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Birthing Series Part One: Turning a Breech Baby

Joette Calabrese, HMC, PHom M

May 21st, 2017  |  59 Comments

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Breach Baby

It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.

Hmmmm … I think that line’s already taken, so, let me be more specific.

Giving birth can be both the most magical time and the most stressful time of a woman’s life. Our bodies are changing by the moment, and any little out-of-the-ordinary pain or seeming delay can send even the most stoic amongst us into a tailspin of worry.

But there are women who came before us. Some women serve as emotional or educational support to enlighten us as to what to expect as we approach delivery.

But some women have taken it one step further by being pioneers in the medical field who have made delivery easier.

One such woman was Dr. Mercy B. Jackson (1802-1877). We touched on her contributions in our Mother’s Day tribute to a few stand-out women of homeopathy. Having given birth to 11 children, Dr. Jackson was understandably drawn toward a specialty in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

One of her greatest contributions was discovering that Pulsatilla can be used to turn breech babies in the womb and to speed labor.

Without this discovery, many women would have been subjected to unnecessary surgery in the delivery room. I’ve personally witnessed this phenomenon and can attest to its efficacy.

Pulsatilla is a uniquely feminine medicine. As such, it can help with so many physical issues that arise during pregnancy, such as bladder infections and indigestion.

It can also be extremely useful during periods of extreme emotion, especially weepiness (or what I like to call, feeling like “emotional mush.”) It can also help prevent a delayed labor.

If taken daily for the last month in an otherwise uneventful pregnancy, it sets the mother up so that when the time comes, her labor won’t lag.

But one of its most amazing uses (as Dr. Jackson discovered) comes into play when the baby is breech. I have no better example to share than that of one of my staff members, so here is Carrie’s story in her own words:

Two years ago, I was preparing to give birth to my third baby.

Having no need for interventions with my two previous homebirths, I proceeded to plan my third homebirth with the same midwife.

In the last month, I started to prepare for the birth: I purchased my birthing tub, attended hypnobirthing classes, and ordered any remedies I may need for the birth process — all in advance.

But at week 35, my midwife discovered that my baby was breech.

This threw my plans for a loop, as I was informed that unless the baby turned, I would not be able to birth at home.

I have always been a “good student” and immediately dedicated myself to the baby-turning methods described on Spinningbabies.com. I inverted myself daily, on an ironing board.

But the only thing that was spinning was my head!

After a week of practice, the baby still did not turn. I was getting anxious. That’s when I got the recommendation from Joette.

Alright midwives and expectant parents, get your pencils ready for this one: Pulsatilla 200, twice daily.

That’s it.

You mean I don’t have to put myself through any uncomfortable positions or exercises?

Nope!

This is what I realize time and again about homeopathy: It is just so easy.

And as for my third baby? I got to deliver him at home in my birth pool, just as planned. In fact, I’m pretty sure I felt him start to move into the correct position after taking my second dose of Pulsatilla.

Certainly, a good reason to keep Pulsatilla on hand during pregnancy.

If you are a midwife or expectant parent, be sure you stay tuned for our next two birth-related blogs.

The next blog will cover what I call the “premier” birth remedy. It’s the remedy you’ll want to be sure you have in several potencies for labor.

Should you be interested in learning more about the unique role homeopathy plays in the life of girls and women, and how to make health corrections with my simple practical homeopathy, consider my online course “Feminopathy.”

We owe it to ourselves (and to the family and friends who depend on us) to take care of and protect our bodies.

This is Practical Homeopathy® proven, reproducible, effective protocols specific to women’s special health issues. Click here to learn more.

 

 

I am a homeopath with a worldwide practice working with families and individuals via Zoom. I'm also a teacher and most importantly, a mom who raised my now-adult children depending on homeopathy over the last 31 years. I lived decades of my life with food intolerances, allergies, and chemical sensitivities until I was cured with homeopathy, so I understand pain, anxiety, and suffering. You may feel that your issues are more severe or different than anyone else’s, but I have seen it all in my practice and in my work in India. My opinion is that nothing has come close to the reproducible, safe and effective results that my clients, students and I have achieved with homeopathy.

Call today and learn how homeopathy might just be the missing piece in your health strategy.


Joette is not a physician and the relationship between Joette and her clients is not of prescriber and patient, but as educator and client. It is fully the client's choice whether or not to take advantage of the information Joette presents. Homeopathy doesn't "treat" an illness; it addresses the entire person as a matter of wholeness that is an educational process, not a medical one. Joette believes that the advice and diagnosis of a physician is often in order.


We've provided links for your convenience but we do not receive any remuneration nor affiliation in payment from your purchase.


The Author disclaims all liability for any loss or risk, personal or otherwise incurred as a consequence of use of any material in this article. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.



 

59 thoughts on “Birthing Series Part One: Turning a Breech Baby”

  1. Cindy says:

    I, too, used pulsatilla at 36 weeks for my fourth child who was breech. It worked! This was 29 years ago.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Happy birthday to your 29 year old!

  2. Marisa says:

    Thank you Joette for your generosity and dedication your work is changing so many lives.

  3. Shelia says:

    Great series! I’m due in 4 weeks. Will the other posts be out in that time?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Hold on! The next one will be next Sunday night.

  4. Susanne says:

    Also worked for me exactly 32 years ago in Australia. My third baby was a shoulder presentation after two normal deliveries. Baby declined to turn when attempted manually by midwife and doctor. I was a bit sceptical (science + nursing background) when my lovely homebirth midwife gave me a dose of Pulsatilla 30c but we watched/felt as baby turned almost immediately. Within a few days she was back in shoulder presentation but turned with a second dose. Remained head down. She was a posterior presentation which made for a painful labour but at least I was able to have a normal delivery at home instead of a caesarian section thanks to my midwife’s homeopathic training and knowledge! I have been using homeopathy ever since. And have never stopped learning.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      What a great story. Thanks for sharing.

  5. Laurie says:

    Are you saying that a pregnant woman can use Pulsatilla daily for the last month and would that be 200C potency? Thank you for this info! My daughter is due in 10 days and I have set her up homeopathically so she may have a great recovery! She is having a homebirth

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I like Pulsatilla 200 in the last month of pregnancy even if the baby is good position, but the Banerji Protocol is to use it every other day. There are others that are good to have on hand before during and after that you may or may not know about.

  6. Cindy Morrow says:

    Joetta, the Feminopathy course looks amazing: I am a homebirth midwife in Georgia, USA. It doesn’t say, but does it provide CEUs?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      There is no outside certification available at this time.

    2. Jessica says:

      I’m 33 weeks and baby has turned transverse, would pulsatilla work for a transverse baby? Is it too early to take it? I tend to have large babies and worry she’ll get stuck like this and don’t want another cesarean.
      Thanks

      1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

        I’m not able to give you personal advice on this forum. Read the post carefully and I’m sure you’ll find what you’re looking for.

  7. kidsncows says:

    The Pulsatilla card says 1 dose of 200C every other day (which you noted above is the Banerji protocol). Your article states 200C twice daily. Would you use the Banerji when everything looks good, and the twice daily if you know you have a breech presentation?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      yes.

  8. Kati says:

    Would you use this in conjunction with the Caulophyllum 6x mentioned in your Baby Grande CD, or just pick one?

    1. Kati says:

      I should have clarified: This is my 3rd pregnancy. My due date was May 15th. Everything is normal; baby is in good position. I have been taking the Caulophyllum as you suggest in Baby Grande. I’m wondering if adding Pulsatilla is a good idea, or just stick with one remedy to aid in a faster, easier labor? Thanks!

    2. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      If its clear that one is a better choice than the other, then go with that one. Having said this, I’ve used both in the last month and found the combo to be fruitful.

  9. Nancy says:

    Just to let you know that the form to fill out for downloading the card does not appear when using Google Chrome. I switched to Microsoft Edge and was able to see it.

  10. Kate says:

    So grateful for this and future info! A rough and long labor was the reason I first started to study homeopathy, so this application of it never ceases to intrigue me.

  11. Christina V. says:

    Thank you, this is wonderful! I am expecting and 2 weeks away from my due date now. I know it is not preferred to deviate from Banerji protocol, but for overall body preparation these last few days would it be ok to take Pulsatilla 30 instead of 200 since that I all I have?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      You may use whatever potency you choose, but if you hope to enjoy the results that the Banerjis and I have, it would behoove you to get the best potency.

      1. Christina V. says:

        Thank you Joette!

  12. Kristy says:

    I hope the expectant mothers who have commented in these threads return and report!:) I am 40, and have been trying for a year to get pregnant with no luck so far. But I definitely want to use homeopathy!! My girls are 16, 17 1/2, and 19 and although each labor got shorter it was not ideal. Thank you!!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Homeopathy is over 230 years old, backed by data that has been gathered from the most influential and scientific organizations, and I offer information that represents that. I wouldn’t wait for someone on this blog to report back before giving it a go.

  13. Kristy says:

    Oh I definitely plan to, but I have to get pregnant first:). I am using it for other acute situations that come up. I’ve only been aware of homeopathy for the last 4 or 5 weeks and am taking your beginner class, listening to the podcasts (I’ve listed to all at least once now) and ordering/reading books that are recommended. Now I am going through the blog posts and reading the comments. My comment was specifically in regards to labor. Thanks:)

  14. Bushra Imtiaz says:

    What are the dosage instructions for the Pulsatilla 200ch? I am currently 37weeks 3 days and baby is breech. Doc says there is lots of room and baby is still very high. The bottle says to take 5 pellets 3 times a day but I am not sure. Is it 1 pellet just once or 5 pellets just once?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      The information regarding frequency is in the article and the number of pills is printed on the label of the bottle.

  15. Bushra Imtiaz says:

    According to the article Pulsatilla 200ch twice daily. And this should be continued until baby has turned?

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Until the baby has turned or its ascertained that the baby cannot turn. Usually within a week or so.

  16. Jackie says:

    Hi Joette, do you think or have you seen where Pulsatilla in the last month also helps with the hormone aspect of pregnancy that can result in mood swings or anxiety? I know from your classes that Ignatia is the go-to for anxiety and stress, but it hasn’t proven to be effective for me.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Pulsatilla is great for hormonal mood swings, etc. Read your materia medica; it will flesh out your understanding of Pulsatilla. Ignatia is only one of many.

  17. Jackie says:

    Thanks for the reply! I did read again about Pulsatilla and I certainly identify with many aspects of it. I’m hopeful that it will help me.

  18. I am 33 weeks 3 days with my 4th baby (6th pregnancy) and she has been in a breech position for 8 weeks – so I have been doing all the Spinning Babies things I can and seeing a Webster chiropractor. a mom today mentioned pulsatilla – I want to try! Is Boiron 200 the best brand to use? And should i do this twice daily or every other day? We will most likely be induced this birth at 39 weeks due to my history of loss, so I have about 5.5 weeks to get this baby turned for another vaginal birth (I’ve never had a surgical birth and usually birth with midwives out of the hospital, so am wanting to duplicate that with this hospital birth and our CNM as much as I can). <3

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      Your questions are answered in the article, including the link.

  19. Elizabeth says:

    Thank you for replying! I did see the link to Boiron – I only asked if it is best because a holistic family group I’m in recommends other brands, so I wanted to double check before ordering 🙂 I also saw that in the article it recommends doing the dosing twice daily but in some of the comments it suggests every other day so before I begin I wanted to clarify. I re-read to check my understanding and realize the every other day refers to the Banerji protocol, so I’ll go with the twice daily per the article. Thank you for all the resources you provide!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      ‘Sounds like a plan. I like/trust Boiron.

      1. Elizabeth says:

        Thank you!!

  20. Cynthia Castro says:

    Any remedies on turning babies from a posterior “sunny side up” position? I had horrible back labor because of this with my first and my second, due in 4 weeks, seems to be in the same position. I tried getting the Baby Grande book (or cd?) and the feminopathy course but they are unavailable 🙁

  21. Rachel says:

    Dear Mrs. Calabrese,

    If a breech was discovered during labor at a homebirth, would Pulsatilla 200 be used more frequently because of the urgent need for it to act?

    Blessings & thank you.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I have no experience with an in labor breach but I would probably use it every few hours if there was that much time.

  22. Rachel says:

    Thank you Mrs. Calabrese!

  23. Rachel says:

    Dear Mrs. Calabrese,

    Does Pulsatilla 200 work for turning a posterior presentation or only on breech?

    God bless you!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I believe it is specific for malpresentation, breech being one of the most common.

  24. Rachel says:

    Thank you so much Mrs. Calabrese!! I was having THE HARDEST time deciding if Pulsatilla or Kali carb should be used. I’m still in a bit of a muddle, but your reply brings lots of clarity. Thank you again.

  25. Rachel says:

    Mrs. Calabrese,

    I just had to give you an update! PULSATILLA WORKED WONDERS!! The baby was Posterior at the beginning of labor & Pulsatilla corrected it. THREE more times, DURING ACTIVE LABOR, the baby reverted back and Pulsatilla corrected it every single time! The midwife was extremely impressed that it worked even though the head was very engaged, amazing!

    Thank you for this article and answering my question about Posterior presentation in the nick of time. That mother & baby are also very grateful I am sure!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      It doesn’t surprise me that it worked so well but it always brings a smile to my face hearing of one more. So far, its never failed me. A baby coming into the world with homeopathy at the helm is a wonderful start to life.
      I must also add that it was your perspicacity and the repetition that made it a success.
      I assume you’re in my online classes or one of my study groups, yes?

  26. Martha Putman says:

    Can remedies be helpful to the fetus in utero for the condition diagnosed as “severe fetal hydronephrosis “
    in my 33 yr. old daughter; 3rd trimester. Or is it suggested to wait for the baby to be born and decide if remedies are needed at that point?
    Thank you.

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH, RSHom(Na) says:

      I can’t say I’ve witnessed this addressed in utero but it’s most definitely worth addressing during pregnancy.

  27. Dawn Roach says:

    Hi! I’m hoping you are still replying to comments as I’m desperate at the moment 🙂 I am expecting twins, 36 weeks and 5 days right now. Baby A iS breech and the OBs will do a c section if he remains in that position. They will not attempt to deliver vaginally. DO you know if 200 ck (which is what I’ve found, not 200 c or 200 cf) will be ok for this situation? Have you heard of success with pulsatilla helping flip a twin? Thank you!!
    Thank you so much!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      I can’t offer you personal medical advice. This is a teaching forum where I share what I know.

  28. Kim says:

    Hello, My baby has been transverse for about 2.5 months from what I can tell. I am currently 34 weeks. Her head is in my right ribs for the last 2 weeks, and the week before that it was on my left side, and the week before that one it was on my right side (according to quick peek ultrasound confirmations) so she has moved somewhat like side to side but I never felt her head down. She was head down at her 23 week ultrasound. She flipped since that scan and has been transverse since. Since I tried all exercises and chiropractor many times and nothing happened, I decided to try the pulsatilla.
    I tried 30c for 1.5 weeks (twice a day), and nothing happened, so I bought the 200ck and did that twice a day for about 4-5 days. Still nothing. Would you suggest I keep going with the pulsatilla, or is it safe to assume if she hasn’t moved yet at this point after 1 month of trying including the pulsatilla for over 2 weeks, there is a reason she can’t turn? I’m just trying to figure out if it is safe to keep taking this for extended periods of time if nothing happened yet.
    Thanks!

  29. Laura says:

    If a woman is taking Cantharis as part of the protocol for interstitial cystitis, will it antidote Pulsatilla taken to turn a posterior baby? I know many “antidoting” comments are classical-based, but I need both protocols to work. 🙂 Thanks!!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      We find that when remedies that would seemingly antidote each other are used in the same schedule they usually don’t do so when repeated as per protocols.

  30. tk says:

    Hi, another woman asked this-she was expecting twins…i didnt notice a reply for this: do i purchase 200c or 200ck? thank you!!!

    1. Joette Calabrese, HMC, CCH says:

      Either one.

  31. Paige says:

    Pulsatilla 2D to turn a transverse baby…Can I start at 33 weeks? Or wait until 36 weeks?

  32. Jessica says:

    I’m 28 weeks and baby boy has been breech for both growth scans. Is it safe to try pulsatilla now, or should I wait until the last month of my pregnancy.

    Thank you

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