5 Ways to Flip a Breech Baby

When my doctor told me that my baby was still in the breech position when I was 35 weeks along, I was devastated. Not only did I have an unusually large baby, but I also had a high level of amniotic fluid (a condition called polyhydramnios), which meant one thing:

It was very unlikely that my baby would turn head down.

After three vaginal births and the result of those births–my three young children at home–I was terrified to face a c-section, so I got to work, researching ways to flip a breech baby and trying everything I could think of.

And the result?

It worked! 

{ MORE: Placenta Accreta: A Scary Pregnancy Complication }

One week later, my baby had turned, and I was breathing a huge sigh of relief at the prospect of skipping over that c-section. Here's what I did to flip my baby.

Try the hands and knees position

Whether you just plop down on you hands and knees while watching your favorite TV show or get a little more adventurous by trying this position in the bedroom, spending some time on all fours could help the baby rotate into position.

Peppermint oil

I have no idea if this is an official remedy or not, but I came across it on another pregnant woman's blog, and she swore by it. Combine 1-3 drops of essential peppermint oil with some coconut oil and slather it across your stomach. Be prepared for an active baby and a burst of energy on your part. Spoiler alert: Don't do it right before bedtime, this I learned the hard way.

Always consult your doctor before using supplements, due to risk of allergy or interactions. 

The pool

I can't say enough about this super scientific method, but if you have access to a pool, use it to your full advantage. I did somersaults, hung upside down off the side, and did more handstands than a nine-month-pregnant woman should ever do.

{ MORE: Can You Still Have a Home Birth with an Incompetent Cervix? }

The couch

I visited the Spinning Babies website to find this tip, and it's commonly touted as being one of the most effective. Basically, pile a bunch of pillows on the floor and prop your bottom up on the couch with your head lower than your body. Repeat as often as you can.

Visit a chiropractor

Although visiting a chiropractor can be really important during your pregnancy no matter what, you may want to especially consider it if you have a breech baby. If your hips are out of line or there are other issues, it may be preventing your baby from getting into the head-down position. Your chiropractor can perform the Webster's method or recommend acupressure or other natural remedies as well. Always check with your care provider before trying any of these remedies.

{ MORE: Coping with Traumatic Birth }

Did you have a breech baby? What did you do try to flip him or her into the head-down position?