AMENA WELLNESS – TWEED HEADS

Increase your birthing options

At Amena Wellness Clinic, we have a reputation of performing moxa acupuncture for breech babies from 33 weeks and up to 37 weeks, 38 weeks or 39 weeks in Tweed Heads and surrounding areas. For a normal birth, the baby should have his head in a downward position by the 8th month. However, this is not always the case and sometimes may need some intervention. About 4% of babies are in a breech position at 37 weeks. A baby in breech position leads to limited options on giving birth, and most women end up having a caesarean. There are various techniques that can be used to encourage the baby to move in a cephalic presentation. Moxibustion, when combined with acupuncture, can increase the chances of turning a breech baby.

What is Moxibustion?

Moxibustion involves the use of a traditional dried Chinese herb called Mugwort. The herb is used in many forms including charcoal, placed on top of needles, rolled into moxa cigars or burnt in a stick close to the skin. At Amena Wellness Clinic we choose to use the charcoal variety as its more polite and doesn’t smoke like the raw herb. This non-invasive process has been used for over 1,000 years and has a good safety record.

How Does Moxibustion Work?

Point UB67 at the outer edge of the last toe is the acupuncture point that is targeted as it’s the most dynamic in activating the uterus. Using moxibustion stimulates heat receptors on the skin of the toe. This, in turn, stimulates the release of two pregnancy hormones; prostaglandins and placental oestrogen. The hormones cause uterine contraction that causes increased foetal activity. This makes it possible for the baby to move around and get in a head-down position.

When To Start Moxa Acupuncture for Breech Babies

We always advise you to contact us as soon as you find out your baby is in a breech position. This way, our acupuncturist can take you through the process and discuss the best course of action to suit your particular situation. The best time to start treatment is from 33 weeks and before 37 weeks since the chances of success decrease as the baby gets larger leaving no room for activity. However, Chinese medicine moxibustion therapy can turn breech baby as late as 39 weeks.

What the Treatment Involves

After the initial consultation, we perform acupuncture combined with moxibustion. This involves needling certain points and using charcoal moxa over designated acupuncture points. To enhance the treatment, we teach you how you can use moxa at home to continue the treatment and give you moxa sticks. We also advise on several postures that you can incorporate to give the baby more room to move into the optimal position. The treatment is recommended until the baby has moved into the optimal position.

What to Expect After Treatment

During and after the treatment, you will feel the baby’s movement increase. The baby then continues to be progressively active until the right position is attained. You will also feel relaxed and an overall sense of wellbeing. This treatment may not work all the time for a number of reasons. However, many women have had success, and it’s worth a trial.

Precautions

Using moxa acupuncture for breech babies from 33 weeks and up to 39 weeks is a safe and effective treatment. However, it should not be used in case of pregnancy complications, vaginal bleeding, a low-lying placenta or some medical conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

You and baby are in safe hands

Doctor Amena is passionate about helping you achieve a safe & calm delivery of your baby. Contact Amena Wellness Clinic for expert advice on moxa acupuncture for breech babies from 33 weeks and up to 39 weeks in Tweed Heads and all your pregnancy concerns.