I have read your email with interest. The person who wrote those comments definitely
sounds scared, no doubt. I have attended a couple of breech births at home and
have read Maggie’s book. While
I agree women need to follow their instincts, I do request a few things. I believe women need to be upright to
birth breech either standing or at least an upright squatt.
This allows the weight of the baby to assist with delievery
of the head. I also think we should keep our hands off and only assist with the
head if it’s obvious that it is deflexed or not coming of it’s own accord as I think this helps in avoiding the
stimulation that may cause baby to attempt to breath. So long as the cord is
pulsing baby has oxygen. You have
to watch though because sometimes the empty uterus leads to separation of the placenta.
Babies and birth are amazing and to
me, the less we interfere the better of mother and
baby will be.
Just my thoughts!
Dierdre
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On
Behalf Of Abby and Toby
Sent: Friday, 26 November 2004
9:53 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: [ozmidwifery] Breech
birth question
Hi,
Just reading about breech births and
differences of opinions between caregivers. Came across this comment, on a
homebirth midwifes page and found it kinda odd. I would expect it from some Obs
and hospital staff, but not sure what to make of this. There are other
things on the page that I think are weird eg. semi reclined position, do this,
do that, I'm in charge kind of attitude, but this comment struck me as `fear`.
7. At this point the baby must be
born quickly. STAY CALM! It
is possible for the baby to suffocate if not born within 5 minutes. Note: Time
seems to stand still when we are under stress. Have an assistant keep track of
time. What will seem like twenty minutes to you will have probably have been
two!
http://www.moondragon.org/obgyn/pregnancy/breechhome.html
Any midwives out there that have
differing views on breech births. I realise that these days most women are
encouraged to have c-sections, but thought some of you would supported women at
breech births.
I have learnt from a couple of wise
women that the best way for women to birth a breech baby is just like any other
baby, her way in her time.
Love Abby
(P.S. She also warns against the
advocation of the squatting position, where as Michel Odent believes it should
be insisted that women birth a breech baby squatting?? Any thoughts??)