Webster Technique and Baby Position
Occasionally during the middle to later stages of pregnancy it can be noted that your baby is not in an ideal position for birth. This can be quite concerning for expecting mothers as it raises the possibility of birthing complications and the possible need for C-section.
While exploring what options there may be to help the baby turn itself into an optimal position, many come across the Webster Technique and want to know more.
Webster Technique was developed by a chiropractor (Dr Larry Webster) many decades ago as a method for aligning and balancing the female pelvis during pregnancy. While used primarily to address the range of pelvic issues that commonly affect women during pregnancy, it was observed over time that the technique also seemed to stimulate babies who were transverse or breech to turn into the optimal position for birth. Though not the original intent of Dr Webster, the fairly high success rates of babies turning caused some to call the method Webster Turning Technique.
Subsequently, Webster Technique is now taught and certified by the International Chiropractic Paediatric Association (ICPA). Notably, it is not advertised as a technique to turn babies because it is believed by the ICPA to be a happy coincidence that babies may be stimulated to turn when the pregnant pelvis is aligned and optimised. As such, this safe and gentle technique is now simply called Webster Technique, and while used widely with pregnant women to assist with pelvic issues, it may also be considered by expecting mums who are keen to see if their babies may be able to turn naturally with a little help from the chiropractor.
At GB Chiropractic, all of our chiropractors are trained in Webster Technique. Additionally, we have the following chiropractors who are ICPA-certified in Webster Technique:
Dr Bryan Thirsk