08/07/2024
I have worked in a few hospitals in OB before becoming a midwife. I was taught many things, most of them good, correct. But I found out this spring, that for breech babies, I was taught the incorrect way to help with a breech birth. I am absolutely amazed that the doctors I worked with in Labor and Delivery, did not know the correct way to help with a vaginal breech birth. I am by no way elevating doctors to a all knowing god status, but naively assumed their schooling would teach them the stuff needed to be successful in all types of deliveries! I find it sad that they did not receive the correct training with breech. I saw horrible outcomes in the hospital with breech and now I understand what I saw (which many traumatized me) was incorrect actions on the part of the doctor. I am not saying that to accuse, no, in fact I am frustrated with the educational system! I understand that we as a society should continue to learn and grow, and that will include learning new and better ways to do things.
This spring, I helped host the educational class on Breech with Dr. Stu. I learned so much. I am not saying that I will begin doing breech births all of the time. I will admit that I am less afraid of them. Most all of the breech births I have personally attended, more than half of them, have been surprise breeches. Last minute where the baby has turned and the mother shows up to the birth center with a breech baby coming. You have to help and do the birth. When that happens the correct skills can mean a difference.
I am so happy that I attended this class and I will plan to host his class every two years now. Just like the B.E. S. T. trainings! So worth my money and time. I encourage each midwife, nurse, doctor to take this class. (yes we did have two doctors attend the class with us, I love that!)
