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>>Interesting topic guys. I thought, (with your permission of course), we could share this with Maggie Banks (breech birth guru) for her comments. I'm not sure when standing became vogue (well it's not really with the invent of C/S) but thought her comments would be interesting. What do you both think?Kiwi Kim.
Hi Kim,
I think that is a good idea, Maggie is a wise woman. I read Maggies book on breech births not long ago, but I read so much about birth all the info gets muddled! lol! I borrowed it from a friend so don't have it here to look up.
Please feel free to pass on the email and I would love to hear Maggies thoughts and comments.
Love Abby
-------Original Message-------
Date: 11/27/04 08:13:27
Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Breech birth question
Hi Abby:
I would expect this midwife was trained in breech birth management sometime ago probably by an ob in the 70's who was still delivering babies at home as they did in some parts of the US at this time. This midwife's address is Massachusetts. It seems like she is reacting to the relatively new idea to deliver breech babies standing/squatting/on a birthing stool. It seems to me that "standing to deliver" a breech baby came into vogue from the early 90's does anyone know when this started happening?
I was more disturbed by this paragraph:
10. Now bring the mother's buttocks over the edge of the bed, keeping her legs supported by assistants. The baby's body will drop down, easily exposing the nape of the neck and usually both arms will come down as well. Keeping one hand on the mother's perineum, grasp the baby's feet witht he other hand and swing the body up and over onto the mother's abdomen. A towel or receiving blanket will help in holding on to slippery body.
Just a "tad" to say the least more aggressive than most accounts of semi-reclining breech births I have read, seems quite dangerous to me, but I have only assisted with 2 vaginal breech births, one in the hospital (standing) and one at home (on a birth stool) and had one myself. I would be interested to read comments from midwives who have attended breech births where the woman is semi-reclining.
I think "fear" is a much maligned word in midwifery circles so i will use another word: caution. Couple that with knowledge and common sense and you will cope with most midwifery situations including breech birth.
marilyn
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 3:53 AM
Subject: [ozmidwifery] Breech birth question
Hi,
Just reading about breech births and differences of opinions between caregivers. Came across this comment, on a homebirth midwifes page and found it kinda odd. I would expect it from some Obs and hospital staff, but not sure what to make of this. There are other things on the page that I think are weird eg. semi reclined position, do this, do that, I'm in charge kind of attitude, but this comment struck me as `fear`.
7. At this point the baby must be born quickly. STAY CALM! It is possible for the baby to suffocate if not born within 5 minutes. Note: Time seems to stand still when we are under stress. Have an assistant keep track of time. What will seem like twenty minutes to you will have probably have been two!
Any midwives out there that have differing views on breech births. I realise that these days most women are encouraged to have c-sections, but thought some of you would supported women at breech births.
I have learnt from a couple of wise women that the best way for women to birth a breech baby is just like any other baby, her way in her time.
Love Abby
(P.S. She also warns against the advocation of the squatting position, where as Michel Odent believes it should be insisted that women birth a breech baby squatting?? Any thoughts??)
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