I found out at 34 weeks that my baby was breech and a 36 week scan confirmed that. I tried yoga positions, moxibustion and osteopath to move her, and whilst these made me more comfortable she did not turn.

I was very reluctant to have an ECV because of the low quality rate of success and by that point I felt like she was just facing that way “for a reason” sort of thing. But I went to the appointment at 37 weeks and the midwives and doctors put my mind at ease so I went for it. In my experience it was not painful, just uncomfortable. They were happy to take a break when I asked for it and I practiced hypnobirthing breathing to make myself calm. It didn’t work so we went for a c-section.

I had not wanted this initially but after researching I didn’t feel I could calmly go through a natural birth and wasn’t sure the support they offered was enough (they didn’t have any breech specialists). So for me and my husband c-section felt like the best option.

I can honestly say it was one of the most special experiences of my life and I would not hesitate to do it again. My fears about c-section were completely misplaced – seeing my daughter being lifted over the drape within a few minutes of the op being started was so wonderful and still so special I fell in love with her straight away.

The recovery has not been that bad at all, only the first few days were tough and I am now 13 days in and can bend, change her on the floor, can go for walks and am no longer taking pain meds. Scar is healing really well. If you are having one, my advice would be to drink loads of water and eat fruit and veg on the days leading up to the op to aid digestion and not get constipated and get up and walking as soon as you can. Take it easy and get as much help as you can and if this is the path you end up taking I assure you, you won’t feel “guilty” or like you didn’t earn the birth.

It is still a wonderful way to meet your breech baby.

Here is my breech birth story for those that are also having caesareans or may have one unplanned!

My wee boy was born a month ago by unplanned caesarean. He was frank breech from 34 weeks onwards in my pregnancy and wasn’t for turning despite spinning babies and chiropractic treatment. We declined ECV after a good discussion with both midwife and doctor, it was the best decision for our circumstances and personal feelings. We had an elective c-section booked in for the 27th of January and began to prepare for this! However, the wee man decided to pick his own birthday and I went into labour on the 22nd!

Thankfully I finished my work early as I was technically still meant to be working until then I had done lots of preparation and reading on hypobirthing so I used all the breathing techniques during labour and also in the hospital too which made a massive difference. I called first thing on the 22nd and was advised to stay home as the contractions were too far apart but by 10pm I called back as they were much closer and beginning to feel painful.

Once I arrived the midwives calmly assessed me and baby, did another scan to check his position (he hadn’t moved still) and advised caesarean that night was going ahead! So I knew it was coming just not 5 days early! After two hours of being in the hospital I was given a vaginal examation just to check that I wasn’t too far along to not have surgery and would have to given birth vaginally. I was 4cms dilated and they all couldn’t believe how calm and collected I was for being at that stage! I definitely put it down to my hypobirthing so I highly recommend this to anyone! I had also done my research on a vaginal birth and for numerous reasons it wasn’t an option.

The caesarean went ahead and I was able to have all of my requests for a positive calm birth. I had music playing, was able to see him being born, got skin to skin, delayed cord clamping and the midwives got him breastfeeding straightaway too! I was so so pleased as all of this really made a huge difference to my experience of birth and my wee boy has been successfully breastfeeding since. Something I was so worried about!

Recovery from surgery has been slow but good. I’ve been able to go for short walks the last week and my wound is healing really well. It’s so important to keep on top of your pain medication post-surgery as this really makes a difference in your recovery I feel and drink plenty water too! The first after surgery I’ll be honest and say was horrendous!! I don’t have any advice there as I was drinking, eating fibre and taking lactose so just ensure you keep those up!

Overall, it’s been a really positive experience with a few eek moments here and there, but for anyone about to go through it I would say to do your breathing exercises, ask for what you want, don’t be afraid to stick your guns if you need to and look forwards to your beautiful bundle arriving! The pain and stress is more than definitely worth it all My boy’s legs and hips are totally fine despite being breech – I was worried about this too.