Breech baby, what to do?

Jo_R_2

Hi all

I am currently expecting baby #3 in February and saw my midwife today. Seems baby is breech (I suspected as much!)

I am due for a scan in about 3 weeks, which is standard for where I am when booked for a home birth, to check baby's presentation. I am under midwife-led care, but have been through this same situation in my last pregnancy, when DD2 was breech so ended up having an ECV from which she successfully turned at around 37/38 weeks.

Witth breech presentation being a 'high-risk' factor it would in my midwife's eyes exclude me from having a home birth, which she was explaining to OH, saying, "...which Jo understands..." and I nodded dutifully. Thing is, I completely understand - doesn't mean I agree necessarily!:rolleyes:

I read a lot about breech presentation when pregnant with DD2 and so I am aware of the general professional consensus for a caesarean, and that relatively few NHS midwives these days have any experience of delivering breech babies. I am also aware of the possibility of delivering a breech baby naturally however, and it does make me angry that I am automatically being theoretically excluded.

Although DD2 did turn during the ECV, I am aware that may not be the case with this one, or that baby may turn back after if it comes to that point. With DD2 I had a whole lot of other issues to do with my planned home birth and hospital care, and quite frankly I was sick of being told by doctors what they were going to do, being guilt tripped over the choices I had made and the general attitude of being TOLD what was going to happen rather than actually spoken to like I was an individual - god help that poor consultant who told me he was going to induce me the next week if I was still pregnant at 42 weeks! :mad::rolleyes::D

I've got my heckles up already even though nothing has happened, I just want to be prepared in case I should be in the position of birthing a breech baby but I suspect already should that happen I need to go for an independent midwife. I've already had to face that my planned HB could turn into what happened last time where DD2 was 3 weeks late and I had induction.

Any wise words or anything would be welcome!

Loopy_Girl

I understand your point of view with right to choose Jo but surely the health of your baby (and you) is more important?

Surely you would prefer to be in hospital with a battery of hospital staff IF (and it's a big IF) there are problems?

Personally I don't like home births (just my personal opinion I stress) and I really would be nervous if it was me and the baby wasn't ready to pop out as it should.

You've had alot of upheaval recently (I read alot of your posts!), surely this is one battle not worth too much energy?

p.s my friend's baby was breech and she spent alot of the time on all fours ("which is how I got myself in this condidtion, Loopy"!!!:rotfl: :rotfl: ) rocking back and forth and the baby did turn at the last gasp.

krisskross

My second was supposed to be a home birth but found to be breech when the midwife arrived. Waters had broken. I did have to go into hospital but had a natural birth, albeit the wrong way round.

This however was 40 years ago and I think everyone concerned is much more aware of possible dangers today.

My daughter in law was in labour with a breech baby and was given the choice of an assisted natural birth or a Caesarian. She chose the caesarian, had already been in labour about 10 hours. I think you have to go with what is safest for you and the baby.

chmmy

I was terrified of having a C section when I was expecting my twins, but they were breech/transverse so I did actaully have it in the end. Of course it takes longer to recover and you have your scar, but I didnt have to go through labour, in fact the birth was a really enjoyable experience.
I really feel for you, it's a tough decision to make. I think Id try for a breech birth but in hospital just in case if it were me, hopefully your baby will turn soon anyway.

inkie

Well, if it were me, (and i'm a midwife), and baby was still breech approaching term, then I would go for vaginal delivery in hospital. I am pro-home birth, and not one for routine intervention in childbirth but would not take the risk of being at home if for breech delivery given the choice.
Breech delivery is something that is normally managed by the medical staff - midwives are known to manage breech deliveries in an 'urgent' situation, i.e. not routinely - for example, a Dr not being immediately available, and you being in a situation where you have to just get on with things.

Let's hope that the presentation changes in the next few weeks.

Auzelia

as Inkie has said, I would also rather have a hospital birth (natural) with a breech baby than a home birth. Just incase intervention is required.

My baby was also breech but has now thankfully turned, I am also due in February... 5 weeks 2 days to go Woohoo!!

But there is still the risk that the baby will turn again as the MW wasnt sure if she was feeling a head or a bum the other day.

Good luck to you btw, and I hope you do get the birth you want.
And remeber.... rocking back and forward on all fours probably got you in the postion you are but it could also help turn your baby around :P

princesstippytoes

Oh no! not another thread about this pregnancy. :wall: If this is what your like with your third what were you like with your first?

Seriously tho Jo I;ve read your posts too and you look like you love your dd's lots so I know that you know already that the best outcome is to have a healthy baby delivered safely. Go with your health professionals advise. Honestly 10 years on from now you won't give a fook about what the birth experience was like all you'll care about is your child.. Good luck with the birth whatever you decide to do.

Marg

My brother was a breech baby 50 years ago, a home birth as no hospital available - in those days they used to manually turn the baby in the womb but every time they did this he turned back later that day! When he was born the cord was round his neck & it was a difficult birth SO if I were you I'd opt for a hospital birth in case there are similar problems. If all goes well you'll be back home before you know it.

JoolzS

I'm mildly concerned that you are asking about this on a money saving forum and not a baby forum - andI know there are loads and loads of baby forums on t'internet!

I'm being mildly facetious, but also curious. I have no idea why someone would ask about such an important thing on such an unrelated forum.

Julie

peachyprice

Surely the health and safety of your baby are far more important that your wishes for the birth????

Sorry, but I really don't get why some women get so fanatical on the type of birth they have when there are complications, in my opinion it's totally selfish and childish to risk the life of your baby, just to get your own way.

Chill Jo, enjoy the arrival of your little one without putting up such a senseless fight before it's even born.

MaximumImpact

I totally agree. The health of this baby is more important than anything else.

I wanted a home birth with DS and discussed it with the midwife who advised me that IHHO that as he was breech that it wasn't safe for either of us. I kept fighting and demanded a home birth until at 32 weeks, I woke in the middle of the night bleeding and was rushed to hospital. I have never been so frightened in my life and we were in the best hands with all medical care available.

DS was born 4 days by emergency caesarian later after my placenta detached and quite frankly, home birth was the last thing on my mind. I can assure you that having spent the first few months of DS life travelling to and from SCBU, it is not something I would wish on anyone. Be sensible and think of the consequences.

Good luck

xxx