Dr. Randi Jaffe, Chiropractor

THE WEBSTER TECHNIQUE: The late Larry Webster, D.C., of the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, developed a technique which enabled chiropractors to release stress on the pregnant woman's pelvis and cause relaxation to the uterus and surrounding ligaments. The relaxed uterus would make it easier for a breech baby to turn naturally. The technique is known as the Webster Technique. Approximately 13% of all pregnancies result in a breech presentation. The Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics reported in the July/August 2002 issue that 82% of doctors using the Webster Technique reported success.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: Is the technique painful? The majority of women who receive the Webster Technique state that they experience no pain or discomfort at all. Occasionally, some of the ligaments, joints, and bones that are contacted by the doctor may be tender or sore to the touch, similar to the soreness that one may experience when they receive a massage. How many treatments will I need? This is a difficult question to answer since it really varies from patient to patient. Each patient is unique and for that reason, may respond differently to the technique. It is my experience that women usually require between one and five treatments. Is it ever too late to have the Webster Technique performed? The answer is a resounding NO! It is never too late. As soon as you find out that your baby is breech, you should contact a chiropractor certified in the technique. The earlier we begin the treatment, the better the chances are of the baby turning to the head-down-position. This makes sense since the baby is smaller and has more room to move. However, many babies have turned during the 38th or even the 39th week of pregnancy.

It is my experience with pregnant women presenting breech that the Webster Technique is an extremely comfortable and highly effective way to allow a breech baby the opportunity to get into the vertex or head down position. Research Studies