The Ancient Technique That's Helping Breech Babies Turn: Everything You Need to Know About Moxibustion 🌿
Not a lot of people know about this technique!
We have had several moms use it with a breech baby and it's totally worked!! ⭐️
If you're facing a breech presentation and feeling stressed about your options, I want to share something that might give you hope. There's an ancient healing practice called moxibustion that has been helping babies turn head-down for thousands of years, and modern research is backing up what traditional Chinese medicine practitioners have known all along. 💕
Today we're diving deep into this fascinating technique that could potentially help your baby find the optimal position for birth. While it might sound unusual at first, moxibustion is gentle, natural, and surprisingly effective for many families dealing with breech presentation.
What Exactly IS Moxibustion? 🔍
Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique that involves burning mugwort, a small, spongy herb, to stimulate healing and promote health.
The herb is typically dried and processed into a stick or cone shape, which is then burned to produce a warm, penetrating smoke. This isn't just folk medicine - moxibustion has been used for over 3,000 years and is still widely practiced today because of its remarkable effectiveness.
The technique specifically for breech babies involves applying heat to a specific acupuncture point on your feet called BL67 (Zhiyin), which is located near the pinky toe. This point is believed to stimulate uterine activity and encourage fetal movement, potentially helping a breech baby turn to the head-down position.
The Science Behind Moxibustion for Breech Babies 🧠
What does the research actually show?
Multiple studies have found that moxibustion can be effective for encouraging breech babies to turn:
Success rates range from 50-85% in various studies
Most effective when used between 32-37 weeks of pregnancy
Safe and gentle with minimal side effects when done properly
Can be combined with other techniques like acupuncture or positioning exercises
How it works: The heat stimulation is thought to increase fetal activity and strengthen uterine contractions, which may encourage the baby to move into a head-down position. Some researchers believe it works by increasing maternal hormone levels that affect fetal movement.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Use Moxibustion 📋
🏠 PREPARE YOUR SPACE
Arrange an area where the moxi sticks can be elevated on to something so that it can be near your pinky toe (unless you want to just hold it!)
What you'll need:
Moxibustion sticks (available at TCM practitioners or online)
A small stand or holder for the sticks (or you can hold them)
A bowl of dry sand or dirt for extinguishing
Good ventilation (open windows!)
A comfortable chair
🪑 GET COMFORTABLE (Standing or sitting)
Sit in a chair or stand and place your feet directly next to where your elevated sticks are.
Positioning tips:
Choose whatever position feels most comfortable for you
Make sure you can easily reach the acupuncture points
Ensure you'll be comfortable for the full 20 minutes
Have everything within reach before you begin
🔥 LIGHT THE MOXI STICKS
Ignite 1-2 sticks, which will burn like incense. Be aware that the smoke has a strong smell, so you may want to open windows for ventilation.
Important safety notes:
Light the sticks with a lighter or match
They'll burn slowly like incense
The smell is quite strong and distinctive
Good ventilation is essential
Keep water nearby as a precaution
📍 POSITION THE STICKS
Place one moxi stick on an outside of your feet directing the heat to the point just above the pinky toe nail. Repeat on the other side. The heat should be as strong as you can tolerate without burning yourself.
Finding the right spot:
The point (BL67) is located at the outer corner of the pinky toenail
Hold the stick about 1-2 inches away from your skin
You should feel warm, penetrating heat
Move the stick slightly if it gets too hot
Never let the stick touch your skin directly
⏰ DURATION
Leave the sticks in place for 20 minutes.
What to expect during treatment:
You may feel the baby moving more than usual
The heat should be warm and comfortable, not painful
You might notice increased Braxton Hicks contractions
Some women feel very relaxed during the treatment
🧯 EXTINGUISH STICKS
Dip the lit ends in dry sand or dirt to extinguish them.
Safety first:
Never use water to extinguish moxa sticks (they can reignite)
Press firmly into sand or dirt until completely out
Store used sticks safely away from flammable materials
Dispose of them properly once completely cool
When to Use Moxibustion: Timing is Everything ⏰
Start Around 33 Weeks Pregnant
It's best to start around 33 weeks pregnant. It can be done daily each night before bed until baby is in proper head down position.
Why 33 weeks?
Baby still has room to move and turn
Early enough to try multiple techniques if needed
Late enough that baby is likely to stay head-down once turned
Gives you time before your provider suggests other interventions
Daily Treatment Protocol
Frequency: Once daily, preferably in the evening
Duration: 20 minutes per session
Consistency: Continue until baby turns or you reach term
Timing: Many women prefer evening treatments as babies tend to be more active then
What to Expect: Results and Baby's Response 👶
🌟 RESULTS & NEXT STEPS
You may notice the baby kick and move during the treatment, and this movement may continue after you go to bed.
Immediate effects you might notice:
Increased fetal movement during treatment
Baby seems more active for hours after treatment
More noticeable Braxton Hicks contractions
A feeling of warmth in your abdomen
Baby feeling "different" in position
Repeat this process daily before bed until the baby turns itself.
Continue to monitor the baby's position and adjust your treatment. Always discuss this option with your provider first.
Safety Considerations and Who Should Avoid This 🛡️
Always Consult Your Healthcare Provider
Before starting moxibustion, discuss it with:
Your OB/GYN or midwife
Any high-risk pregnancy specialists
Your acupuncturist (if you have one)
Who Should Avoid Moxibustion
Women with certain high-risk pregnancy conditions
Those with a history of preterm labor
Anyone with placental complications
Women with severe pregnancy complications
Those allergic to mugwort or smoke
When to Stop Treatment
If you experience any concerning symptoms
If your baby turns head-down (success!)
If your provider recommends stopping
If you develop any adverse reactions
Combining Moxibustion with Other Techniques 🤝
Moxibustion works well alongside other methods for encouraging breech babies to turn:
Positioning Exercises
Breech tilt: Lying with hips elevated
Knee-chest position: On hands and knees with chest down
Swimming: The weightlessness can encourage movement
Inversions: Carefully done with support
Acupuncture
Many acupuncturists combine moxibustion with needle acupuncture
Can be more effective than moxibustion alone
Requires professional treatment
External Cephalic Version (ECV)
Medical procedure to manually turn the baby
Moxibustion may make ECV more successful
Can be done before attempting ECV
Music and Light
Playing music or shining light low on your belly
Some babies respond to these stimuli
Can be combined with moxibustion sessions
What to Do if Your Baby Turns 🎉
Success! Now what?
Confirm the Position
Have your provider confirm baby has turned
Sometimes babies can turn back
Schedule an ultrasound if needed
Maintain the Position
Continue with positioning exercises
Avoid positions that might encourage baby to flip back
Stay active but avoid extreme inversions
Celebrate Wisely
Be excited but cautious - babies can sometimes turn back
Continue monitoring until delivery
Prepare for the vaginal birth you're now more likely to have
If Moxibustion Doesn't Work 💙
Not every baby responds to moxibustion, and that's okay.
Other Options to Consider
Professional acupuncture treatment
Chiropractic care (Webster technique)
External cephalic version (ECV)
Hypnosis or visualization techniques
Preparing for Breech Birth
Some providers are skilled in vaginal breech delivery
Planned cesarean may be recommended
Both can result in healthy babies and positive experiences
Remember
You've tried a safe, natural approach
Every baby's position story is different
Your baby might have a good reason for staying breech
You're not a failure if your baby doesn't turn
Finding Quality Moxibustion Supplies 🛒
Where to Get Moxa Sticks
Licensed acupuncturists or TCM practitioners
Reputable online retailers
Some health food stores
Traditional Chinese medicine shops
What to Look For
High-quality mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Smokeless options if you're sensitive to smoke
Proper packaging and storage
Clear instructions for use
Cost Considerations
Moxa sticks are relatively inexpensive
Much less costly than medical interventions
A small investment for potentially big benefits
Working with Healthcare Providers 👩⚕️
Having the Conversation
How to discuss moxibustion with your provider:
Bring research studies showing its safety and effectiveness
Explain that it's a gentle, non-invasive technique
Ask about their experience with patients using moxibustion
Discuss how it fits into your overall birth plan
Finding Supportive Providers
Some providers are more open to complementary therapies
Midwives often have experience with natural approaches
Integrative medicine doctors may be knowledgeable
Ask for referrals to supportive practitioners
Success Stories from Real Families 💕
We've had several moms use moxibustion with amazing results:
Babies turning after just a few sessions
Combined with positioning exercises for success
Used alongside acupuncture for enhanced effectiveness
Helped avoid planned cesareans for breech presentation
Common themes in success stories:
Consistency with daily treatments
Starting around 33-34 weeks
Combining with other gentle techniques
Having supportive healthcare providers
The Emotional Side of Breech Presentation 💭
Dealing with a breech baby can bring up lots of emotions:
Common Feelings
Disappointment about birth plan changes
Anxiety about potential cesarean
Feeling like your body isn't "working right"
Pressure to try everything to get baby to turn
Healthy Perspectives
Breech presentation is a variation of normal
Your body isn't broken or failing
Some babies have good reasons for staying breech
You have options and choices
Finding Peace
Try gentle techniques like moxibustion without pressure
Focus on what you can control
Trust that your baby knows what they're doing
Prepare for multiple possible outcomes
Preparing for Your Moxibustion Journey 📅
Before You Start
Get clearance from your healthcare provider
Purchase quality moxa sticks and supplies
Set up a comfortable, well-ventilated space
Learn the proper technique (consider seeing an acupuncturist first)
Creating Your Routine
Choose a consistent time each day
Make it a relaxing ritual
Play calming music or practice deep breathing
Use the time to connect with your baby
Tracking Progress
Note your baby's position at each appointment
Keep track of increased movement patterns
Document any changes you notice
Share observations with your provider
The Bottom Line 🌟
Moxibustion offers hope for families dealing with breech presentation. While it doesn't work for every baby, it's a safe, gentle, and often effective technique that's been helping women for thousands of years.
The beauty of moxibustion is that it:
Works with your body's natural processes
Has minimal side effects when done properly
Can be done in the comfort of your own home
Gives you an active role in encouraging your baby to turn
Whether your baby turns or not, you'll know you tried a safe, natural approach. And sometimes, that peace of mind is just as valuable as the technique itself.
Remember: Every baby's journey is different, and your baby's position doesn't define your worth as a mother or the quality of your birth experience. Trust your body, trust your baby, and know that however your little one arrives earthside, they'll be perfect. 💕
Curious about natural approaches to common pregnancy challenges? Our HypnoBirthing classes at Happy Birthing AZ cover various comfort measures and natural techniques to support your pregnancy and birth journey. Because every family deserves to explore all their safe, gentle options for the healthiest possible pregnancy and birth. 🌵