netty, breech birth is safe, like I say though, this is given the person caring for you is experienced in breech birth. The idea is to keep hands off for most of the birth until the very end as baby will do the work. There is a great book, breech birth, woman wise by Maggie Banks which is very comprehensive on the topic.
I have attended a breech birth and I know of many where babies were born fast, at home and were breech and fine, including several footling breech (feet first) although this is generally not a 'safer' breech birth. The width of the hips is around the same as the head. Having witnessed a breech birth and it going so well I can't understand why more carers do not keep their skills by continuing or learning how to attend breech births. The biggest danger of breech birth is unskilled people assisting you while giving birth - thats where you can have worse outcomes, as they tend to adopt a managed approach which is not good for the baby, the head comes out last and it needs to be carefully and minimally maneuvered.
In Melbourne, there are three Obs I am aware of doing breech on a regular basis, Lionel Steinberg (does about 3 a month), his back-up, Guy Skinner who does about the same and one other man. Need to get his details. MeredithD has just had a breech birth, she might pop in and give you her thoughts if she sees this thread
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