Your baby’s position matters, but you still have time. If you’ve been told your baby is breech or transverse, you might be feeling a mix of worry, frustration, and urgency. Doctors often discuss C-sections as the primary solution for breech presentation, but before you resign yourself to surgery, know this: There is still time for your baby to turn naturally. One of the most gentle, effective, and non-invasive methods for encouraging optimal fetal positioning is Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), using acupuncture and moxibustion. Let’s dive into how it works.
Why Do Some Babies Stay in the Breech Position?
By 32 weeks of pregnancy, most babies begin shifting into a head-down position, preparing for birth. But sometimes, a baby doesn’t turn due to:
- Pelvic Tension & Misalignment – Tight muscles or imbalanced ligaments can make it difficult for the baby to rotate.
- Stress & Nervous System Overactivity – High stress levels can lead to uterine tension, making movement more restricted.
- Lack of Optimal Space in the Uterus – Previous pregnancies, fibroids, or a short umbilical cord can play a role.
- Decreased amniotic fluid – If this is the case and you aren’t in a medical emergency we nourish fluids first in your body before we try and turn a baby.
The good news? Acupuncture and moxibustion create an environment where turning becomes easier and more likely.
How Acupuncture & Moxibustion Help Turn a Breech Baby
- Acupuncture Improves Uterine Tone & Pelvic Balance → Creating space for baby to move.
- Moxibustion Increases Fetal Activity & Movement → Helping babies initiate their own natural rotation.
- Enhances Blood Flow to the Womb → Encouraging relaxation and reducing tension.
The key acupuncture point used in this treatment? BL-67 (Zhiyin), located on the outer corner of the little toe, is directly linked to fetal positioning. By stimulating BL-67 with heat (moxibustion), fetal movement dramatically increases, making it more likely the baby will reposition into a head-down presentation.
What to Expect from a Breech Baby Turning Session
When to Begin: Ideally, 31-36 weeks, when baby still has room to turn is best if possible.Babies can turn up until the moment of birth though.
Session Duration: 60-90 minutes, including hands-on guidance for at-home moxibustion.
What Happens During the Session?
- Acupuncture treatment to release pelvic tension.
- Moxibustion application to activate fetal movement.
- Personalized instruction so you can continue the process at home for 10 days.
Most women need only one session, followed by daily at-home moxibustion. If baby hasn’t turned after 10 days, a follow-up session is recommended.
Does Moxibustion & Acupuncture Really Work?
“I was 34 weeks and my baby was still breech. After one acupuncture session and a week of moxibustion, my baby finally flipped! I avoided a C-section and had the birth I wanted.”
Studies show that moxibustion for breech presentation has a success rate of 84% when performed between 32-36 weeks. This natural method has been used for centuries—and continues to be one of the most effective non-invasive approaches to breech turning today.
Is This Right for You?
- You are between 31-36 weeks with a breech or transverse baby.
- You prefer a natural approach before considering a medical intervention.
- You want to avoid a scheduled C-section if possible.
If your baby is breech, there is still time. Book your Breech Baby Turning session today and give your baby the space to move naturally.