TIPS FOR TURNING A BREECH BABY

Visualise your baby moving down with the head very deep in your pelvis, several times a day, especially in conjunction with positions and exercises below.

BREECH TILT Begin at 32 to 35 weeks’ gestation, and do this exercise three times daily for 10 to 15 minutes each time, when you have an empty stomach, and the baby is active. Prop one end of an ironing board securely on a couch or chair about 30cm high. Lie down, bend your knees, but keep your feet flat on the board. Relax, breathe deeply, and avoid tensing. You may also use pillows on a flat surface to raise your hips above your shoulders. Gravity pushes the baby’s head into the fundus, tucks it, and baby can then do a somersault to a cephalic (head down) position.

FLASHLIGHT Try moving a torch slowly down from the top of the uterus toward your pubic bone while you’re in a breech tilt position (above). Use an amber or red light.

SWIM AS OFTEN AS POSSIBLE. This keeps your body and pelvis loose and relaxed. Try doing a headstand in the pool – but only if you have help.

MASSAGE Start with your left hand at the bottom of the abdomen and your right hand just above it. Move your hands clockwise around the right side of your tummy. As your right hand reaches the top of your abdomen, slide the left one over your right and move it down the left side of your tummy. Your left hand should lead as you come full circle, continuing clockwise. Massage for 10 minutes or more several times each day.

CLOTHING PIN Place a clothing pin on the small toe of each foot at the outside corner of the toenail. Attach it sideways so that the toenail and toe pad are stimulated for 30 minutes per day. This is a “moving down” acupressure point. You can also do this with just finger pressure. Do it as often as you remember.

GLASS OF ORANGE OR OTHER JUICE Follow this drink with a side-lying position with your hips positioned higher than your feet. Babies move more after a sugar high!

PELVIC TILT Place an ice pack on the top of your belly, on an empty stomach, for 10 minutes twice a day. Do this while lying on your back on the floor with knees flexed and feet on the floor with three large pillows placed under your buttocks. Try this in conjunction with visualisation.

CAT STRETCH Start on all fours, then lay your head and chest flat on the floor with your buttocks in the air, as you round your back and return to all fours.

CRAWLING AND KNEE-CHEST POSITION Kneel on all fours with your hips flexed slightly more than 90°, but with thighs not pressing against your tummy. Your head, shoulders and upper chest should be flat and aligned. Do this for 15 minutes every two waking hours for five days. Alternate with crawling. There’s no absolute evidence to support this technique, but you have nothing to lose by trying.