EBB 296 - Evidence on Breech Birth with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA

Have you ever wondered why doctors almost always recommend a Cesarean for breech? Is that because breech vaginal birth is dangerous? Which methods can help a breech baby turn? On today’s podcast, join us on a deep dive into the evidence on all things breech!

You’ll walk away with confidence in your knowledge on the following topics:

• Evidence on Breech Vaginal Birth vs. Breech Cesarean Birth – How a flawed study (the “Term Breech Trial”) led to hospitals banning breech vaginal birth around the world, and what other research studies have found about the safety of breech vaginal birth.  
• Evidence on External Cephalic Version – Learn about the effectiveness, benefits, and risks of the “hands-to-belly” turning procedure, as well as a new, gentler method being piloted by a few obstetricians.
• Evidence on Alternate Ways to Turn a Breech Baby – Uncover the evidence on popular ways that parents use to try and turn a breech baby, including moxibustion, chiropractic care, positioning, self-hypnosis, and more!

If you want to get informed and empowered on the topic of breech positioning in pregnancy—either for yourself or for your clients—then this podcast is for you!

Content note: Discussion of statistics on mortality and serious morbidity (illness/injury) related to breech birth. 

EBB Resources:

• Get all the scientific references and a transcript of this episode here. 
• Watch the video of this podcast episode (with graphics, demonstrations, and slides) on the EBB YouTube channel here! 
• Access the EBB Signature Article: Evidence on Breech Version with a free handout here. 
• Join the EBB Pro Membership and get access to contact hours, a doula mentorship, live trainings, and a PDF Library with exclusive handouts (including a 2-page handout on breech) by joining here. 
• Learn advocacy techniques through the EBB Childbirth Class.

EBB Podcasts:

• EBB Podcast 111: Positioning Breech Babies with Dr. Elliot Berlin
• EBB Podcast 171: The Experience of a Unique Vaginal Breech Birth with Janae and Andrew Rick
• EBB Podcast 172: Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Rixa Freeze and Dr. David Hayes
• EBB Podcast 173: Evidence on Breech Version
• EBB Podcast 297: Frequently Asked Questions about Breech with Dr. Rebecca Dekker and Sara Ailshire, MA
• EBB Podcast 298: Overcoming Barriers to Breech Vaginal Birth with Dr. Emiliano Chavira, OB/GYN and Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist
• EBB Podcast 299: A Breech Vaginal Birth Story with EBB Parents Naoma and Mohamed [Coming soon!]

Other Resources:

• Check out the workshops at Breech without Borders here.
• Watch a video of Dr. Larry Hinkson teaching the gentle External Cephalic Version Technique here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwskoAymdL4
• Find a chiropractor who is certified in the Webster technique here: https://icpa4kids.com/