Hearing that your baby is breech, especially in your first pregnancy, can feel like a sudden twist in the story. You may have imagined everything lining up perfectly for birth, only to learn that your little one is sitting upright instead of head-down.
The good news? Breech at 32, 34, even 35 weeks is not a final diagnosis. Babies are still growing, moving, and responding to subtle changes in their environment. And one beautifully gentle option that has been used for centuries to encourage turning is moxibustion, often simply called “moxa.”
What Is Moxa?
Moxa comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine and involves warming a specific acupuncture point on the body using a dried herb called mugwort. For breech presentation, the point used is Bladder 67, located near the outer corner of the little toe.
It may sound surprising that warmth near the toe can influence baby’s position but the body is deeply interconnected and that is the whole approach in Chinese Medicine. Research even showed that moxibustion increases fetal movement and can help create the conditions for baby to reposition naturally. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1998 found that first-time mothers who used moxibustion at 33–35 weeks had significantly higher rates of babies turning head-down compared to those who did not.
Many parents experience what research shows: during or shortly after a session, baby often becomes more active and sometimes followed by an exciting flip in the days that follow the session.
What I love most about offering moxa in my practice is how empowering it feels for first-time moms. Instead of waiting and worrying, you’re actively supporting your body and your baby. It’s non-invasive, calming, and often becomes a beautiful ritual involving your partner in the process.
How Does It Work?
Moxa doesn’t force a baby to turn; it simply encourages movement and balance, creating space for baby to find their optimal position. If your baby is breech and you’re curious about whether moxibustion might be right for you, I’d be honored to guide you through it safely and thoughtfully.
While research is ongoing, studies suggest that moxa may:
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Increase fetal movement
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Encourage uterine relaxation
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Support baby in finding an optimal head-down position
What Does Success Look Like?
Success rates vary depending on timing and individual circumstances, but when used around 33–35 weeks, moxa has shown promising results, especially when combined with body balancing techniques, chiropractic care, or optimal positioning exercises.
It’s not about forcing baby to turn. It’s about inviting baby to turn.
And remember: every pregnancy is unique. Breech right now does not mean breech forever. Babies are wise, and sometimes all they need is a little warmth to find their way.