What is a Breech Birth?
A breech birth is when the baby is in position to descend bottom first instead of head first. Believe it or not, 3–5% of pregnant women at term (37–40 weeks pregnant) have a breech baby. Medical professionals will often consider this to be a high risk for natural birth however with proper monitoring and birth assistance there is no difference.What Causes a Breech Birth?
The breech position is normal and throughout your pregnancy your baby will move around and change position (you may notice this during your ultrasound). However as the body prepares for birth your baby often moves into a head down position.Baby’s Choice
In some cases, the body and baby make the choice not to turn into a cephalic (head down) presentation. Though it is rare, it can be completely normal and nothing to worry about with the assistance of a professionally trained midwife and doula. Your certified nurse midwife, Obstetrician-gynecologist (obgyn), or a maternal-fetal specialist will determine the causation ahead of labor to ensure there aren’t special measures that need to be taken.Amniotic Fluid
The amniotic fluid in your uterus plays a role in your baby’s ability to move around. Your baby may have too much or too little space to move around as a result of your uterus having too much or too little amniotic fluid.Uterine Abnormalities
Another reason for breech birth is an abnormally with your uterus. Sometimes it’s a deformity in the shape. Other complications, such as fibroids in the uterus or placenta previa also can cause a breech birth. In cases like this, you and your medical team know months in advance to your labor preparation. Which brings us to the next question…Is it Possible to Have My Breech Birth at Home?
The answer is often, yes. It is possible to birth a breeched baby naturally in any setting entirely depending on the reason your baby is breech. The reason and your risk level should be explored by your team of birth professionals before a decision is made.
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Photo Credits: First Light Doula Services
Mama would like to remain anonymous
Axel Alexander
7 lbs 6 oz, 19 1/2 inches
Born on Jan. 29th at 2:01am
Born at home during a planned breech birth.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for my wonderful birth team , they didn’t try to discourage me for one second when realizing at 37 weeks that my baby wouldn’t move from the breech position because there wasn’t much room. Although I tried everything he remained in the same spot. I was given the confidence with the experience and expertise from my wonderful Midwife and her amazing assistant midwife by cheering me on, while learning the proper hypnosis techniques I learned with my amazing doula My breech birth was simply 2 hours long, with beautiful meditation music in the background, essentials oils in the air, and relaxing ambiance in my husbands & my very own bedroom; it was intimate and beautiful.”
Mama would like to remain anonymous
Axel Alexander
7 lbs 6 oz, 19 1/2 inches
Born on Jan. 29th at 2:01am
Born at home during a planned breech birth.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for my wonderful birth team , they didn’t try to discourage me for one second when realizing at 37 weeks that my baby wouldn’t move from the breech position because there wasn’t much room. Although I tried everything he remained in the same spot. I was given the confidence with the experience and expertise from my wonderful Midwife and her amazing assistant midwife by cheering me on, while learning the proper hypnosis techniques I learned with my amazing doula My breech birth was simply 2 hours long, with beautiful meditation music in the background, essentials oils in the air, and relaxing ambiance in my husbands & my very own bedroom; it was intimate and beautiful.”
