ECV failed, no other options left :(

[mh_ccl]

After planning for months to have a natural, midwife-led birth at our birth center, the baby was breech. I've been trying to flip it with inversions, pelvic releases, chiropractic work, etc. The baby moves, but won't flip. Today was our ECV, which was the last-ditch attempt. The doctor tried 3 times, but could not get the baby to flip.

So, I now have no choice but to have a c section. The chances of the baby spontaneously flipping on its own at this point are very slim. This means no natural birth, surgery, no chance to use a birthing center in the future if we have more kids.

While I'm grateful that our baby is healthy, I'm overwhelmingly disappointed.

 

[smileyfaces]

Would you not consider a breech delivery?

 

[sarahh]

Don't lose all hope, some babies turn at the last minute. I've heard acupuncture is good for moving breech babies or going upside down in a swimming pool. Also as pp said would your hospital consider breech birth. My midwife encouraged me to try breech delivery with my last pregnacy but my lo turned with the ECV. Good luck and don't be thinking you have done anything wrong some babies are just stubborn little things when they get comfy.

 

[MindUtopia]

Have you looked into acupuncture/moxibustion? I see you're in Alaska and I have no idea if there may be practitioners near you (depending on how rural it is where you live), but moxibustion has the same success rate in clinical trials as ECV, so it's worth a shot. The ECV might just not have been what you needed. If you choose not to go that route, don't despair. Plenty of women have natural births (and even home births) after a c-section, so it doesn't mean you can't do what you want next time. You just have to find the right midwife to support you.

 

[mh_ccl]

Thanks for the replies. Unfortunately, no doctors here will do a breech vaginal delivery. And if I have another child, I can attempt to have a VBAC, but it would have to be in a hospital, because they are not allowed at birth centers here.

I'm trying to look for the positives - my hemorrhoids won't get worse, right? But I'm still bummed and dealing with the news.

It's funny to think that when I was asking about what would risk me out of the birth center, they gave me a list and I said the only thing that could possibly be an issue is breech. And here we are. Also, DH kept telling me I was worried for nothing and that it was fine that the baby was breech at our 32 weeks ultrasound. He didn't want me to try do anything to flip it because he was convinced it would just naturally flip on its own. I'm feeling vindicated about my concerns now.

 

[CantHrdlyWait]

That's rough.. There is NO chance that the baby could flip on it's own at this point? I know they get pretty big and run out of room, but anything is possible, right? Are they pushing a certain date, or can you wait a few more weeks and see what happens?

 

[Maybe1daysoon]

I know its not ideal. But I promise that IF you end up needing a c section it wont be that bad. I, like you had a WONDERFUL birth plan for what I thought delivering my son would entail. However, life had other plans. He was delivered by c-section.

 

[smileyfaces]

Unfortunate that none of the docs will consider breech delivery Very strange! This option was discussed with me at about 34ish weeks but my baby flipped at 36 weeks in his own. I'm in the uk though!

 

[x__amour]

If you'd like, perhaps check out https://spinningbabies.com/. I've heard great things about them!

Best of luck to you.

 

[Teeny]

this happened with my first. it's hard to get ur head round but after it really only matters that lo came out safely.

I'm waiting to see what this one will do as at nearly 36 weeks it was transverse at last check!

lo may still flip, i would keep trying if u are so disappointed, it may work, if not u will know u tried and the advance warning of a section is def easier to cope with than hrs of labour only to then have an emcs.

xxx