Image: Shutterstock
During labor, when your baby is in the bottom-first position instead of head-first, it is called the ‘breech position’. Prior to 1954, the babies would have been subjected to a vaginal birth. However, in the 21st century, these babies generally undergo C-section births since doctors see higher safety in this process.
A Complicated Business
The path of childbirth is usually a straightforward affair, however, at times things can get a little tricky. This is probably due to all that extraordinary gymnastics your baby can manage to pull in the womb despite the limitations of space. Well, here are the three main breech positions:
1. The Frank Breech
Aka the feat of contortion, a common position where your baby is bottom first with his or her feet placed up, adjacent to their head.
2. The Complete Breech
Also called a ‘Yogi’ posture- the baby will be sitting cross-legged with his head facing high up.
3. The Footling Breech
Here the baby’s head is placed up while one or even both his legs are hanging downwards. Also referred to as ‘dipping’ leg.
Disclaimer: Note that a breech position noted even a few days before the birth does not guarantee a breech position on your D-day. However, if your due date is here and the baby is still in breech position, then you will need to alert your physician.
Flipping Your Little One Back
The following poses and techniques that you can try from the comfort of your home could help you flip your baby back! Here are the DIYs for restoring your baby’s position and the balance in your universe:
1. Never fear, yoga is here
Lying upside down with the help of pillows could sway your baby to change position. But ensure that you are not taking the upside down position too far. With that big baby in you, please be extremely careful, and practice it only after consulting your doctor.
2. Get hot then cold
Place an ice pack or something equally cold at your baby’s head and a hot water bag at your pelvic region. Babies prefer warmth, and it’s possible your baby just might be fooled into action. It’s important to ensure that you aren’t negatively impacting the little one’s health hence only practice this twice everyday for a few minutes.
3. The light at the end of the tunnel
Babies are attracted to stimuli such as light. Use a flashlight and beam it upon the lower part of your pregnant belly during the times your baby is moving and active. He or she just might be curious enough to fall for it.
4. Get groovy
By playing music that can get your baby grooving in the womb, you could possibly flip him back in position as well! When the baby seems active simply play music near your belly towards the right direction and ensure the volume is set appropriately.
If your baby hasn’t yet responded to any of the above technique or you’re simply too anxious about trying, then you need to consult your gynecologist. Doctors try multiple methods in order to flip your baby into the normal birthing position.
Don’t let the thought of breech position terrify you for there have been cases where doctors have successfully delivered these babies vaginally.
Though it is completely natural to feel anxious, empower yourself with the knowledge to make the right decisions when it is time. At the end of the day, your main goal is to have a safe delivery and that little piece of heaven in your arms!
