Navigating a Breech Pregnancy: Insights from Chinese Medicine and Maternal Mental Health

Jan 31

Pregnancy can be a journey filled with unexpected turns, especially when you find out your baby is in a breech position. In this video, Dr. Hona Backstrom, an acupuncturist specializing in labor preparation, and (myself) Hannah Sawitsky, a maternal mental health therapist and doula, share our insights on this topic. Our discussion, infused with personal experiences and professional expertise, offers valuable guidance for expectant mothers facing a breech pregnancy.

Understanding Breech Positioning from a Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Chinese medicine, a breech baby is often viewed as a sign of maternal stress. Dr. Backstrom explains that when mothers experience stress, frustration, or are engaged in unwanted daily activities, it can influence the baby’s positioning. This perspective suggests that emotional well-being plays a crucial role in the physical aspects of pregnancy.

The Role of Stress and Lifestyle in Baby Positioning

Both perspectives emphasize the impact of environmental factors like stress, lifestyle, and nutrition on baby positioning. Dr. Backstrom shares her personal story, highlighting that despite various physical interventions, her baby didn’t flip until she took a break from her stressful work environment. Similarly, my (Hannah’s) experience underlines the importance of addressing emotional health during pregnancy.

Interventions for Breech Positioning

Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Acupuncture, particularly using the point UB67 at the pinky toenail, is a traditional method to encourage the baby to turn. Moxibustion involves burning a herb near this point to create heat and stimulate energy flow.
Physical Therapies: Modalities like prenatal massage and chiropractic care can help in repositioning the baby.
Spinning Babies Techniques: Specific exercises and postures from the Spinning Babies approach can be effective.
Emotional and Mental Health Support: Hypnotherapy, hypnobirthing, and emotional self-care are essential aspects of managing a breech pregnancy.
Professional Guidance: Consulting with a doula or a therapist can provide personalized support and empower expectant mothers to explore their options.

Empowering Choices and Changing Providers

An important aspect discussed is the empowerment in making informed choices. Whether it's opting for a vaginal breech delivery, a cesarean section, or trying different interventions, the key is for mothers to feel in control and supported in their decisions. Changing healthcare providers to find someone aligned with their values and needs can also be a vital step.

The Importance of Self-Care and Embodiment

Both experts agree that self-care is paramount. Taking the time to listen to one’s body and prioritize emotional health can significantly impact the pregnancy experience. This embodiment enables mothers to make decisions from a place of strength and clarity.

The conversation with Dr. Backstrom offers a holistic view of managing a breech pregnancy. It highlights the importance of considering emotional well-being alongside physical interventions. For expectant mothers facing this challenge, the message is clear: Empower yourself with knowledge, prioritize your mental health, and don’t hesitate to seek support that resonates with your beliefs and needs. Remember, you're not just caring for your baby; you're also taking care of yourself.

For Care/Consultation with Dr. Hona Backstrom