Re-engaging with vaginal breech birth: A philosophical discussion

The philosophical debate as to whether midwives are equipped to support women requesting vaginal breech birth continues, yet midwives are deemed able to conduct a vaginal breech birth in an ‘emergency’ scenario. The International Breech Birth Conference (2012) prompted the discussion of how midwives can revisit the facilitation of vaginal breech birth as a normal birth phenomenon in the post-Term Breech Trial era. The conference delegates concluded that vaginal breech birth is indeed a safe option with strict criteria and experienced practitioners in place. However, a cultural shift is required in the midwifery community to re-skill and reinvigorate vaginal breech practice.