C-section is NOT the best option for Breech Babies

By Dr. Tanya Smith

Physicians should no longer automatically opt to perform a cesarean section in the case of a breech birth, according to new guidelines by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC). Released just this June, the guidelines are a response to new evidence that shows many women are safely able to vaginally deliver babies who enter the birth canal with the buttocks or feet first.

“Our primary purpose is to offer choice to women,” said executive vice-president of the SOGC André Lalonde. “The safest way to deliver has always been the natural way.”

The guideline to routinely perform caesarean birth for breached babies followed on the heels of the much debated Term Breech Trial released in 2000. Instruction of breech delivery stopped immediately in obstetrical programs and was only covered briefly in midwifery programs. As a result, we have a generation of primary care providers with little or no training in breech delivery.

Until the training is in place, women will likely still experience the frustration of being forced to choose a c-section, even when a candidate for vaginal breech delivery. C-sections lengthen recovery time for the mother and compound the already difficult role of caring for a new baby. Scarring may also complicate future pregnancies.

Chinese medicine can be used to help prevent this situation and turn a breech baby into the head-down position. Treatment involves the use of moxibustion on the foot. The technique is easily taught to the mother or her partner, feels soothing, and is applied daily for seven days. By using this moxa therapy, the chances of turning the baby during the 33rd to the 36th week increase 50% to 75%.

I’ve been invited to speak at the International Breech Birth Conference in Ottawa in October and will be educating parents, care providers, midwives and obstetricians on the use of moxa. If you or someone in your life is experiencing a breech positioned baby or any other pregnancy concerns, please feel free to contact me to find out how Chinese Medicine can help.