BREECH BABY?
IS YOUR BABY CONFUSED ABOUT THE DIRECTION IN WHICH S/HE SHOULD BE HEADING?
BREECH PRESENTATION BABIES
If you have been told your baby is in a breech presentation, it means that your baby is not lying in the optimal fetal position of head down. In the breech presentation, the baby enters the birth canal with the buttocks or feet first as opposed to the normal head first position.
There are many reasons why a baby may adopt the breech position but for many cases, there is no no explanation or reason at all.
Poor immune system of either mum or baby is one possible cause. A compromised immune system can lead to hypotonia (deficient / poor muscle tone) of the uterus and may also affect baby’s muscle tone. Reflexology is thought to improve the immune system so may also be used to add an extra dimension to moxibustion. Also, stress hormones are thought to increase tension and contraction in the muscles – including the uterus – and as reflexology is well known for its stress relieving benefits, treatments may decrease stress hormones which helps loosen uterine muscles and give baby more room to manoeuvre i.e. turn to head down.
WHAT IS MOXIBUSTION?
Moxibustion is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and uses the same system as acupuncture – meridianology – where it believed that lines of energy run through the body. It is thought that by adding warmth (yang) to cold or stagnant (yin) regions and acupuncture points, it is intended to stimulate the circulation through the points and induce a smoother flow of blood and qi (a persons life force). Mugwort, the herb sometimes used in moxibustion, is believed to stimulate blood flow in the pelvic area and uterus. It is claimed that moxibustion prevents cold and dampness in the body, and can serve to turn breech babies.
Moxibustion has successfully been used to turn breech babies into a normal head-down position prior to childbirth. A landmark study published in the Journal of American Medical Association in 1998 found that up to 75% of women suffering from breech presentations before childbirth, had babies that rotated to the normal position after receiving moxibustion at an acupuncture point on the bladder meridian (bladder 67). More information on the study can be found here: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=188144
There is no evidence to suggest the procedure is unsafe, has risks or causes any harm to mother or baby. The procedure does not cause fetal distress and is effective, painless, safe, cheap and empowering. The only danger arises from the smouldering stick and possible burns, so extreme care is necessary.
I am fully qualified and insured to teach mums-to-be how to perform moxibustion on themselves in an attempt to turn a breech baby. During a moxibustion session, I will explain the principals behind the therapy and give you detailed instructions on what to do, so you feel confident and empowered to use this technique. You will also receive a full reflexology treatment to decrease stress hormones and leave you feeling relaxed and calm.
This 90 minute appointment costs from £50 (depending on where treatment takes place) and includes a detailed instruction booklet and moxa sticks. Moxibustion is most effective when carried out from 34 weeks and before 38 weeks gestation but unfortunately there are no guarantees. Also, moxibustion is not suitable for every breech pregnancy. Please call or email me to discuss if this therapy is suitable for you and it is also advised that you speak with your midwife or obstetric care giver.
DISCLAIMER
The information and opinions provided here are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgement available to me, my experience and my training, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health professionals assume the associated risks. Lifespan Reflexology / Georgina Strickland is not responsible for the mis/use of the techniques and information provided.
A FEW
OTHER OPTIONS
Other methods and suggestions for trying to turn a breech baby are:
Assume the knee-chest position on the floor for 15 minutes per day after 35 weeks gestation. Ensure you empty your bladder first and wear comfortable clothing. The technique alone isn’t thought to have a great success rate but may help if the breech is deep in the pelvic cavity and should be attempted prior to other techniques (including moxibustion).
Some homeopathic remedies are thought to help, namely pulsatilla or natrum mur, but you are advised to see a registered homeopath or call Helios, the homeopathic hospital in Tunbridge Wells, as they have a set regime to advise on breech babies. More information can be found at www.helios.co.uk or call them on 01892 537254.
A specialist Chiropractor may be able to help and the Webster technique is thought to be very successful in turning breeches. Charlotte With at Southcote Proactive Healthcare specialises in this technique. Call the clinic on 01622 661883 for more information or to book an apppointment.
Hypnosis is also very effective and has strong relaxation and psychological benefits.
Also, you may wish to research and try the following:
- Reflexology for reasons stated above
- placing something very cold (such as a bag of peas) on the top of your bump
- yoga
- visualisation
- swimming
- crawling / scrubbing floors
- sound therapy & music for relaxation
- acupressure, shiatsu & acupuncture
- fetal auditory stimulation (eg music/voice at vagina) or a light at the entrance to vagina
More useful information on easier childbirth can be found at www.spinningbabies.com