How do I deliver a breech baby?

While there have been many advances in the field of childbirth, a breech baby is still considered a potentially dangerous and risky delivery. The controversy surrounding breech deliveries involves whether to allow a mother to attempt a vaginal delivery or to go straight into a C-section to avoid the risks. This is because a baby that cannot be turned so they can exit head first is far more likely to be an unsuccessful birth without a caesarean delivery.

There are a couple of known exceptions to always doing a C-section in this situation. If a mother of multiples successfully delivers a head first child, then the vaginal delivery of the second twin when breeched is considered safe to attempt. Also, if the mother arrives fairly late into her labour then the risks of an emergency C-section are actually greater than the vaginal birth of a breech.

The first and foremost priority if there is a breech is to turn your baby so it is in the headfirst position. If this cannot be done, it is wiser to go for the C-section. However, if you are determined to try vaginally there are some things to take into consideration. Knowing the baby’s size is vital as a larger baby will be even riskier than a smaller child. A premature child’s head is larger than its body so this will come into play as well.

Other signs to look for are the size of a mother’s birth canal, the length and progression of the labour, the angle of the child’s head, and the position of your baby’s body. It is a good idea to ask whether or not your doctor has any experience with breech deliveries.