Community Chat

[Yardlie]

When I was born, I was a breech baby (butt first). No problems. My children were all normal births. My grand niece was born breech 5 months ago. She has had to wear some contraption or brace since she was about 3 months old. My SIL told me it was for preventive reasons. She just accepted it and didn't ask many questions. Now, my little niece will be going into a more sturdy type of brace. I read online that hip dysplasia is possible after breech births. Anyone ever hear of this? Thanks!

[violann]

I haven't heard this specifically, but from what I hear, the question of hip stability is diagnosd more carefully now than in the past. 

It's easier for all concernd to diagnose and treat earlier than later.

Hope thataby grows strong and tall!

[Havarti]

I thought they generally tried to turn most breech babies before delivery (some determined babies keep turning back around again). That is not to say there are no breech births anymore, but it was my understanding the goal was to get that baby turned internally and pointed in the right direction for the best possible outcome when ever possible.

Wishing all the best for your sweet grand niece.

[Roni18]

I was delivered by ceasarian due to being breech.  I didn't know they still tried to do normal deliveries if the baby was breech.  I did read that breech births can cause problems to a baby's hip socket, so that may be the reason for the brace.  

[Beansey]

@Yardlie@Yes I know about this. My daughter was breech ( butt first) and because she was the doctor performed a Csection. As soon as she was delivered, the doctored told me about hip dysplasia and told me she needed a "brace". Well, this actually was more like a pillow that was placed between her legs. We also did leg exercises with her. She didn't wear it too long. I do remember how concerned we were as the doctors told me we might not know if there was a problem until she walked. Thankfully there was not one. 

[Shelbelle]

I was a breech birth back in 1952, no problems. but in recent times I think they usually just recommend a C section.

[pattypeep]

In this day and age it seems that the Dr.s perform quite a few c-sections. Not sure about the breech as to the reasoning; however, my first child was breech (butt first) and was delivered by c-section in 1968. They didn't do ultrasounds back then and as I approached the delivery date with no hint of my daughter turning, my Dr. did an xray and said I was too small to deliver a baby breech and scheduled the C. She weighed almost nine pounds and there was never an issue with her hips or joints.

[Yardlie]

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@Beansey wrote:

@Yardlie@Yes I know about this. My daughter was breech ( butt first) and because she was the doctor performed a Csection. As soon as she was delivered, the doctored told me about hip dysplasia and told me she needed a "brace". Well, this actually was more like a pillow that was placed between her legs. We also did leg exercises with her. She didn't wear it too long. I do remember how concerned we were as the doctors told me we might not know if there was a problem until she walked. Thankfully there was not one. 

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@Beansey... Hi! Glad your daughter is doing well. Actually, the brace that my niece has is kind of a harness that goes over her shoulders and extends down around her legs. I've only seen pictures of it. My SIL told me that all breech babies go into these things these days. Apparently, the doctor is not satisfied with it, so now she will be going into a "harder" brace of some sort. That is all my SIL told me. She just doesn't think to ask more detailed questions. My niece was delivered by C-section also. I guess it's better to treat things when they are young than let things get out of hand as they grow. Thanks for your input!

[Poodlepet2]

Not every breech needs a C-section.  If the baby is in distress or mom's pelvic outlet is not wide enough, then C-section is done.

I don't have any data on this, but birth injury can occur even if the baby is head first.  Shoulder dislocations, broken collar bones etc: that doesn't necessarily mean that somebody did something wrong-it happens.

Finally, it depends on how the baby is laying as to whether or not it can be turned.  Turning is not uncomplicated at all-it does have a risk. I think obstetricians are being more careful than ever-as are the nurse midwives.

Poodlepet2

[Beansey]

@Yardlie  The brace sounds much like the one I remember. It had long straps and we called it her "parachute ".  I am sure your grand niece will be just fine but you do worry with these little precious ones.  Enjoy being a grand aunt!