An estimated 3.5% of the babies that are born are in breech presentation just before delivery. Sometimes, the gynaecologist will try to turn the baby in the womb. This can be uncomfortable for the expectant mother. About 80% of the women with a baby in breech presentation will ultimately have a caesarean operation. Much to regret of most women: they would rather experience a natural delivery. For that reason, an increasing number of women use a treatment referred to as the moxa-therapy. Moxa is completely painless and can be carried out at home, and the most important aspect of it is: research has shown that through moxa, the chances of a baby turning spontaneously are increased from 50% to 75%.
So what is our secret?
I use a well known moxibustion protocol which involves warming a point on the small toe. The turning of breech babies using moxibustion from Week 33 onwards is a successful and natural method to avoid medical intervention. The success rates are as high as 81% in turning a breech baby. Moxibustion involves burning a fragrant herb in the form of a moxa stick over an acupuncture point on the feet to relax the muscles in the uterus allowing the baby to turn. The best results are often gained before Week 36/37 however women at Week 38/39 have found that their babies have turned with the use of moxa. I often suggest that when you come in to learn the moxa technique that it is often beneficial to combine this with an acupuncture treatment. This may be especially important for mother's who may be depleted by the rigours of managing full-time work whilst pregnant. Acupuncture can bring an added boost to help energise the turn. Points will be chosen that will benefit the mother's unique constitutional needs, helping to develop the energetic strength it takes to move the baby.
The great benefit of this treatment is that you can continue the treatment with your partner or friend in the comfort of your own home once I have taught you the technique and frequency of treatment. If your baby has turned, you will feel a great deal of movement followed by less pressure under your diaphragm, and you will be able to breathe more easily. You will also feel the baby’s kicking in a different place. Get the baby’s position checked by your Doctor or Midwife. Generally, once the baby has turned, the weight of their head tends to keep them head down.
Whilst this treatment does not involve needles, it is possible to combine it with acupuncture treatment which may help to optimise your baby’s position and help prepare your body for labour.
Moxa treatment before ECV
I also find that the moxa treatment is very helpful for ECV (External Cephalic Version). This is a procedure done by an obstetric consultant who manipulates a breech position baby externally (using the hands on the mothers abdomen) to try and turn the baby to a head down position.
Doing the moxa treatment leading up to an ECV may help increase the chances of turning the bab
And finally, if your baby doesn’t turn, it will be for a good reason!
So what is our secret?
I use a well known moxibustion protocol which involves warming a point on the small toe. The turning of breech babies using moxibustion from Week 33 onwards is a successful and natural method to avoid medical intervention. The success rates are as high as 81% in turning a breech baby. Moxibustion involves burning a fragrant herb in the form of a moxa stick over an acupuncture point on the feet to relax the muscles in the uterus allowing the baby to turn. The best results are often gained before Week 36/37 however women at Week 38/39 have found that their babies have turned with the use of moxa. I often suggest that when you come in to learn the moxa technique that it is often beneficial to combine this with an acupuncture treatment. This may be especially important for mother's who may be depleted by the rigours of managing full-time work whilst pregnant. Acupuncture can bring an added boost to help energise the turn. Points will be chosen that will benefit the mother's unique constitutional needs, helping to develop the energetic strength it takes to move the baby.
The great benefit of this treatment is that you can continue the treatment with your partner or friend in the comfort of your own home once I have taught you the technique and frequency of treatment. If your baby has turned, you will feel a great deal of movement followed by less pressure under your diaphragm, and you will be able to breathe more easily. You will also feel the baby’s kicking in a different place. Get the baby’s position checked by your Doctor or Midwife. Generally, once the baby has turned, the weight of their head tends to keep them head down.
Whilst this treatment does not involve needles, it is possible to combine it with acupuncture treatment which may help to optimise your baby’s position and help prepare your body for labour.
Moxa treatment before ECV
I also find that the moxa treatment is very helpful for ECV (External Cephalic Version). This is a procedure done by an obstetric consultant who manipulates a breech position baby externally (using the hands on the mothers abdomen) to try and turn the baby to a head down position.
Doing the moxa treatment leading up to an ECV may help increase the chances of turning the bab
And finally, if your baby doesn’t turn, it will be for a good reason!
Treatment Costs:Moxa treatment and tuition : £65.00
(includes instructions and moxa sticks for completing treatment at home) |
“I visited Cheryl in my 2nd pregnancy as I had found out my baby was breach at 36 weeks and wanted to try moxibustion as this had been successful in my 1st pregnancy but a lot sooner in the process. I had tried a turning procedure at hospital, however this had failed and the health professionals thought it would be in my best interests to have a c-section. This was something I was really unhappy with and after contacting Cheryl I underwent a course of moxibustion once with Cheryl and then after at home for 10 days. At my pre-c section appointment I was astounded to find out that the baby had turned by itself and this resulted in a totally natural birth. I believe this was all due to the moxibustion session I attended in the last 4 weeks of my pregnancy - I would definitely try the alternative health medicine route in this instance. Thanks again"
Michelle |