Vaginal Breech Birth

Description:

Breech presentation in pregnancy occurs when a baby presents with the buttocks or feet rather than the head first (cephalic presentation) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality for both the mother and the baby. 1 As mentioned in the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologist (RCOG) guideline, breech presentation typically occurs in 3–4% of term deliveries and is more common among preterm births and nulliparous women. Term babies presenting by the breech can have worse outcomes than cephalic presenting babies, irrespective of the mode of delivery. 2 However, by upskilling healthcare providers to identify and manage undiagnosed breech presentations, especially in high caseload, public facilities, it is possible to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality for both mother and baby. Recognising the importance of the above, Aastrika Foundation has developed a workshop on how to support a woman to have a vaginal birth, using the Physiological Breech Birth Algorithm (OptiBreech Algorithm) and relevant manoeuvres.

Target Audience:

ANMs, GNMs, Staff Nurses, Doctors and Students.

Methodologies Employed:

Didactic presentation, demonstration and hands-on training.

Training Outcome:

  1. Increases knowledge about undiagnosed breech presentations and equips healthcare providers to manage a vaginal birth safely.
  2. Teaches healthcare providers on how to communicate actively with the mother when faced with undiagnosed breech presentations.
  3. Reduces possible c-sections owing to identification of breech presentations at term.
  4. Reduces maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality.

Duration:

7 hours or 2 half-days (recommended)

Trainer-Trainee Ratio:

1:5

  1. BMJ Best Practice. Breech presentation. 2024. Available at: https://bestpractice.bmj.com/topics/en-us/668 . Accessed on 23 Dec 2024.[↩]
  2. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Management of Breech Presentation. 2017. Available at: https://www.rcog.org.uk/guidance/browse-all-guidance/green-top-guidelines/management-of-breech-presentation-green-top-guideline-no-20b/ . Accessed on 23 Dec 2024.[↩]