Danae’s plan to help turn breech and transverse babies
When a baby is in a breech or transverse position later in pregnancy, it can feel uncertain and overwhelming, especially if you’re hoping for a vaginal birth. While these positions are common earlier on, by around 30 to 32 weeks it’s important to begin taking a more proactive approach. This action plan is designed to help create the space, alignment and conditions within your body to encourage your baby to turn head down, using a combination of positioning techniques, daily practices and supportive therapies.
A baby in breech position at 30 – 32 weeks
When a baby is in a breech (head up) position for labour and birth, women are faced with unique challenges.
Approx 3–4% of babies will be in a breech presentation at 37 weeks
Approx 1% of babies will be in transverse lie at 37 weeks
Approx 3–5% will be in oblique lie, which can make it difficult for the baby to descend and engage
Whilst these presentations are more common earlier in pregnancy, if they are still present at 30–32 weeks, action is recommended if the goal is a head-down vaginal birth.
There are typically 4 options:
- Find a care provider who supports breech vaginal birth
- Take a proactive approach to encourage baby to turn
- Try an ECV
- Plan a caesarean birth
Danae’s Action Plan from 30–32 weeks onwards
While some babies simply need more growth and head weight for gravity to assist them into position, combining this with a proactive approach can be highly effective.
This multi-faceted approach has been very successful for the families I work with. It requires commitment, and it is worth it.
Intention: Change the environment in the mother’s body to support baby (or babies) to turn head down.
Daily Activities
- Optimal Maternal Positioning Reversing Protocols
- Optimal Maternal Positioning Alignment Protocols
- Ironing board lie
- Yoga with Danae
- Inflammation and stress reduction
- Cold packs and heat packs
Additional Support (depending on your budget)
- Chiropractic support
- Acupuncture and moxa
- Massage
Action Plan
Optimal Maternal Positioning Reversing Protocol
- Forward leaning inversion with pelvic floor relaxation
- Aim for 5–15 minutes total downtime per session
- Break into intervals if needed
- 2–3 times per day
Optimal Maternal Positioning Alignment Protocols
Each evening, complete all six alignment protocols
Ironing Board Lie – The Spinning Babies Approach
- Stay on the board for 20 minutes, 1–3 times per day
- Uses gravity and balance to encourage repositioning
Yoga with Danae
- Supports alignment in body, breath and mind
- Creates space for your baby
- Use short or long practices as often as needed
Further reading: Yoga with Danae
Reduce Inflammation
- Avoid processed foods, seed oils and sugar
- Reduce gluten, grains and inflammatory foods
- Hydrate intentionally
- Breathe before eating
- Walk after meals
- Sleep early and wake with natural light
- Spend time barefoot on natural ground
- Get sunlight exposure
- Supplement with magnesium (e.g. Magnesium Forte)
Cold Packs | Heat Packs
- Babies move toward warmth
- Place cold pack on upper belly and warm pack on lower belly
- Encourages baby to move head down
- Use regularly
Chiropractic Support
Work with an experienced pregnancy chiropractor using the Webster Technique to support alignment and space.
Moxa | Acupuncture | Acupressure
Acupuncturist support using the following therapies:
Moxibustion (moxa):
- May increase fetal movement
- Can encourage baby to reposition
- May improve uterine tone
Acupuncture point stimulation:
- Stimulates the BL-67 point to encourage optimal positioning
Massage
Pregnancy massage can reduce swelling, relieve pain, ease tension, lower stress hormones and improve sleep, helping create space for your baby.
When your baby turns head down
- Do not worry about baby turning back
- Continue supportive practices
- Pause all work for 3 days after baby turns
- After 3 days:
- Continue alignment protocols once daily
- No reversing work, only brief inversions
- Continue yoga and lifestyle support
- Continue acupuncture if desired
ECV – External Cephalic Version
External Cephalic Version (ECV) is a manual obstetric procedure used to turn a breech baby into a head-down position.
Usually performed at 36–37 weeks.
Key Details About ECV
- Preparation: Ultrasound and fetal monitoring
- Medication: May include uterine relaxant
- Procedure: Gentle abdominal pressure to rotate baby
- Success rate: 40–60%
- Risks: Low but may include early labour or fetal distress
- Not suitable if: Certain medical conditions are present
Breech Birth Information | Podcasts
Prenatal Information
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