The breech presentation in its various forms can create a stressful scenario for a mother. This suboptimal positioning of an unborn baby is a common reason for moms to seek the care of a prenatal chiropractor. Historically babies have been born feet first and otherwise in natural birth settings without considering medical intervention, but medical standards have changed. Often a mother’s hopes of having a natural childbirth are dashed early on, without awareness of her options. Others will go to great lengths to find a way to help their baby find the head down position,

Many doctors who deliver babies recommend scheduled C-sections as standard protocol for breech births as the predicted due date approaches. Other childbirth professionals recommend procedures as simple as a slant board, acupuncture, moxabustion, homeopathy and various forms of exercises, hoping for a change. A more invasive procedure performed as a manual medical procedure is a external cephalic version.  More than ever, moms are referred first for prenatal chiropractic because they have heard that Webster Technique can turn babies.

What is Webster? According to the ICPA, The Webster Technique is a specific chiropractic analysis and adjustment that reduces interference to the nerve system and balances maternal pelvic muscles and ligaments. This optimizes uterine function and allows for a safer, easier birth.  Chiropractors are careful to avoid describing Webster as a breech turning technique, which would suggest the practice of obstetrics. However, research including a study in the Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health suggests that breech babies may turn into the head down position as much as 70% of the time when moms receive chiropractic adjustments in the form of Webster Technique.

Prenatal chiropractors promote the following as the basics for moms considering Webster Technique:

1) Chiropractic is safe and effective for mothers in all stages of pregnancy, regardless of symptoms.

2) Chiropractors do not turn babies.

3) If breech babies are meant to turn head down, chiropractic adjustments will support their ability to do so, all by themselves.

​​​​​​​4) Webster technique reduces the constraint within the uterus, allowing greater ease of movement for the baby.

​​​​​​​5) Chiropractic care can provide outstanding health benefits for both mother and child, regardless of the technique applied.

​​​​​​​6) Webster Technique can be applied throughout pregnancy, even after breech babies turn​​​​​​​.

​​​​​​​7) Babies turning from a breech position are more likely to do so if moms receive chiropractic care in earlier stages of pregnancy.

8) Moms can be adjusted during labor to support a balanced nervous system.

​​​​​​​9) Moms should receive chiropractic care for months after birth as supportive care during recovery.

​​​​​​​10) All newborn babies should be checked by a pediatric certified chiropractor within the first week of life.

For more information from a doctor certified in Webster Technique, call the Pure Balance centers at (212)661-5656 in the Murray Hill neighborhood in Midtown Manhattan or (973)773-8244 in Clifton, New Jersey. 

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek professional advice from your physician or other qualified health provider if you have any questions about a medical condition.