Alternative therapies provided by Private Midwives

It has been my pleasure as an Independent Midwife to work with a number of inspirational therapists who work with pregnant women to help ease many minor ailments of pregnancy as well as rectify other conditions such as breech presentation. The alternative therapy that is utilised for the correction of breech presentation is known as Moxibustion and having seen the positive outcomes from this therapy, I trained in the technique myself and have incorporated this skill in my practice for many years.

Breech presentation refers to the position of the baby being bottom first. If babies are left to their own devices the majority will have turned to head down before 36 weeks of gestation and only 3-4% of babies will be in a breech position at the end of pregnancy.

In 2000 a study designed to identify the best way to plan for a breech birth either vaginal breech delivery or planned caesarean Hannah (2000) and the conclusion at the time was to deliver breech babies by elective caesarean.
To have a caesarean for breech presentation is presented as fact by most Obstetricians often because they themselves lack the skills to support vaginal breech birth.

There is a growing body of professionals who have expertise in spontaneous breech birth, where the women is encouraged to use active birth positions that are aided by gravity. In her book Breech Birth by Benna Waites the author covers the subject extensively including a chapter “Self- help and Alternative Therapies for turning the breech baby”

What is Moxibustion I hear you ask!
Well it is a Traditional Chinese technique that involves stimulating the acupressure point known as the Bladder meridian. This is an energy line running through the body which connects with your uterus, and ends with the “Bladder 67 point” on the outer edge and base of your little toe nail on each foot.

The stimulation is achieved by holding a source of heat near the acupressure point and this is where the Moxa sticks come in. They are made from dried mugwort a compressed herb that is used because once it is ignited it smoulders slowly giving off the required steady heat source. Using this technique is thought to stimulate hormones to increase your baby’s heart rate and movements as well as relaxing your uterus slightly, thus enabling your baby to turn to head down.

Research shows that it is about 65-70 % successful & may be effective even up to 38 or 39 weeks of
Pregnancy. Once your baby has been confirmed as still being breech, contact Private Midwives on 0800 3800 579 to discuss your options.