Anybody given birth naturally when baby was breech?

Question

is it harder/more painful? I would like to try a completely natural labour if my baby stays breech, is it better to just accept the c-section? the hospital I am with says that it is the normal procedure when babies are breech. I just want to do what is best for my baby I don't want to put him in any unnecessary danger. So is breech natural or breech c-section better?

please understand that if C-section is the best way then that is exactly what I will do, I will throw the birth plan out of the window if my baby is in any danger, I am not one of those women who thinks 'it's my way or the high way' when it comes to birth, I have heard that some breech babies had been born naturally and safely, I am just trying my best to inform myself of every option so I can do the best for my baby.

Answer 1

If you want to do what is best then go for the C-section, but have faith that he/she will turn. I don't know how far along you are, but my second son was breech, and I went into labor a few days early. The doctors were able to turn him, while I was in labor, ( PAINFUL ) they had tried unsuccessfully before that. The baby himself was trying to turn, they just assisted him. But I would have gone in for a C-section, since it could potentially harm the baby. I know that you probably want to do the whole natural birth thing, most mothers would want to, but you need to think that you need to be healthy to take care of the new life. Good luck and enjoy your birth either way.

Answer 2

Im going to partly answer this question with a question as you have some fairly conclusive answers already. Firstly statistics show that 3% of babies present by the breech. Not sure if this is your first baby but the scenario is this, what happens if you turn up at the hospital fully dilated and the breech is descending rapidly? do you go for a C. Section or do you wait? Unfortunately breech vaginal delivery is rapidly becoming a thing of the past which means that there are fewer and fewer Doctors that have seen one let alone managed one. This means that the chances of them being managed properly are getting less and less. Unfortunately not all breech vaginal deliveries have been managed well in the past which is where problems have occurred especially if they have been approached with a "hands on" technique when the safest approach is a "hands off". Good luck with your delivery whichever you choose and don't forget that C. Section carries its own risks.

Answer 3

Studies have been *inconclusive* as to whether c-section is safer for baby than vaginal birth.
Breech births are completely safe and have happened. making the decision is up to how you feel.

You need to know the risks and benefits for both procedures and then make a decision. Vaginally birthing a breech baby is harder than birthing a vertex baby, but it is possible.

The deciding factor may be that you have to have a c-section because you might not be able to find a dr that delivers breech babies.

Do some research and ask your current dr about your options and if he knows a dr who does breech deliveries so you can talk to him and get all the information you need to make a decision.

C-section has it own risks, baby can be cut during the surgery, breastfeeding is harder, moms who have c-sections are more likely to experience postpartum depression, risk of placental abnormalities with subsequent pregnancies is higher, babies born by c-section have a harder time breathing, and I could go on.

You need to get all the facts on both and then make the decision you are comfortable with.

Answer 4

Natural indicates a lack of medication for pain, and if you are going to do that with a breech baby it is a lot more painful than a non-medicated head down birth (for you).
My brother was born breech. the doctor pulled him out by his feet (and broke his collar bone in the process) This is not to be taken as a normal occurrence in breech births. but there is a chance of that happening.
There is a chance that the baby will be stuck in the birth canal, and they would have to do a c-section anyways. This is why it is normal procedure for the hospital to have a c-section done. They tend to error on the side of caution.
The one factor that has to be also looked at is the recuperation time for you. It takes about a week or more longer for you to recuperate from a c-section than natural birth.
I personally would have the c-section, but this is also because I don't like a lot of pain.

Answer 5

My first born was breech and I had him normally
He wasn't diagnosed as being breech until I was 6cm dilated and from the time it took for the midwives to examine me and the take me to the labour ward- about 10 mins- I actually dilated to 9cm
I had to have an epidural to stop me wanting to push- this way it is safer for baby and yourself- and also just in case I had to have a c-section- but lucky for me I didn't!!
When the time came to deliver him I had to have an episiotimy and forceps- but with the epidural it wasn't too painful but they did lower the dose to enable me to feel the contractions slightly.
He weighed in at 8lb 5oz and was 9 days early
Although I did go through this experience I wouldn't recommend anyone trying to deliver a breech baby vaginally- there are too many risks that only now the medical profession have become aware of
This didn't put me off though- I went on to have 2 more babies- getting bigger everytime!!
Good luck and I hope that I've helped

Answer 6

You could die trying to have a baby breech. My son was breech and i ended up having a c-section which that was what i was wanting anyhow. It will not be what you want when it comes down to that, you will see that the doctor will make that call.

Answer 7

A C-Section is major surgery, but it is far less dangerous then trying to deliver a breech baby vaginally.

Answer 8

i was born breech and naturally and my mum says I was easier than my brother or sister because the medical team paid so much more attention. She has no complications and just a couple of stitches after the birth.
I`m right as ninepence - but that`s only my opinion! My mother does say I made her life hell, but i dont think she meant the birth! lol

Answer 9

You should base your decision on the estimated size of the baby and your obstetrician's advice. If the child's head is too big to pass naturally through the pelvic floor opening you will have to have a C section anyway. Hope everything goes well for you and baby, whatever you decide.

Answer 10

Our hospital refuses to deliver a breach baby, this is because if the baby's bottom is born fine then the head gets caught in the pelvis the baby can die. Also the chance for cord prolapse is huge and again if that happens the baby can die. They just dont risk it. You'd have to check with your hospital on their procedures.