Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Natural Solutions for Breech Position in Babies
Understanding Breech Position in Babies
What Does Breech Mean?
A baby presenting in the breech position means the baby's feet or little tush are positioned to come out first, instead of the head, during the third trimester. This positioning can make birth more challenging and comes with higher risks for both mom and baby.
What Causes Breech Positioning?
The exact reasons why some babies present in the breech position aren't fully understood. However, it is more common in cases involving multiple babies, an abnormally shaped uterus, or preterm births.
What is Moxibustion?
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves burning an herb called mugwort, or moxa for short, to promote healing. In the context of breech babies, moxibustion is used to stimulate the turning of the baby. The herb is burned near the skin or acupuncture points to increase circulation, warm the body, and nourish Qi and blood. It can also alleviate pain and treat stagnation. This treatment is especially beneficial for women’s health and prenatal care.
Does Moxibustion Actually Help Turn Breech Babies?
Yes, moxibustion can be effective in turning breech babies. For this purpose, moxa is applied to the acupuncture point BL-67 (Zhiyin), located on the outside corner of the pinkie toe. This point falls on the Bladder Channel and has been shown to help turn the fetus. The moxa is applied using a moxa stick or a small cone-shaped ball of moxa and can be done in the office or taken home to be performed by mama or a partner. Therapy typically starts around weeks 32-34, though there have been cases of babies turning as late as week 37. Early intervention is crucial because the bigger the baby gets the less room there is for them to make the turn.
How Does Moxibustion Turn the Baby?
The heat from moxibustion stimulates prostaglandin receptors, causing very mild contractions similar to Braxton Hicks contractions. These gentle contractions encourage the baby to turn head-down. This method has about a 60% success rate, making it a popular recommendation even among OB-GYNs for breech presentation.
What’s Next?
Moxibustion is a safe and very accessible treatment that can be performed at home, but it's essential to do so under the guidance of a licensed acupuncturist. It is important to have the proper instruction to avoid injury and be sure the treatment is appropriate. If this might be something you are interested in reach out to a licensed acupuncturist for more details and personalized guidance.