Breech
Selected term breech vaginal delivery is an evidenced based and reasonable option for many women. When attended by a skilled practitioner and when properly screened a woman and her family can expect a safe outcome for her baby and, when compared to cesarean section, a better outcome for herself and for her future pregnancies. I am confident in saying that laboring with a vaginal breech birth succeeds or fails for the same reasons that a head first baby succeeds or fails.
photo by Maggie Ehrig
“The existing evidence regarding the optimal management is imperfect and, even if there was a prospective trial of significant magnitude, there remains an element of the equation to which it is impossible to assign a statistic or number, the individual woman’s feelings. For some women labour is an integral and treasured experience of pregnancy, something to be looked forward to, and achieving a vaginal delivery a life event of enormous magnitude. For others, delivery is an unwelcome bridge that has to be crossed and the option of a caesarean section may appear to be the answer to quiet prayers. The answer must surely be to offer individual choice after appropriate consultation based on existing data, allowing time for reflection before arriving at a final decision.”
I am often asked if properly selected vaginal breech delivery is supported by the research, then why are there so few doctors willing to assist women in the reasonable choice. And, further, why would I do it. First, I did it because I was well trained, have years of experience and have the patience and understanding of normal mammalian birth to trust the process. I also respect the right of true informed consent and refusal and the autonomy of the individual to make her own decisions without coercion.
Most practicing physicians no longer have the training and skill, or the will to learn, how to assist women with a breech delivery. Those that do know often prefer the more expedient route of cesarean section and cling to the false belief that it is safer. The current economics and legal aspects of medicine do not favor the ethical duty to alter this trend and return to respecting all reasonable choices and common sense.
Many can and should deliver as nature intended and should you desire to know more please avail yourself of the information and links here. If you have questions about your personal situation and would like to book some time to discuss with me, please visit my bookings page to reserve some time with me.