Moxibustion for Breech
Birth is most likely to be straightforward if your baby has his or her head downwards (cephalic) at the start of labour. Most babies who are in a bottom down (breech) position will turn to a head down position by around 35 weeks. After this time they may turn by themselves but it becomes less likely. If your baby is in the breech position after 35 weeks you might choose for a doctor to try to turn your baby by hand (External Cephalic Version or ECV) and/or you might want to try moxibustion. This is a traditional Chinese therapy that can encourage a breech baby to turn head downwards.
How is it done?
During this non-touch therapy herbal moxa sticks are lit and placed close to acupuncture points on your feet to give a gentle heat. The radiant heat to the uterine meridian (energy line) is thought to increase the baby’s movements, helping him or her to become active enough to turn into the head down position. During your appointment with me, you will be shown how to carry out ongoing moxibustion therapy safely and be given moxa sticks to use twice daily at home over the next week. Research has shown that moxibustion is most likely to work if you also spends ten minutes twice a day in what is called the ‘knee chest position’ (which I will also show you).
Is it safe?
For most women moxibustion is considered to be a safe choice. There are, however, some situations where it is wise to avoid any intervention to encourage baby to turn. Contraindications to moxibustion (& ECV) include: a previous caesarean birth, a baby who is not growing well, a low lying placenta, vaginal bleeding, or your waters having broken. For this reason, I will always take a careful obstetric (pregnancy) history before we start moxibustion therapy. The safety & wellbeing of you and your baby always comes first. If moxibustion is not appropriate for you, I will signpost you to your NHS healthcare team to discuss your options further.
Will it work?
Research has shown that moxibustion combined with the ‘knee chest position’ is successful in turning about 60% of breech babies. In my experience, combining your moxibustion therapy with reflexology can be helpful to further encourage your baby to turn. We will talk about the options available to help you make the best choice for you.
What are my other options?
Your midwife and/or obstetrician will talk with you about your choices for birth and discuss whether ECV is an option for you. While success rates vary, ECV can have the desired outcome in up to 50% of cases. Variables such as pregnancy gestation and parity (whether this is your first or a subsequent pregnancy) may affect the chances of your baby turning; as can practitioner experience and skill in the procedure.
Like to find out more?
Get in touch with me here – I look forward to talking with you.
Rebecca is a midwife, health visitor, reflexologist & mum. She has accredited training in moxibustion therapy. Find out more about Rebecca here...