When is being breech a concern?

[Julie Doula]

Zee, all the best. Many babies are still breech at 36 weeks. Some turn, some don't, in which case it's a choice of vaginal breech birth or c/s.

Here is some info that Cara, another doula, posted elsewhere (thanks Cara). I hope it is helpful to you and your dh as you make decisions.

Methods of Turning Breech Babies. Acupuncture and Homoeopathy - pulsatilla is the sub-lingual drops
remedy from the homoeopath for turning a breech
. Moxa Sticks - purchase either from Health Food shop or Birth International Home Page or from naturopath
. swimming
. cold peas low on the abdomen
. Chiropractic manipulation (Webster's technique),
. Visualisation (imagine baby turning)
. talking to baby,
. playing music low on the abdomen,
. Turning somersaults in a pool.
. Lying on an ironing board (or other flat surface) that is tilted so feet are higher than head. Refer to New Active Birth book by Janet Balaskas.
. Reflexology
. Relax! Yoga, Pilates
. Obstetrician can do an "External Cephalic Version"

Breech Resources
AIMS - Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services Homepage

One midwife's collection of breech turning info.
http://gentlebirth.org/Midwife/breechcl.html

Attending a breech birth.
http://gentlebirth.org/Midwife/breechbr.html

Turning a breech.
http://gentlebirth.org/Midwife/breechtn.html

A great site on moving breech babies, and info on posterior positions too http://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy.html

More than you could ever hope for from the UK midwives
Breech Birth: UK Midwifery Archives

About 500 birth stories with clear descriptions.
http://www.breechbabies.com/hospital_breech.htm

International Caesarean Awareness Network
International Cesarean Awareness Network

Try and get hold of the book "Breech Birth Woman-Wise" by Maggie Banks

It's still just another variation of normal. The "rules" for breech are Hands Off (never touch a breech babe during birth), warm room/waterbirth, upright position, breathe through contractions until bottom is on the peri, you have approx 8 mins from when the umbilicus is birthed until the breathing reflex kicks in.

Here is a great video of a breech homebirth.
Homebirth: Midwife Mutiny in South Australia: breech