Tell me about Moxa Sticks

[ladybird11]

Doh! Bubs went from head down to transverse.

I'm 37 + 4 and hoping for a VBA2C.

I'm going to see if I can get back to my Ob (head consultant) to see if he'll perform an ECV, but with my anterior placenta and the fact I want to try for a VBA2C I'm not liking my chances....

Help! I've heard Moxa Sticks have worked to turn breech bubs. Anyone heard / experienced anything to do with Moxa Sticks.

TIA!

[AndiE]

Yep, my acupuncturist used moxa on me and (at her suggestion) DH also moxa-d me a few times too. I think it works wonders, but you do have to be pretty careful.
I'll assume you don't know much about moxa? Pardon if I tell you how to suck eggs, but here it is in a nutshell (albeit it's been over 12 months, so my memory has faded a tad):
They look like a candle but burn extremely hot. From memory, you light it, and (I think) blow the flame out. I think it still burns (like incence). Then you run the burning end near which ever part of your body - to clarify, not ON your body, but maybe 2cm or so away from it. And it has to be moved - not left stationary.
As the moxa burns very hot, it can obviously burn you. So whoever does the moxa on you needs to be very "aware" of their actions and listen to you.
DH and I were a bit hesitant, and my initial reaction was to pull away from him, but he realised he had to be careful and we got on just fine.
If it's done right, you'll just feel a warm sensation (naturally). But don't hesitate to tell your helper to pull back - I'd imagine any moxa burn would be nasty.
Hope I haven't scared you ... I'd definitely recommend it. It was used on my back and across the top of my backside (though my bubbas were head down).
Good luck with turning bubs.

[Arimeh]

I have some sticks here if you want me to send them to you. DH was going to do it to me, luckily bubs moved the right direction.

He looked it up on the net as to the technique. Most of the time I did my half handstands in the shower and crawled around a lot to turn bubs.

Xxxx

[Mrs P]

I've used them, my acupuncturist showed me how to do it on myself. To add a few more details to the above instructions:
- yep you do light then blow them out
- use them outside as they have a peculiar 'herbal' smell and you don't want to stink out your house (unless you get the smokeless ones)
- the point at which you want to aim the moxa stick (to turn breech bub) is the outside of your little toe, on each foot
- I used the handle of a mug to prop up the stick then sat in a chair so that my foot was in the right spot
- you need the stick close enough to you skin so that you do feel a reasonable amount of heat but not so it burns
- unfortunately for me DD didn't turn (probably due to location of placenta) but she definitely was more active and wriggling around during and after the moxa

- good luck!!!

[zap]

I used them in combination with acupuncture and chiro. My dh made me a little contraption that I could sit two at once on whilst sitting on the couch. I felt my bubba turn. You still have a little time up you sleeve good luck

[Beach Mama]

I know someone who used them successfully for breech to head down at a late stage as well (I think she was 38 weeks at the time) I would personally be going to get it done in conjunction with some acupuncture to help bub spin. Definitely give it a go as it does have good success hun. Good luck - very stressful to be dealing with this before your VBA2C - you can do it!! Turn cheeky baby turn! xoxox

[AndiE]

Mrs P - I'd forgotten about the smell. DEFINITELY use it outside Leesa (if you use it). Moxa isn't a nasty smell - it's just very strong.