This Side Up: Turning Breech Babies with Music

The process of childbirth is fraught with risks, encouraging expecting mothers to be wary of both their condition and their babies’. One of the most dangerous things that can happen is if the child assumes a breech position. In a breech position, the baby’s buttocks and/or feet are facing the pelvis of the mother, and giving birth to a breech infant can pose significant risks to the child.

Breech babies are in danger of injuries – even fatal ones – if they undergo vaginal delivery. Oxygen deprivation due to the cord collapsing or being compressed for a prolonged time can cause permanent damage to the child’s brain, or death. The rapid passage of the head through the mother’s pelvis can also cause serious injuries to the brain due to the sudden compression and decompression that occur. Typically, mothers with breech babies have the choice of delivering their child via Caesarean section to avoid the complications. However, some mothers employ a safer alternative just before term: using music.

By playing music directly at a mother’s pubic bone area, the infant will be drawn to the sound and would try to position himself toward it. Some women reportedly say that this method is very effective. In addition, playing music for a child still within the womb can also help in the development of the infant. Childbirth is risky, yet women shouldn’t feel too intimidated as there are alternative ways to help the process go smoothly, such as the use of music.