Breech vaginal birth

This happened to me at 38 weeks only found out as went for sweep and felt a hand had to go straight in and was given option of ecv or c section as they wouldn't even attempt vaginal birth but was put off with ecv with what they said and probably would end up with c section which did happen few hours later as labour progressed. Do what you think is safest for you and the baby I couldn't make the choice but did ask what was the safest and c section was.

My baby was also breech and I was booked in for a planned c-section but went into labour beforehand. My hospital offered a breech vaginal birth but it wasn’t recommended. I ended up having a c-section that day and I can also say it was a really positive experience. I didn’t want one but it was very quick and pain free birth. Obviously painful after and longer recovery but it was manageable with paracetamol and having help at home for first 10 days. Good luck with whatever you decide 😊

I had an elective c-section at 37+1. ECV isn’t guaranteed and it wasn’t worth the potential pain and issues.

There’s more risks for vaginal birth with breech but it’s definitely safe to do as long as you have a professional that is trained to do that. unfortunately most aren’t anymore as they’ve kind of stopped training on it and immediately offering c sections which is sad. I didn’t know this before so just went with what they said was best and had a c section for my breech first baby. Definitely fight your case if that’s what you want but do your research. I’ve seen lots of women even homebirth breech babies! You just have to make sure you know what you’re doing. Maybe even look into a doula who’s experienced on it? Although may be out of price range! You may not want a home birth but might be worth joining a group and asking about breech births as i’ve seen a lot of information on it in the ones i’m in (I tried for homebirth with my second and hope to try again and succeed with my third) Good luck in whatever you decide xx

No personal story here, but I just wanted to say that the podcast The Birth Hour has all kinds of stories on it including some vaginal breech. From what I understand, the hardest part is finding a provider willing to do it.

Thank you so much everyone, lots to think about/look into X

My OB said she wouldn’t be ecstatic about it, but could to a breech vaginal delivery, but it depends on alotta factors.

Like any signs of fetal distress, if nugget is face up or down, etc.

He was head down at 28 weeks my last ultrasound & I’m 35 now. I’m hoping that’s still the case, but going to check in ab it next appointment.

@Cate there are very few hospitals in UK where staff are trained for breach vaginal births so please look into it fully before making your decision.

Look up on the Internet “spinning babies breech”

Coalition for Breech Birth

There is a good Facebook group breech births uk that’s really helpful! I had an ecv and it was totally manageable with gas and air. Not agony at all just uncomfy as they need to push their hands into your tummy to lift baby out of pelvis. You can tell them to stop at any point at all. It wasn’t successful but 100% glad I tried. Look to see if there is an optibreech centre hospital near you, these are midwives more trained in breech births but that Facebook group has loads of advice. Xx

My baby is also breech and I asked about a vaginal birth, my midwife said it might be possible, but the consultants would try to scare me away from attempting one. She also said it would depend on baby’s position (eg, feet first 100% not)

If you have a supportive hospital then a VBB is definitely a valid option! I see you’re in Manchester, Oldham have a fantastic breech specialist midwife who looked after me when I had my little boy 2 years ago. He turned breech at 37+5 and I delivered him vaginally at 40+1. Here is my birth story if you want to read it!

https://breechbabiesclub.org/chloes-story-a-positive-planned-vaginal-breech-birth/

I’d really recommend the Breech Birth UK Facebook group too. Good luck! xx