Breech presentation can impact on a mother’s decision for a natural birthing plan with 87% of babies presenting in a breech position resulting in a caesarean section according to a 2014 study by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2016). Often when a baby is presented breech medical teams adopt a “wait and see” attitude before external cephalic version (ECV) is performed after 36 weeks if baby has not turned. While the risk with ECV is low the procedure involves the doctor physically rotating the baby with firm pressure often while mother and baby are monitored which may cause some discomfort.
Oriental therapy may offer another alternative. Most babies will move into a head down position before 30 weeks; however it is quite normal for some babies not to still be breech at 32 weeks. If your baby is still breech at 34 weeks you might like to speak to your midwife about consulting an Oriental Remedial therapist or Acupuncturist who includes Moxibustion as part of a treatment plan.
Moxibustion is a cost-effective, safe, pain free method of helping to resolve breech presentation. Moxibustion is a herbal product that comes in the form of a dried wool or punk which can be used directly on the body or is compressed into a stick and used indirectly over areas of the body known as acupoints. Moxa has a warming effect on the body and is said to stimulate and tonify qi, fluid and blood.
Moxa is used on Bladder 67 to stimulate foetal movement and encourage a breech baby to a headfirst position. Ideally moxa is used 2 times daily for 20 – 30 minutes from 34 weeks until baby has turned. Moxa can be used by the mother at home. Consultation with the midwife and oriental therapist may be required weekly or more frequently to monitor the progress.
This form of treatment can be used in conjunction with other methods to encourage baby to turn. In oriental medicine the root cause of a breech presentation can be a variety of reasons including lack of flow or stagnation of the body, physical stress or an emotional cause. An Oriental Therapist will be able to help determine the root cause and assist with other options you might like to use to encourage a headfirst presentation.
Some other methods you could include to encourage headfirst presentation:
References
AIHW (2016) Australian Mothers and Babies 2014 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Viewed online http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129557656
Chee, A (2013) Gentle Methods to Prevent and Turn Breech Babies, using Traditional Chinese Medicine, Midwifery Today viewed online EBSCOHOST
Steinlechner, A (2012) Should Acupuncture and Moxibustion be Routinely Recommended for the Treatment of Breech Presentation? Journal of Chinese Medicine Number 98 viewed online EBSCOHOST
Xu,J Deng, H and Shen, X (2014) Safety of Moxibustion: A Systemic Review of Case Reports, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Viewed online EBSCOHOST
Oriental therapy may offer another alternative. Most babies will move into a head down position before 30 weeks; however it is quite normal for some babies not to still be breech at 32 weeks. If your baby is still breech at 34 weeks you might like to speak to your midwife about consulting an Oriental Remedial therapist or Acupuncturist who includes Moxibustion as part of a treatment plan.
Moxibustion is a cost-effective, safe, pain free method of helping to resolve breech presentation. Moxibustion is a herbal product that comes in the form of a dried wool or punk which can be used directly on the body or is compressed into a stick and used indirectly over areas of the body known as acupoints. Moxa has a warming effect on the body and is said to stimulate and tonify qi, fluid and blood.
Moxa is used on Bladder 67 to stimulate foetal movement and encourage a breech baby to a headfirst position. Ideally moxa is used 2 times daily for 20 – 30 minutes from 34 weeks until baby has turned. Moxa can be used by the mother at home. Consultation with the midwife and oriental therapist may be required weekly or more frequently to monitor the progress.
This form of treatment can be used in conjunction with other methods to encourage baby to turn. In oriental medicine the root cause of a breech presentation can be a variety of reasons including lack of flow or stagnation of the body, physical stress or an emotional cause. An Oriental Therapist will be able to help determine the root cause and assist with other options you might like to use to encourage a headfirst presentation.
Some other methods you could include to encourage headfirst presentation:
- A regular Yoga Practice
- Gentle low impact aerobic activity
- Regular Massage
- Adequate Nutritional intake
- Adequate rest and sleep
References
AIHW (2016) Australian Mothers and Babies 2014 Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, Viewed online http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129557656
Chee, A (2013) Gentle Methods to Prevent and Turn Breech Babies, using Traditional Chinese Medicine, Midwifery Today viewed online EBSCOHOST
Steinlechner, A (2012) Should Acupuncture and Moxibustion be Routinely Recommended for the Treatment of Breech Presentation? Journal of Chinese Medicine Number 98 viewed online EBSCOHOST
Xu,J Deng, H and Shen, X (2014) Safety of Moxibustion: A Systemic Review of Case Reports, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Viewed online EBSCOHOST
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