Unexpected breech: what can midwives do?

Abstract

Approximately 1:100-150 women at term experience diagnosis of breech presentation for the first time in labour (Walker 2013). Such an unanticipated discovery is stressful for both women and the healthcare professionals who care for them. Undiagnosed breech experiences can leave midwives and women elated, distressed or disempowered. This article suggests practical ways midwifery change leaders can improve care for undiagnosed breeches within organisations: plan or scan antenatally, and identify a multi-disciplinary breech leadership team for support, reflection and collaborative professional development.