Breech Birth
The Webster Technique: a chiropractic technique
with obstetric implications
RA,J Manipulative Physiol Ther
2002;25 (6) 1-9. (also reported in the Webster Breach Technique
study reported in the ICPA newsletter (Nov/Dec 2001).
One hundred
eighty seven members of the International Chiropractic Pediatric
Association (ICPA) were surveyed regarding their use of the
Webster Technique for intrauterine constraint (breech position
which often necessitates cesarean section). One hundred twelve
surveys were accepted for the study and 102 (92%) described
resolution of the breech presentation. The condition remained
unresolved in 10 (9%) of the cases.
Although the sample size was small, the results suggest that
it may be beneficial to perform the Webster Technique in
month 8 of pregnancy, when breech presentation is unlikely
to spontaneously convert to cephalic presentation and when
external cephalic version is not an effective technique.
The
Webster Technique, which can help avoid the costs and/or
risks of cesarean section, should be a part of the health
care management of expectant mothers who are facing the possibility
of a breech presentation.
Analysis and adjustment
for breech presentations. Bagnell L and Gardner-Bagnell K Today’s
Chiropractic March/April 1999. Pp. 54-57
This paper includes
five case studies that demonstrate the effects of chiropractic
on breech presentations of the fetus. Most, but not all, of
the cases were adjusted using the Webster Breech Technique.
Case
#1: A 29-year old female presented at 34 weeks with midwife
confirmed breech presentation. C2 and T5 were adjusted at first
adjustment, “left Logan” at second visit.
One week after first adjustment midwife confirmed a vertex
presentation. Baby born naturally without drugs or medical
intervention of any kind.
Case #2: 30-year-old at 32 weeks gestation
with a midwife confirmed breech presentation. Within two days
midwife confirmed vertex position of fetus. Baby was born naturally.
Case
#3: 36-year-old presented 37 weeks gestation with breech presentation.
MD confirmed a transverse presentation of fetus. One day after
the adjustment the baby turned. Baby was born naturally three
weeks later.
Application of the Webster in-utero constraint
technique: a case series. Kunau, PL. J of Clinical Chiropractic
Pediatrics. 1998:3:211-6
The purpose of this paper is to present
a brief review of the medical versus chiropractic management
of breech presentation and includes a description of the Webster
in-utero constraint technique and the author’s application
of the technique with six pregnancies.
All cases were successfully
treated using the Webster in-utero constraint technique. One
woman had a failed external cephalic version attempt by a medical
doctor.
Five of the deliveries were uncomplicated: one birth
is still pending as of this writing.
From the International
Chiropractic Pediatric Newsletter November/December 1997:
The
Webster In Utero Constraint Technique, by correcting the mothers
subluxations; results in a significant amount of babies turning
in utero and avoiding birth trauma associated with breech births
and C-sections. DCs have formed alliances with midwives, birthing
centers and obstetricians. Presented are two letters from ICPA
members:
We employed the method approximately every day for
a week. (I employed the procedure at 36 weeks of pregnancy).
Subsequently, during the next week on Kathy’s examination,
she was near medical intervention (the doctors were planning
on manual turning), the sonogram demonstrated that the baby
was turned in the proper position. The baby delivered naturally
with no trauma. Matthew Foreman, DC, McKes Rock, PA
A chiropractor’s
wife was referred to me by a midwife who was under the gun
for time. She said that if she did not turn by Monday, she
would have to go for a version. We saw her Wednesday, Thursday
and Saturday. She was clear on Monday. The midwife checked
her the next day and indeed the head was down. We are now six
for six. Dr. Kevin Ross of Tempe, AZ.
Scientific ramifications
for providing pre-natal and neonate chiropractic care. Anrig-Howe
C., The American Chiropractor May/June 1993. pp. 20-23
“The
Webster in-utero constraint turning technique, a chiropractic
procedure, has been shown with high success to clinically correct
or reduce in-utero constraint. Chiropractic pre-natal care
may be the first opportunity to decrease morphogenic changes
caused by extrinsic conditions.”
Copyright 2004 Koren Publications, Inc. & Tedd
Koren, D.C.