BREECH BABY GUIDELINES

NEW Australian research has revealed women with a breech-presenting baby may feel pressure to have a caesarean section without being informed of all options available to them.

Since 2000, caesarean sections have been recommended as the safest mode of birth for breech-presenting babies, which has resulted in fewer staff with breech birthing skills.

Dr Sara Morris, of Edith

Cowan University in WA, said it was important guidelines provided to health workers didn’t overemphasise the safety of caesareans when a baby was in a breech position, as outcomes did not appear to differ significantly in breechborn children regardless of birth mode.

A fear of legal action against health services has contributed to 87 per cent of breech babies being born via caesarean section.