Flipping a Breech Baby Naturally: Spinning Babies® Techniques That Work

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Introduction

Discovering that your baby is in a breech position can feel overwhelming, but rest assured that many babies flip head-down naturally with a little encouragement. One popular and effective approach is Spinning Babies®, a set of techniques designed to help align your baby and encourage optimal fetal positioning. In this post, we’ll dive into how these techniques can help turn a breech baby naturally, the science behind them, and tips for incorporating them safely into your routine.  


What Is a Breech Baby?

A baby is considered breech when their bottom or feet are positioned to be delivered first rather than their head. While breech positioning is common earlier in pregnancy, most babies turn head-down (vertex position) by 36 weeks. If your baby remains breech, exploring natural options like Spinning Babies® can make a difference. Always  consult your physician to be sure that these techniques will be safe for your pregnancy.


How Spinning Babies® Works

Spinning Babies® focuses on creating balance in your body, particularly your pelvic ligaments and uterine muscles. The techniques encourage a “roomier” environment in the womb, giving your baby the space and opportunity to rotate into the head-down position.


Four Ways to Turn a Breech Baby


1. Forward-Leaning Inversion (FLI)

This move helps untwist uterine ligaments and makes more space in the lower uterus.  

How to do it:

  - Kneel on a stable surface like a couch.  

  - Slowly lower your hands to the floor, keeping your hips higher than your head.  

  - Hold this position for 30 seconds to 1 minute and return upright carefully.  


2. Side-Lying Release (SLR)

The Side-Lying Release helps relax tight pelvic ligaments, which might be restricting your baby’s movement.  

How to do it:

  - Lie on one side with your top leg bent at a 90-degree angle over the edge of a couch or bed.  

  - Have a partner stabilize your hips to ensure you don’t twist.  

  - Hold the stretch for 3 minutes on each side.  


 3. Rebozo Sifting 

This traditional Mexican practice uses a shawl or long piece of fabric to gently jiggle your hips.  

How to do it:

  - Lie on your back with your knees bent.  

  - Have a partner wrap the rebozo around your hips and lift slightly.  

  - Gently shake your hips side to side for 1-2 minutes.  


 4. Pelvic Tilts

Also known as the “bridge pose,” pelvic tilts help your baby move out of the pelvis and create room for repositioning.  

How to do it:

  - Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat.  

  - Lift your hips into a bridge and hold for 5-10 seconds.  

  - Repeat 5-10 times.


When to Try These Techniques 

The ideal time to begin Spinning Babies® techniques is around 30-34 weeks. If your baby is still breech after 36 weeks, consider consulting your healthcare provider about additional options, like an External Cephalic Version (ECV). Always practice these movements under the guidance of a trained professional to ensure safety.


 Final Thoughts

Flipping a breech baby naturally requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to explore body alignment techniques like those from Spinning Babies®. These gentle, evidence-based practices empower you to work with your baby and body for an optimal birth outcome.  


Need more guidance? Check out Spinning Babies for tutorials on these specific techniques. There are a lot of great FREE youtube videos, and paid courses as well. 

Have questions about breech positioning or natural birth techniques? Join us for “Ask a Doula Live Q&A” on Facebook every first Thursday of the month! Let’s work together to achieve your birth goals.

Interested in a Doula to support you with more information or during your pregnancy and labor? Head over to my Intro Page to see all the Birth Doula services I offer. I'd love to help you with any of the techniques listed above or refer you to a Webster Certified Chiro!

This web site is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute providing medical advice or professional services.

#BreechBaby #SpinningBabies #NaturalBirth #DoulaSupport #PregnancyTips #BirthPositioning #PelvicAlignment #PregnancyJourney

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