breech the entire third trimester three different times. It was very uncomfortable and unsucessful. I told my DH that if the second baby was breech that is they way he is staying. I ended up with a C-section which worked for us. If you really want a natural birth I have heard that certain body positions can help with that.