I was determined that baby #3 would not be a breech baby. From the first trimester, I started weekly chiropractic visits, craniosacral therapy sessions, and Spinning Babies exercises. By the third trimester, I added Mayan abdominal massages and I truly felt like I tried all the things.
But you know what they say about third babies… they’re the wild cards! And mine definitely was. Baby #3’s pregnancy taught me more than I ever expected.
When I first walked into Shea’s birth, this is what I saw.
Why I Was So Determined To Not Have A Breech Birth
To understand my determination, let me back up to baby #2. We planned an unmedicated birth at a birth center, but at 36 weeks we found out she was breech. Time felt short to figure things out. Thankfully, we had a successful ECV (External Cephalic Version) at 37 weeks, and she stayed head down. The birth was long and challenging, but unmedicated, exactly what we had hoped for.
So, when I became pregnant again, my main worry from the beginning was another breech baby. We were planning a homebirth, but I knew how few providers were available for vaginal breech births — especially at home. I didn’t want anything to limit our chances.
Laboring in the birth sling with her daughter’s support.
“I’m Christian, and I believe God will humble you, teach you, and redirect you to follow His plan. He definitely did that for me and our family.”
Finding Out Baby Was Breech (Again)
Around 34 weeks, our midwife wasn’t sure of baby’s position. I was convinced baby was head down and I’d been studying belly mapping and tracking movements. We went to Little Pumpkin Ultrasound Boutique in downtown Canton (highly recommend – so cozy and welcoming). Brittney performed the scan and confirmed it: baby was breech.
I almost cried. I had worked so hard to avoid this. The emotions hit me hard: disappointment, fear, and frustration. But after a little processing, we made a plan.
Taking Action for Breech Baby Turning Head Down: Bodywork, Support, and a Lot of Prayer
I scheduled chiropractic, massage, and CST sessions. I used moxibustion sticks from our naturopath and even called the one MD known to allow vaginal breech births in the hospital. I also booked an IFS (Internal Family Systems) therapy session to process all my emotions and anxiety.
Shea’s hubby had us all laughing.
Two moments stand out from that time:
1. Talking With an Experienced Breech CNM Midwife
My husband and I spoke to a homebirth midwife who had attended many vaginal breech births. Just talking to her eased so much fear. She helped us realize we had options. That conversation left me in tears (good ones). Our primary CPM midwife had only attended one breech birth, and while we trusted her completely, this new midwife offered experience and reassurance that we needed.
2. A Gentle ECV With a CNM Midwife
We also reached out to another homebirth midwife for a gentle ECV. Traditional OBs often won’t help if you’re planning a homebirth, and the one OB who might was over an hour away. This midwife felt like the right path.
When I arrived, I was both relieved and nervous. She reviewed my history, then led me through breathwork and mindset shifts. Before she began, we asked my body and my baby for permission to attempt the turn and that moment of intention and consent was powerful.
With her portable ultrasound, she checked baby’s heart rate and position, then gently began. I had done bodywork and prayer beforehand, and I believe those things, plus releasing expectations, made all the difference.
“I prayed a lot and reminded myself that whatever happened was meant to happen.”
And it worked. The ECV was gentle, successful, and deeply emotional.
The Birth Itself
Baby #3 stayed head down and was born at home, in the water, on Labor Day 2024, surrounded by the most incredible team of people. Everything I had hoped for: a peaceful, empowered birth after so much preparation and surrender.
What This Breech Baby Taught Me
I share my story because I want other parents to know they’re not alone. We are taught to fear things that are actually normal variations of birth. There are risks in everything we do, but information and support make all the difference.
As a lactation consultant myself at Joyful Lactation, I truly believe families deserve all the information so they can make the best decision for their circumstances. A knowledgeabledoula can make an enormous difference. She is someone who will listen, hold space, and guide you through the unknown.
Our doula, Maegan Hall, told me about the Coalition for Breech Birth Facebook group, and it became such a gift. I found incredible support there and even made a friend who I messaged with until after my baby was born.
Maegan and I also talked on the phone often during that time. She offered reassurance, ideas, and encouragement when I needed it most. Those conversations helped me stay grounded and hopeful through the uncertainty.
If you’re facing the possibility of birthing a breech baby: 💛 Build your trusted team. 💛 Ask every question. 💛 Find your peace in information and faith.
