What is the Breech Tilt?
The Breech Tilt is a widely-known inversion technique to help a breech baby flip to a head-down position. The Breech Tilt is not invasive.
The Breech Tilt position is for creating the best angle to back a breech baby out of the pelvis and allow the baby to flip. Hanging out in this position may also help the baby tuck the chin as the head presses into the top of the uterus.
Why do the Breech Tilt?
To encourage flexion and to prevent engagement of the breech presenting baby. A study was done that showed improved rates of baby flipping compared to not doing any type of inversion.
How to do the Breech Tilt
Get a broad, sturdy plank of wood, such as a shelf or an ironing board. Prop it at an angle against a couch or chair, so that the high end is roughly 15-21 inches above the floor. A few pillows stuffed around the base will help prevent any tipping.
Now lie on your back on the board with your head down and feet resting on either side of the board on the couch. Put another pillow under your neck for extra support.
Remain on the board for up to 20 minutes. Do this 1-3 times a day, in addition to other techniques during that time.
How does it work?
The Breech Tilt works on two Spinning Babies® Principles℠: Balance and Gravity.
Balance: The womb hangs from cervical ligaments which stretches the ligaments slightly. When you get up, the ligaments relax. With repetitions, this helps the lower uterine segment become more balanced.
Gravity: Gravity moves the baby onto his or her head. The weight of the baby’s body now bends the neck to help the chin tuck into the baby’s chest (flexion). Tucking the chin helps the baby flip in the same way that it does a gymnast.
Also, the hips are encouraged to either come out or stay out of the pelvis. After the chin tucks, the baby is ready to move the head down, assuming there is room to get the head to swing down and there is enough room in the lower uterine segment to receive the head.
When should you do it?
If you are told your baby is breech, you can start as early as 30-32 weeks and continue until you know that your baby is head down. Some doctors suggest starting later because most babies eventually flip on their own.
When should you not do it?
If your baby is head down already or posterior, don’t do this exercise. Ask your doctor if there is any medical reason not to do a Breech Tilt for your breech baby after 30 weeks.
Before the Breech Tilt
Before doing the Breech Tilt, I suggest doing the Forward-leaning Inversion for 30 seconds first.
I also recommend Moxibustion, Rebozo Sifting, chiropractic work, and other balancing activities.
After the Breech Tilt
If this doesn’t work, please get professional assessment and help for aligning and balancing the pelvis.
For more information, you can read about babies in a Breech position. There I explain what I think causes breech babies, who’s doing vaginal breech births, and what the risks might be for breech.
Are there any good alternatives?
In the UK and Australia, women are encouraged to do the Open-knee-Chest position for 10 minutes, 3 times a day to help their breech baby turn head down.
