When searching for natural ways to help a breech baby assume the optimal birthing position, many women come across information that prompts the question: “Can chiropractic turn a breech baby?”
Imagine being excited for your child to arrive via a non-intervention or even a natural birth? You’ve taken time and energy to create a well thought out birth plan that aligns with your values and you’re certain it’s going to be the exact experience you envisioned for your child.
As the clock ticks down, you patiently wait for baby to turn and assume “the position”…
Until they don’t.
Caesarean Section
About 1 of every 25 full term births will be breech with the vast majority of these pregnancies being birthed via caesarean section.
Without question, there are times when a c-section is the best and safest route to take, however, it is not without it’s risks and side effects.
For the child there are higher risks of:
- Obesity
- Asthma
- Suppressed Immunity
- Respiratory Problems
- Cognitive Delay
- Delayed Breastfeeding
For the mother, there is an increased risk at the time of the procedure and the future risk of complications during future surgical procedures.
Needless to say, the rise from 5% to nearly 30% c-section rates in Canada (and other developed countries) demonstrates a trend anyone supporting women and the birthing process would love to see reversed.
Why Is My Baby Breech?
It can be frustrating when you’re not really sure why your baby still hasn’t turned!
With no definitive cause soon to be moms are left scratching their heads, but there are some factors that will increase your risk:
- Amniotic fluid levels
- Uterus shape
- Abnormal growths
- Placenta previa
- Pelvic dysfunction
Possible Solutions?
A quick search for how to turn your breech baby yields thousands of results from medical professionals, alternative care providers and women with personal experiences.
Obstetricians may perform a manual technique to the outside of the belly (external cephalic version) in an attempt to turn the baby. Even when successful, these women are still considered high risk for prolonged and difficult labour, leading to an increased risk of emergency c-section.
Another approach well known with birth professionals is The Webster Breech Technique.
This is a technique that enables specialized chiropractors to improve alignment and reduce stress to the pregnant woman’s pelvis leading to the relaxation of the uterus and surrounding ligaments.
While there are no large-scale research studies proving this method works, correcting pelvic misalignment may help create more room for the baby to turn naturally.
Additionally, this technique addresses the soft tissues around your growing baby, reducing the effects of intrauterine constraint. This can give your baby the room it needs to properly position itself.
This technique does not guarantee your breech baby will turn (and neither do the others) but you can find numerous case studies of successful outcomes using Webster technique and chiropractic care during pregnancy.
Dr. John MacPhee is a Chiropractor, speaker and passionate health and wellness expert. He has inspired thousands of people to take control of their own health using the Life By Design method. Dr. John is co-owner of The Wellness Group, the largest Life By Design Certified Chiropractic office in Canada. Apart from full-time practice, John maintains a busy speaking schedule, with a particular emphasis on improving productivity and focus at work. Otherwise, you can find John training hard at CrossFit 613, exploring Gatineau Park, or holed away studying the latest research at various cafes across the west end.
