Turning Breech Babies

by Melanie Morrill | Dec 9, 2021

At 34 weeks, most pregnant folks know if their baby is head down or head up. When the baby is head up it is called breech position. There are different types of breech positions based on where the baby’s legs are.  Being breech is not an ideal position for a baby to be in during delivery because it means they are birthed feet or bum first. Thirty-four weeks is the ideal time to use acupuncture and moxibustion to turn the baby so they are head down. Babies can be turned later than 34 weeks, but we are the most successful at 34 weeks.

There are several ways to turn breech babies. 

– Acupuncture 

– Moxibustion 

– The Webster Technique

– Spinning Babies

– External Cephalic Version

– Cold therapy 

-Music/light therapy

Each method of turning breech babies has risks and benefits. Pregnant people should always be under the care of an obstetrician or midwife and you should consult with them before trying to turn a breech baby. Some breech babies should not be turned and a cesarean section is the safest way to deliver. 

Acupuncture and moxibustion focus on opening the hip, providing space for the baby to move, and gently encouraging the baby to turn. The webster technique is a chiropractic adjustment that provides space in the pelvis for the baby to move in.