baby presentation positions

Appointments at Mayo Clinic

• Pregnancy week by week
• Fetal presentation before birth

The way a baby is positioned in the uterus just before birth can have a big effect on labor and delivery. This positioning is called fetal presentation.

Babies twist, stretch and tumble quite a bit during pregnancy. Before labor starts, however, they usually come to rest in a way that allows them to be delivered through the birth canal headfirst. This position is called cephalic presentation. But there are other ways a baby may settle just before labor begins.

Following are some of the possible ways a baby may be positioned at the end of pregnancy.

Head down, face down

When a baby is head down, face down, the medical term for it is the cephalic occiput anterior position. This the most common position for a baby to be born in. With the face down and turned slightly to the side, the smallest part of the baby's head leads the way through the birth canal. It is the easiest way for a baby to be born.

Head down, face up

When a baby is head down, face up, the medical term for it is the cephalic occiput posterior position. In this position, it might be harder for a baby's head to go under the pubic bone during delivery. That can make labor take longer.

Most babies who begin labor in this position eventually turn to be face down. If that doesn't happen, and the second stage of labor is taking a long time, a member of the health care team may reach through the vagina to help the baby turn. This is called manual rotation.

In some cases, a baby can be born in the head-down, face-up position. Use of forceps or a vacuum device to help with delivery is more common when a baby is in this position than in the head-down, face-down position. In some cases, a C-section delivery may be needed.

Frank breech

When a baby's feet or buttocks are in place to come out first during birth, it's called a breech presentation. This happens in about 3% to 4% of babies close to the time of birth. The baby shown below is in a frank breech presentation. That's when the knees aren't bent, and the feet are close to the baby's head. This is the most common type of breech presentation.

If you are more than 36 weeks into your pregnancy and your baby is in a frank breech presentation, your health care professional may try to move the baby into a head-down position. This is done using a procedure called external cephalic version. It involves one or two members of the health care team putting pressure on your belly with their hands to get the baby to roll into a head-down position.

If the procedure isn't successful, or if the baby moves back into a breech position, talk with a member of your health care team about the choices you have for delivery. Most babies in a frank breech position are born by planned C-section.

Complete and incomplete breech

A complete breech presentation, as shown below, is when the baby has both knees bent and both legs pulled close to the body. In an incomplete breech, one or both of the legs are not pulled close to the body, and one or both of the feet or knees are below the baby's buttocks. If a baby is in either of these positions, you might feel kicking in the lower part of your belly.

If you are more than 36 weeks into your pregnancy and your baby is in a complete or incomplete breech presentation, your health care professional may try to move the baby into a head-down position. This is done using a procedure called external cephalic version. It involves one or two members of the health care team putting pressure on your belly with their hands to get the baby to roll into a head-down position.

If the procedure isn't successful, or if the baby moves back into a breech position, talk with a member of your health care team about the choices you have for delivery. Many babies in a complete or incomplete breech position are born by planned C-section.

When a baby is sideways — lying horizontal across the uterus, rather than vertical — it's called a transverse lie. In this position, the baby's back might be:

• Down, with the back facing the birth canal.
• Sideways, with one shoulder pointing toward the birth canal.
• Up, with the hands and feet facing the birth canal.

Although many babies are sideways early in pregnancy, few stay this way when labor begins.

If your baby is in a transverse lie during week 37 of your pregnancy, your health care professional may try to move the baby into a head-down position. This is done using a procedure called external cephalic version. External cephalic version involves one or two members of your health care team putting pressure on your belly with their hands to get the baby to roll into a head-down position.

If the procedure isn't successful, or if the baby moves back into a transverse lie, talk with a member of your health care team about the choices you have for delivery. Many babies who are in a transverse lie are born by C-section.

If you're pregnant with twins and only the twin that's lower in the uterus is head down, as shown below, your health care provider may first deliver that baby vaginally.

Then, in some cases, your health care team may suggest delivering the second twin in the breech position. Or they may try to move the second twin into a head-down position. This is done using a procedure called external cephalic version. External cephalic version involves one or two members of the health care team putting pressure on your belly with their hands to get the baby to roll into a head-down position.

Your health care team may suggest delivery by C-section for the second twin if:

• An attempt to deliver the baby in the breech position is not successful.
• You do not want to try to have the baby delivered vaginally in the breech position.
• An attempt to move the baby into a head-down position is not successful.
• You do not want to try to move the baby to a head-down position.

In some cases, your health care team may advise that you have both twins delivered by C-section. That might happen if the lower twin is not head down, the second twin has low or high birth weight as compared to the first twin, or if preterm labor starts.

• Landon MB, et al., eds. Normal labor and delivery. In: Gabbe's Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies. 8th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed May 19, 2023.
• Holcroft Argani C, et al. Occiput posterior position. https://www.updtodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 19, 2023.
• Frequently asked questions: If your baby is breech. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/if-your-baby-is-breech. Accessed May 22, 2023.
• Hofmeyr GJ. Overview of breech presentation. https://www.updtodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 22, 2023.
• Strauss RA, et al. Transverse fetal lie. https://www.updtodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 22, 2023.
• Chasen ST, et al. Twin pregnancy: Labor and delivery. https://www.updtodate.com/contents/search. Accessed May 22, 2023.
• Cohen R, et al. Is vaginal delivery of a breech second twin safe? A comparison between delivery of vertex and non-vertex second twins. The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine. 2021; doi:10.1080/14767058.2021.2005569.
• Marnach ML (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. May 31, 2023.

Products and Services

• A Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy
• 3rd trimester pregnancy
• Fetal development: The 3rd trimester
• Overdue pregnancy
• Pregnancy due date calculator
• Prenatal care: Third trimester

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

• Opportunities

Mayo Clinic Press

Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press .

• Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Incontinence
• The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic Press The Essential Diabetes Book
• Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance
• FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment
• Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book
• Healthy Lifestyle

5X Challenge

Thanks to generous benefactors, your gift today can have 5X the impact to advance AI innovation at Mayo Clinic.

Why would posterior position matter in labor?  The head is angled so that it measures larger. The top of the head molds less than the crown.

Baby’s spine is extended, not curled, so the crown of the head is not leading the way. Baby can’t help as much during the birth process to the same degree as the curled up baby.

Some posteriors are easy, while others are long and painful, and there are several ways to tell how your labor will be beforehand. After this, you may want to visit What to do when….in Labor .

Belly Mapping ® Method tips:  The Right side of the abdomen is almost always firmer, but the direct OP baby may not favor one side or the other. Baby’s limbs are felt in front, on both sides of the center line. A knee may slide past under the navel. 

The OP position (occiput posterior fetal position) is when the back of the baby’s head is against the mother’s back. Here are drawings of an anterior and posterior presentation.

• When is Breech an Issue?
• Belly Mapping® Breech
• Flip a Breech
• When Baby Flips Head Down
• Breech & Bicornuate Uterus
• Breech for Providers
• What if My Breech Baby Doesn't Turn?
• Belly Mapping ®️ Method
• After Baby Turns
• Head Down is Not Enough
• Sideways/Transverse
• Asynclitism
• Oblique Lie
• Left Occiput Transverse
• Right Occiput Anterior
• Right Occiput Posterior
• Right Occiput Transverse
• Face Presentation
• Left Occiput Anterior
• OP Truths & Myths
• Anterior Placenta
• Body Balancing

Look at the above drawing. The posterior baby’s back is often extended straight or arched along the mother’s spine. Having the baby’s back extended often pushes the baby’s chin up.

Attention: Having the chin up is what makes the posterior baby’s head seem larger than the same baby when it’s in the anterior position.

Because the top of the head enters (or tries to enter) the pelvis first, baby seems much bigger by the mother’s measurements. A posterior head circumference measures larger than the anterior head circumference.

A large baby is not the same issue, however. The challenge with a posterior labor is that the top of the head, not the crown of the head leads the way.

A baby with their spine straight has less ability to wiggle and so the person giving birth has to do the work of two. This can be long and challenging or fast and furious. Also, there are a few posterior labors that are not perceived different than a labor with a baby curled on the left.

Why? Anatomy makes the difference. Learn to work with birth anatomy to reduce the challenge of posterior labor by preparing with our Three Balances SM and more.

What to do?

• Three Balances SM
• Dip the Hip
• Psoas Release
• Almost everything on this website except Breech Tilt

In Labor, do the above and add,

• Abdominal Lift and Tuck
• Other positions to Open the Brim
• Open the Outlet during pushing

There are four posterior positions

The direct OP is the classic posterior position with the baby facing straight forward.   Right Occiput Transverse   (ROT) is a common starting position in which the baby has a bit more likelihood of rotating to the posterior during labor than to the anterior.   Right Occiput Posterior   usually involves a straight back with a lifted chin (in the first-time mother). Left Occiput Posterior places the baby’s back opposite the maternal liver and may let the baby flex (curl) his or her back and therefore tuck the chin for a better birth. These are generalities, of course. See a bit more about posterior positions in   Belly Mapping ® on this website. Want to map your baby’s position? Learn how with the   Belly Mapping ® Workbook .

Pregnancy may or may not show symptoms.   Just because a woman’s back doesn’t hurt in pregnancy doesn’t mean the baby is not posterior. Just because a woman is quite comfortable in pregnancy doesn’t mean the baby is not posterior. A woman can’t always feel the baby’s limbs moving in front to tell if the baby is facing the front.

The four posterior fetal positions

Four starting positions often lead to (or remain as) direct   OP   in active labor.   Right Occiput Transverse   (ROT),   Right Occiput Posterior   (ROP), and Left Occiput Posterior (LOP) join direct OP in adding labor time. The LOP baby has less distance to travel to get into an LOT position.

As labor begins, the high-riding, unengaged Right Occiput Transverse baby slowly rotates to   ROA , working past the sacral promontory at the base of the spine before swinging around to LOT to engage in the pelvis. Most babies go on to OA at the pelvic floor or further down on the perineal floor.

If a baby engages as a ROT, they may go to OP or ROA by the time they descend to the midpelvis. The OP baby may stay OP. For some, once the head is lower than the bones and the head is visible at the perineum, the baby rotates and helpers may see the baby’s head turn then! These babies finish in the ROA or OA positions.

Feeling both hands in front, in two separate but low places on the abdomen, indicates a posterior fetal position. This baby is Left Occiput Posterior.

Studies estimate 15-30% of babies are OP in labor. Jean Sutton in   Optimal Fetal Positioning   states that 50% of babies trend toward posterior in early labor upon admission to the hospital. Strong latent labor swings about a third of these to LOT before dilation begins (in “pre-labor” or “false labor”).

Recent research shows about 50% of babies are in a posterior position when active labor begins, but of these, 3/4 of them rotate to anterior (or facing a hip in an occiput transverse, head down position.

Jean Sutton’s observations, reported in her 1996 book, indicates that some babies starting in a posterior position will rotate before arriving to the hospital. Ellice Lieberman observed most posteriors will rotate out of posterior into either anterior or to facing a hip throughout labor. Only 5-8% of all babies emerge directly OP (13% with an epidural in Lieberman’s study). At least 12% of all   cesareans   are for OP babies that are stuck due to the larger diameter of the OP head in comparison to the OA head. It’s more common for ROT, ROP, and OP babies to rotate during labor and to emerge facing back (OA). Some babies become stuck halfway through a long-arc rotation and some will need a cesarean anyway.

The three anterior starting positions for labor

Why not ROA? ROA babies may have their chins up and this deflexed position may lengthen the course of labor. Less than 4% of starting positions are ROA, according to a Birmingham study. This might not be ideal for first babies, but is not a posterior position either.  

The spectrum of ease across posterior labors

Purchase Parent Class

Baby’s posterior position may matter in labor

With a posterior presentation, labor may or may not be significantly affected. There is a spectrum of possibilities with a posterior baby. Some women will not know they had a posterior baby because no one mentions it. Either the providers didn’t know, or didn’t notice. If labor moved along, they may not have looked at fetal position clues since there was no reason to figure out why labor wasn’t progressing. If a woman didn’t have back labor (more pain in her back than in her abdomen), the provider may not have been “clued into” baby’s position.

Some posterior babies are born in less than 8 hours and position did not slow down labor. Some posterior babies are born in less than 24 hours and position did not slow down labor enough to be out of the norm. Some posterior babies are born in less than 36-48 hours without the need for interventions.

Some posterior labors are manageable when women are mobile, supported, and eat and drink freely, as needed. Some posterior labor needs extra support that a well-trained and experienced doula may provide, but that typically a mate or loved one would not have the skills or stamina to keep up with. Some posterior labors progress only with the help of a highly-trained pregnancy bodyworker or deep spiritual, or otherwise a non-conventional model of care. Or, they seem only able to finish with medical intervention.

Some posterior labors are served by an epidural, meaning the pelvic floor relaxes enough for the baby to rotate and come out. Some epidurals, on the other hand, make it so that a woman can not finish the birth vaginally.

NOTE:   Parents should know — some birth researchers, like Pediatrician John Kennell, are seriously asking whether a mother’s epidural turns off her body’s release of pain-relieving hormones which a baby relies on during childbirth. Some babies can’t turn and can’t be born vaginally and must be born by   cesarean. This is a spectrum of possibilities. I’ve seen every one of the above possibilities several times and can add the wonderful experience of seeing a woman laughing pleasurably and squatting while her posterior baby slid out on to her bedroom floor.

Possible posterior effects, some women will have one or two and some will have many of these:

• Longer pregnancy (some research shows this and some doesn’t)
• The amniotic sac breaking (water breaks, membranes open, rupture of membranes) before labor (1 in 5 OP labors)
• Not starting in time before induction   is scheduled
• Labor is longer and stronger and less rhythmic than expected
• Start and stop   labor pattern
• The baby may not engage, even during the pushing stage
• Longer early labor
• Longer active labor
• Back labor (in some cases)
• Pitocin may be used when labor stalls (but a snoring good rest followed by oatmeal may restore a contraction pattern, too)
• Longer pushing stage
• Maybe a woman has all three phases of labor lengthened by the OP labor or one or two of the three phases listed
• Sometimes the baby’s head gets stuck turned halfway to anterior – in the transverse diameter. This may be called a transverse arrest (not a   transverse lie ).
• More likely to tear
• More likely to need a vacuum (ventouse) or forceps
• More likely to need a   cesarean

These effects are in comparison to a baby in the   left occiput anterior   or   left occiput transverse   fetal position at the start of labor.

Who might have a hard time with a posterior baby?

• A first-time mom
• A first-time mom whose   baby hasn’t dropped into the pelvis by 38 weeks gestation   (two weeks before the due date)
• A woman with an   android pelvis   (“runs like a boy,” often long and lanky, low pubis with narrow pubic arch and/or sitz bones close together, closer than or equal to the width of a fist)
• A woman whose baby, in the third trimester, doesn’t seem to change position at all, over the weeks. He or she kicks in the womb and stretches, but whose trunk is stationary for weeks. This mother’s broad ligament may be so tight that she may be uncomfortable when baby moves.
• A woman who has an epidural early in labor (data supports this), before the baby has a chance to rotate and come down.
• A woman who labors lying in bed
• Low-thyroid, low-energy woman who has gone overdue (this is my observation)
• A woman who lacks support by a calm and assured woman who is calming and reassuring to the birthing mother (a doula)
• A woman put on the clock
• A woman who refuses all help when the labor exceeds her ability to physically sustain her self (spilling ketones, dehydration, unable to eat or rest in a labor over X amount of hours which might be 24 for some or 48 for others)
• A woman whose birth team can’t match an appropriate technique to the needs of the baby for flexion, rotation, and/or descent from the level of the pelvis where the baby is currently at when stuck

Who is likely to have an easy time with a posterior baby?

• A second-time mom who’s given birth readily before (and pushing went well)
• A posterior baby with a tucked chin on his or her mama’s left side with   a round pelvic brim
• An average-sized or smaller baby
• Someone whose posterior baby changes from right to left after doing inversions and other   balancing work , though the baby is still posterior
• A woman with a baby in the Left Occiput Posterior, especially if the baby’s chin is tucked or flexed
• A woman who gets bodywork, myofascial release, etc.
• A woman whose posterior baby engages, and does not have an   android (triangular) pelvis or a small outlet
• And of all of these, what is necessary is a pelvis big enough to accommodate the baby’s extra head size
• A woman who uses active birthing techniques — vertical positions, moves spontaneously and instinctively or with specific techniques from Spinning Babies ® , and other good advice
• A woman in a balanced nervous state, not so alert and “pumped up,” on guard, etc.

Any woman may also have an easier time than public opinion might indicate, too, just because she isn’t on this list. Equally, just because she is on the “hard” list doesn’t mean she will have a hard time for sure. These are general observations. They are neither condemnations nor promises. Overall, some posterior babies will need help getting born, while some posterior babies are born easily (easy being a relative term).

Let’s not be ideological about posterior labors.

While most posterior babies do eventually rotate, that can still mean there is quite a long wait – and a lot of physical labor during that wait. Sometimes it means the doula, midwife, nurse, or doctor is asking the mother to do a variety of position changes, techniques, and even medical interventions to help finish the labor. Patience works for many, but for some a   cesarean   is really the only way to be born. Read   What To Do When…in Labor .

What causes a baby to be posterior?

There is a rising incidence of posterior babies at the time of birth. We know now that epidural anesthesia increases the rate of posterior position at the time of birth from about 4% (for women who don’t choose an epidural in a university birth setting) up to about 13% (Lieberman, 2005). Low thyroid function is associated with fetal malposition such as posterior or breech. (See   Research & References .)

Most babies who are posterior early in labor will rotate to anterior once labor gets going. Some babies rotate late in labor, even just before emerging. Studies such as Lieberman’s show that at any given phase of labor, another 20% of posterior babies will rotate so that only a small number are still posterior as the head emerges.

My observations are that the majority of babies are posterior before labor. The high numbers of posterior babies at the end of pregnancy and in the early phase of labor is a change from what was seen in studies over ten years old. Perhaps this is from our cultural habits of sitting at desks, sitting in bucket seats (cars), and leaning back on the couch (slouching). Soft tissues such as the psoas muscle pair or the broad ligament also seem to be tight more often from these postures, from athletics (quick stops, jolts, and falls), from accidents, and from emotional or sexual assault.

Being a nurse or bodyworker who turns to care for people in a bed or on a table will also twist the lower uterine segment (along with some of the previously mentioned causes). This makes the baby have to compensate in a womb that is no longer symmetrical. Less often, the growing baby settles face-forward over a smaller pelvis, or a triangular-shaped pelvis (android). At the end of pregnancy, the baby’s forehead has settled onto a narrower than usual pubic bone, and if tight round ligaments hold the forehead there, the baby may have a tough time rotating. These are the moms and babies that I’m most concerned with in my work at Spinning Babies®. A baby that was   breech   beyond week 30 – 34 of pregnancy will flip head down in the posterior position. A woman with a history of breech or posterior babies is more likely to have a breech or posterior baby in the next pregnancy. However, she may not have an as long labor.

The best way to tell if your baby is OP or not, usually, is if you feel little wiggles in the abdomen right above your pubic bone. These are the fingers. They’d feel like little fingers wiggling, not like a big thunk or grinding from the head, though you might feel that, too. The little fingers will be playing by the mouth. This is the easiest indication of OP. The wiggles will be centered in the middle of your lower abdomen, close to the pubic bone. If you feel wiggles far to the right, near your hip, and kicks above on the right, but not near the center and none on the left, then those signal an   OA   or   LOT   baby (who will rotate to the OA easily in an active birth). After this, you might go to   What to do when…in Labor.

Check out our current references in the   Research & References   section.

Featured Products

Shop spinning babies®.

For additional education to even further enhance your pregnancy and labor preparation, shop our extensive collection of digital downloads, videos, DVDs, workbooks, and more.

Connect with Us

Sign up for our newsletter:, more information:.

Have any questions or concerns? Email us at [email protected]

Daily Essentials

Activities for pregnancy comfort and easier birth.

Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436. It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000 If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

Share via email

There is a total of 5 error s on this form, details are below.

• Please enter your name
• Please enter your email
• Your email is invalid. Please check and try again
• Please enter recipient's email
• Recipient's email is invalid. Please check and try again
• Agree to Terms required

Error: This is required

Error: Not a valid value

Presentation and position of baby through pregnancy and at birth

9-minute read

If you are concerned about your baby’s movements, contact your doctor or midwife for advice immediately.

• If you baby is in a breech presentation, your doctor may recommend trying a technique called an external cephalic version to try and move your baby while they are still in the uterus for an easier birth.

What does presentation and position mean?

Presentation refers to the part of your baby’s body that is facing downwards in the direction of the birth canal.

Position refers to where your baby’s occiput (the bottom part of the back of their head) is in relation to your body.

If your baby is in a breech presentation , then position refers to where your baby’s sacrum (lower back) is in relation to your body.

People — including medical professionals — sometimes use these terms incorrectly. Sometimes when speaking about babies in breech presentation, the word ‘position’ will be used to refer to their presentation. For example, you may read information or hear people say ‘breech position’ instead of ‘breech presentation’.

What are the different types of presentation my baby could be in during pregnancy and birth?

Most babies present headfirst, also known as cephalic presentation. Most babies that are headfirst will be vertex presentation. This means that the crown of their head sits at the opening of your birth canal.

In rare cases, your baby can be headfirst but in face or brow presentation, which may not be suitable for vaginal birth.

If your baby is in a breech presentation, their feet or bottom will be closest to your birth canal. The 3 most common types of breech presentation are:

• frank or extended breech — where your baby’s legs are straight up in front of their body, with their feet up near their face
• complete or flexed breech — where your baby is in a sitting position with their legs crossed in front of their body and their feet near their bottom
• footling breech — where one or both of your baby’s feet are hanging below their bottom, so the foot or feet are coming first

Read more on breech presentation .

What are the different positions my baby could be in during pregnancy and birth?

If your baby is headfirst, the 3 main types of presentation are:

• anterior – when the back of your baby’s head is at the front of your belly
• lateral – when the back of your baby’s head is facing your side
• posterior – when the back of your baby’s head is towards your back

How will I know what presentation and position my baby is in?

Your doctor or midwife can usually work out your baby’s presentation by feeling your abdomen. They may also double check it with a portable ultrasound. Your baby’s presentation is usually checked around 36 weeks .

Your doctor or midwife will also confirm your baby’s head position in labour by examining your belly and using an ultrasound , and they may also do a vaginal examination . During the vaginal examination they are feeling for certain ridges on your baby’s head called sutures and fontanelles that help them work out which way your baby is positioned.

What is the ideal presentation and position for baby to be in for a vaginal birth?

For a vaginal birth, your baby will ideally be headfirst with the back of their head at the front of your belly, also known as being in the anterior position. This position is best for labour and birth since it means that the smallest part of your baby’s head goes down the birth canal first.

When does a baby usually get in the ideal presentation and position for birth?

Your baby will usually be in a headfirst position by 37 weeks of pregnancy. Around 3 in every 100 babies will be in breech presentation after 37 weeks.

Your baby’s position can change with your contractions during labour as they move down the birth canal, so their exact position can change during labour.

What are my options if baby isn't in the ideal presentation or position for a vaginal birth?

If your baby is in a breech presentation, your doctor may recommend a technique called an external cephalic version (ECV) to try and move your baby while they are still in the uterus . An ECV involves your doctor using their hands to apply pressure on your belly and help turn your baby to a headfirst position. It has a 1 in 2 chance of success and is a safe option in most pregnancies.

There is no evidence to show that alternative therapies, such as exercises, acupuncture or chiropractic treatments, help your baby change from a breech presentation to headfirst.

If your baby remains breech, your doctor may discuss having a breech vaginal birth. Not all doctors and hospitals offer this option. They may also suggest you birth your baby with a planned caesarean section .

If your baby’s presentation is headfirst but the position of your baby’s head is not ideal for labour, it can lead to a longer labour, and potential complications . The position of your baby’s head will often change as your labour progresses. If it doesn’t, sometimes you can still give birth without assistance, or you may need your doctor to help turn your baby’s head or help your birth with a vacuum or forceps .

Any procedure or decision for a type of birth will only go ahead with your consent . You will be able to discuss all the options with your doctor, and based on your preferences for yourself and your baby’s safety, make a decision together .

Resources and support

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology has a factsheet about the options available to you if your baby is in a breech presentation at the end of your pregnancy .

Mercy Perinatal has information on external cephalic version (ECV) safety and benefits if your baby is in a breech presentation at the end of your pregnancy.

The Women’s Hospital has information about the different presentations and positions your baby could be in, and how it can affect your birthing experience.

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call . Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content .

Last reviewed: October 2023

Related pages

External cephalic version (ecv), malpresentation, breech pregnancy, search our site for.

• Foetal Version
• Breech Presentation

Need more information?

Top results

Breech presentation and turning the baby

In preparation for a safe birth, your health team will need to turn your baby if it is in a bottom first ‘breech’ position.

Read more on WA Health website

Breech Presentation at the End of your Pregnancy

Breech presentation occurs when your baby is lying bottom first or feet first in the uterus (womb) rather than the usual head first position. In early pregnancy, a breech position is very common.

Read more on RANZCOG - Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists website

External Cephalic Version for Breech Presentation - Pregnancy and the first five years

This information brochure provides information about an External Cephalic Version (ECV) for breech presentation

Read more on NSW Health website

When a baby is positioned bottom-down late in pregnancy, this is called the breech position. Find out about 3 main types and safe birthing options.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Malpresentation is when your baby is in an unusual position as the birth approaches. Sometimes it’s possible to move the baby, but a caesarean maybe safer.

Labour complications

Even if you’re healthy and well prepared for childbirth, there’s always a chance of unexpected problems. Learn more about labour complications.

ECV is a procedure to try to move your baby from a breech position to a head-down position. This is performed by a trained doctor.

Having a baby

The articles in this section relate to having a baby – what to consider before becoming pregnant, pregnancy and birth, and after your baby is born.

Anatomy of pregnancy and birth - pelvis

Your pelvis helps to carry your growing baby and is tailored for vaginal births. Learn more about the structure and function of the female pelvis.

Planned or elective caesarean

There are important things to consider if you are having a planned or elective caesarean such as what happens during and after the procedure.

Pregnancy, Birth and Baby is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

1800 882 436

Government Accredited with over 140 information partners

We are a government-funded service, providing quality, approved health information and advice

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

© 2024 Healthdirect Australia Limited

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.

Support this browser is being discontinued for Pregnancy, Birth and Baby

Support for this browser is being discontinued for this site

• Internet Explorer 11 and lower

We currently support Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox and Safari. For more information, please visit the links below:

• Chrome by Google
• Firefox by Mozilla
• Microsoft Edge
• Safari by Apple

You are welcome to continue browsing this site with this browser. Some features, tools or interaction may not work correctly.

• Type 2 Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Digestive Health
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Diet & Nutrition
• Health Insurance
• Public Health
• Patient Rights
• Caregivers & Loved Ones
• End of Life Concerns
• Health News
• Thyroid Test Analyzer
• Doctor Discussion Guides
• Hemoglobin A1c Test Analyzer
• Lipid Test Analyzer
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Analyzer
• What to Buy
• Editorial Process
• Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Fetal Position in the Womb

• Risks and Complications
• Altering Fetal Position

Most fetuses are nestled inside the uterus (womb), curled up tight. This cozy position, knees to chest, is known as the fetal position. During pregnancy, the fetal position also refers to the direction a fetus faces in the uterus and is especially important as you approach delivery.

This article reviews the fetal position and how you and your providers change the fetal position before delivery when necessary.

Illustration by Zoe Hansen for Verywell Health

Fetal Position (or Presentation) In Utero

The ideal fetal position for birth is head down, spine parallel to the pregnant person's spine, face toward the back of the pregnant person's body with the chin tucked and arms folded across the chest. However, there are variations to the fetal position in utero that can affect delivery.

• Cephalic : The fetus is head down, with its chin tucked in and facing the pregnant person's spine.
• Breech : The fetus's buttocks or feet are toward the opening of the womb.
• Transverse : The fetus is sideways, at a 90-degree angle, to the pregnant person's spine.

Healthcare providers describe the fetal position in the uterus in terms of the fetal lie, position, and presentation.

Fetal lie refers to how the fetus's spine aligns with the gestational carrier's spine. Healthcare providers describe it as:

• Longitudinal : Parallel with the pregnant person's spine
• Transverse : Perpendicular to the pregnant person's spine
• Oblique : At an angle to the pregnant person's spine

Fetal Position

"Fetal position" refers to the direction the fetus is facing. The occipital bone is at the back of the fetus's head. Healthcare providers use this bone as a point of reference when describing fetal position, as follows: It is described as:

• Occiput anterior : The occipital bone is at the front of the birthing person's body, so the fetus is facing backward.
• Occiput posterior : The occipital bone is at the back of the birthing person's body, so the fetus is facing forward.

Fetal Presentation

Fetal presentation indicates the body part closest to the birth canal, also called the presenting part. The ideal presentation is the cephalic or vertex position. This when the fetus's head is down and the chin is tucked in and facing the spine. However, in some cases, the fetus can present with one of the following body parts closest to the birth canal:

• Buttocks (also known as the breech position)
• Face or brow

Positions and Risk of Delivery Complications 

Fetuses move, kick, and roll throughout pregnancy. However, during the third trimester, as space in the uterus gets tight, most fetuses naturally reposition into the cephalic fetal position, which is ideal for delivery.

However, some settle into breech or transverse positions. You can still deliver the baby in the following positions, but it can prolong labor and increase the risk of the following complications, which can restrict the baby’s oxygen supply:

• Shoulder dystocia : Occurs when the fetus's shoulder gets stuck in your pelvis
• Head entrapment : Occurs when the fetus's head is stuck inside a partially dilated cervix
• Umbilical cord compression or prolapse : Occurs when the umbilical cord is compressed and restricts oxygen and blood flow to the baby

How to Alter Fetal Position Before Delivery

When a healthcare provider performs an ultrasound and vaginal exam near the end of pregnancy , they may find that the fetus isn't in the ideal head-down position. They can help you explore options to alter the fetal position before delivery.

At home, you can try playing music by placing headphones or a speaker at the bottom of your uterus to encourage the fetus to turn. You can also put something cool on the top of your stomach and something warm (not hot) at the bottom to promote movement.

Specific exercises and yoga poses can help relax your pelvis and uterus, creating more room for the fetus and nudging it into the head-down position. Talk with your healthcare provider before attempting these techniques:  

• Cat-cow stretch : Get on your hands and knees and alternate between arching your back upward (like a cat) and dipping it downward (like a cow). 
• Pelvic circles : Gently make circles with your pelvis while standing.
• Child’s pose : Kneel on the ground, sit back on your heels, and stretch your arms forward, lowering your chest towards the ground. You can rest your forehead on the floor or on a cushion. Rest in this pose for 10-15 minutes. 
• Pelvic tilts : Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Slowly tilt your hips upward, then release, returning to a neutral position. You can do this exercise for 10 to 20 minutes three times daily. 

Alternative options include seeing a chiropractor or acupuncturist that your healthcare provider recommends. Chiropractors align your hips and spine. Acupuncture is an Eastern medicine practice that involves inserting tiny needles in certain areas to balance your body’s energy. 

At the Hospital 

At the hospital, your provider may try an external cephalic version (ECV), in which they apply pressure to your belly to turn the fetus's head down.

Providers typically perform ECVs around 37 to 39 weeks' gestation, when the fetal size and the amount of amniotic fluid are ideal. An ECV is generally safe, but there are some risks, including fetal distress and preterm labor (rare).

The success rate of an ECV is about 60%. If an ECV is unsuccessful, your provider may recommend a surgical delivery known as a cesarean section (C-section). Before this surgical procedure, you will receive spinal anesthesia (numbing medicine), and your provider will make incisions in your belly to deliver the baby.

The fetal position indicates fetal alignment and presentation in the uterus. The cephalic (head-down) position is ideal for delivery. While it is possible to vaginally deliver a baby in other fetal positions, the risk of complications increases. There are ways to try to move the fetus at home or in the hospital; however, discuss these options with a healthcare provider before trying them at home.

Merck Manuals Consumer Version. Fetal presentation, position, and lie (including breech presentation) .

Yang L, Yi T, Zhou M, Wang C, Xu X, Li Y, Sun Q, Lin X, Li J, Meng Z. Clinical effectiveness of position management and manual rotation of the fetal position with a U-shaped birth stool for vaginal delivery of a fetus in a persistent occiput posterior position . J Int Med Res . 2020;48(6):300060520924275. doi:10.1177/0300060520924275

American Academy of Family Physicians. What can I do if my baby is breech ? 

Felemban AS, Arab K, Algarawi A, Abdulghaffar SK, Aljahdali KM, Alotaifi MA, Bafail SA, Bakhudayd TM. Assessment of the successful external cephalic version prognostic parameters effect on final mode of delivery . Cureus. 2021;13(7):e16637. doi:10.7759/cureus.16637

Angolile CM, Max BL, Mushemba J, Mashauri HL. Global increased cesarean section rates and public health implications: A call to action . Health Sci Rep . 2023;6(5):e1274. doi: 10.1002/hsr2.1274

By Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC Jones is a registered nurse and freelance health writer with more than two decades of healthcare experience.

Fetal Presentation: Baby’s First Pose

Share this post

Occiput Anterior

Occiput posterior, transverse position, complete breech, frank breech, changing fetal presentation, baby positions.

The position in which your baby develops is called the “fetal presentation.” During most of your pregnancy, the baby will be curled up in a ball – that’s why we call it the “fetal position.” The baby might flip around over the course of development, which is why you can sometimes feel a foot poking into your side or an elbow prodding your bellybutton. As you get closer to delivery, the baby will change positions and move lower in your uterus in preparation. Over the last part of your pregnancy, your doctor or medical care provider will monitor the baby’s position to keep an eye out for any potential problems.

In the occiput anterior position, the baby is pointed headfirst toward the birth canal and is facing down – toward your back. This is the easiest possible position for delivery because it allows the crown of the baby’s head to pass through first, followed by the shoulders and the rest of the body. The crown of the head is the narrowest part, so it can lead the way for the rest of the head.

The baby’s head will move slowly downward as you get closer to delivery until it “engages” with your pelvis. At that point, the baby’s head will fit snugly and won’t be able to wobble around. That’s exactly where you want to be just before labor. The occiput anterior position causes the least stress on your little one and the easiest labor for you.

In the occiput posterior position, the baby is pointed headfirst toward the birth canal but is facing upward, toward your stomach. This can trap the baby’s head under your pubic bone, making it harder to get out through the birth canal. In most cases, a baby in the occiput posterior position will either turn around naturally during the course of labor or your doctor or midwife may help it along manually or with forceps.

In a transverse position, the baby is sideways across the birth canal rather than head- or feet-first. It’s rare for a baby to stay in this position all the way up to delivery, but your doctor may attempt to gently push on your abdomen until the baby is in a more favorable fetal presentation. If you go into labor while the baby is in a transverse position, your medical care provider will likely recommend a c-section to avoid stressing or injuring the baby.

Breech Presentation

If the baby’s legs or buttocks are leading the way instead of the head, it’s called a breech presentation. It’s much harder to deliver in this position – the baby’s limbs are unlikely to line up all in the right direction and the birth canal likely won’t be stretched enough to allow the head to pass. Breech presentation used to be extremely dangerous for mothers and children both, and it’s still not easy, but medical intervention can help.

Sometimes, the baby will turn around and you’ll be able to deliver vaginally. Most healthcare providers, however, recommend a cesarean section for all breech babies because of the risks of serious injury to both mother and child in a breech vaginal delivery.

A complete breech position refers to the baby being upside down for delivery – feet first and head up. The baby’s legs are folded up and the feet are near the buttocks.

In a frank breech position, the baby’s legs are extended and the baby’s buttocks are closest to the birth canal. This is the most common breech presentation .

By late in your pregnancy, your baby can already move around – you’re probably feeling those kicks! Unfortunately, your little one doesn’t necessarily know how to aim for the birth canal. If the baby isn’t in the occiput anterior position by about 32 weeks, your doctor or midwife will typically recommend trying adjust the fetal presentation. They’ll use monitors to keep an eye on the baby and watch for signs of stress as they push and lift on your belly to coax your little one into the right spot. Your doctor may also advise you to try certain exercises at home to encourage the baby to move into the proper position. For example, getting on your hands and knees for a few minutes every day can help bring the baby around. You can also put cushions on your chairs to make sure your hips are always elevated, which can help move things into the right place. It’s important to start working on the proper fetal position early, as it becomes much harder to adjust after about 37 weeks when there’s less room to move around.

In many cases, the baby will eventually line up properly before delivery. Sometimes, however, the baby is still in the wrong spot by the time you go into labor. Your doctor or midwife may be able to move the baby during labor using forceps or ventouse . If that’s not possible, it’s generally safer for you and the baby if you deliver by c-section.

Image Credit and License

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Stages of Pregnancy
• Foods to Avoid
• Medicines to Avoid
• Pregnancy Road Map

Birth Injuries

• Cerebral Palsy
• Brachial Plexus Injuries & Erb’s Palsy
• Brain Damage
• Meconium Aspiration
• Bone Fractures
• Nerve Damage

Newborn Care

• Baby Development

Legal Issues

• Birth Injury vs. Birth Defect
• Birth Injury Lawsuits
• Proving Your Case
• Elements Of A Case

• Email Address *
• Phone Number *
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

What to know about baby’s position at birth

Having a baby is an exciting time, but it’s common to have some worries about labor and delivery. One thing that often causes mums-to-be concern is what position their baby will be in when the time comes for them to be born.

For a vaginal delivery, the baby must descend through the birth canal, passing through your pelvis to reach the vaginal opening. The position of the baby - or presentation of the fetus as it is also known - affects how quickly and easily the baby can be born. Some positions allow the baby to tuck their chin, and re-position and rotate their head to make their journey easier.

Here’s a guide to help you understand the language used to describe the position of babies and some tips for helping them into the ideal position for birth.

Position of the baby before birth

During pregnancy your baby has room to move about in your uterus or womb - twisting, turning, rolling, stretching and getting in some kicks. As your pregnancy progresses and they grow bigger there’s less room for them to move, but your baby should still move regularly until they are born, even during labor.

Sometime between 32 and 38 weeks of pregnancy, but usually around week 36, babies tend to move into a head down position. This allows their head to come out of your vagina first when they are born. Only about 3 to 4 percent of babies do not move into a head-first or cephalic presentation before birth.

What’s the ideal position of a baby for birth?

Occiput anterior is the ideal presentation for your baby to be in for a vaginal delivery.

Occiput anterior is a type of head-first or cephalic presentation for delivery of a baby. About 95 to 97 percent of babies position themselves in a cephalic presentation for delivery, often with the crown or top of their head - which is also known as the vertex - entering the birth canal first.

Usually when a baby is being born in a vertex presentation the back of the baby’s head, which is called the occiput, is towards the front or anterior of your pelvis and their back is towards your belly. Their chin is also typically in a flexed position, tucked into their chest.

Occiput anterior is the best and safest position for a baby to be born by a vaginal birth. It allows the smallest diameter of a baby’s head to descend into the birth canal first, making it easier for the baby to fit through your pelvis.

What other positions are babies born in?

Sometimes babies don’t position themselves in the ideal position for birth. These other positions are called abnormal positions. Listed below are the abnormal positions or presentations that some babies are born in.

Occiput posterior or back-to-back presentation

Occiput posterior position or back-to-back presentation occurs when the occiput - back of a baby’s head - is positioned towards your tailbone or back during delivery. Sometimes this presentation is also called “sunny side up” because babies born in this position enter the world facing up. About 5 percent of babies are delivered in the occiput posterior position.

Babies presenting in the occiput posterior position find it harder to make their way through the birth canal, which can lead to a longer labor. This presentation is three times more likely to end in a cesarean section (c-section) compared with babies presenting in the ideal, occiput anterior presentation.

Breech presentation

A breech presentation occurs when your baby’s buttock, feet or both are set to come out first at birth. About 3 to 4 percent of full-term babies are born in a breech position.

There are three types of breech presentation including:

• Frank breech. Frank breech is the most common breech presentation, occurring in 50 to 70 percent of breech births. Babies in the Frank breech position have their hips flexed and their knees extended so that their legs are folded flat against their head. Their bottom is closest to the birth canal.
• Footling or incomplete breech. Footling or incomplete breeches occur in 10 to 30 percent of breech births. An incomplete breech presentation is where just one of the baby’s knees is bent up. Their other foot and bottom are closest to the birth canal. In a footling breech presentation, one or both feet may be delivered first.
• Complete breech. A complete breech presentation is less common, occurring in 5 to 10 percent of breech births. Babies in a complete breech position have both knees bent and their feet and bottom are closest to the birth canal.

A breech delivery can result in the baby’s head or shoulders becoming stuck because opening to the uterus (cervix) may not be stretched enough by the baby’s body to allow the head and shoulders to pass through. Umbilical cord prolapse can also occur. This is when the cord slips into the vagina before the baby is delivered. If the cord is pinched then the flow of blood and oxygen to the baby can be reduced.

If an exam reveals your baby is sitting in a breech position and you’re past 36 weeks of pregnancy then external cephalic version (ECV) might be attempted to improve your chances of having a vaginal birth. ECV is performed by a qualified healthcare professional and it involves them pressing their hands on the outside of your belly to try and turn the baby.

Most babies found to be in a breech position are delivered by c-section because studies indicate that a vaginal delivery is about three times more likely to cause serious harm to the baby.

Brow and face presentations

Babies can also arrive brow- or face-first. A brow presentation results in the widest part of your baby’s head trying to fit through your pelvis first. This is a rare presentation, affecting about 1 in every 500 to 1400 births.

Instead of flexing and tucking their chin, babies presenting brow-first slightly extend their head and neck in the same way they would if they were looking up.

If your baby stays in a brow presentation it’s highly unlikely that they will be able to make their way through your pelvis. If your cervix is fully dilated then your doctor may be able to use their hand or ventouse - a vacuum cup - to move your baby’s head into a flexed position. If there are signs that your baby is becoming distressed or labor isn’t progressing then a c-section may be recommended.

More than half of the babies presenting brow-first, however, flex their head during early labor and move into a better position that allows labor to progress. Although, some babies tip their head back further and present face-first.

A face presentation is another rare position for a baby to be born in, occurring in only 1 in every 600 to 800 births.

Almost three quarters of babies presenting face-first can be delivered vaginally, especially if the baby’s chin is near your pubic bone, although labor may be prolonged.

Some baby’s presenting face-first may need to be delivered by c-section, particularly if their chin is near your tailbone, your labor is not progressing or your baby’s heart rate is causing concern.

Shoulder presentation

If your baby is lying sideways across your uterus - in a transverse lie - their shoulder can present first. Shoulder presentation occurs in less than 1 percent of deliveries. Virtually all babies in a shoulder presentation will need to be delivered by c-section. If labor begins while the baby is in this position then the shoulder will become stuck in the pelvis and the labor will not progress.

What factors can influence the position of my baby?

A number of factors can influence the position of your baby during labor and delivery, including:

• If you have been pregnant before
• The size and shape of your pelvis
• Having an abnormally shaped uterus
• Having growths in your uterus, such as fibroids
• Having placenta previa - the placenta covers some or all of the cervix
• A premature birth
• Having twins or multiple babies
• Having too much (polyhydramnios) or too little (oligohydramnios) amniotic fluid
• Abnormalities that prevent the baby tucking their chin to their chest

How do I tell what position my baby is in?

Your midwife or your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) should be able to tell you the position of your baby by feeling your belly, using an ultrasound scan or conducting a pelvic exam.

You might also be able to tell the position of the baby from their movements.

If your baby is in a back-to-back position your belly may feel more squishy and their kicks are likely to be felt or seen around the middle of your belly. You may also notice that instead of your belly poking out there is a dip around your belly button.

If your baby is in the ideal occiput anterior presentation you’re likely to feel the firm, rounded surface of your baby’s back on one side of your belly and feel kicks up under your ribs.

How do I get my baby into the best position for birth?

Here are some tips to try to encourage your baby to engage in the ideal position for birth:

• Remain upright, but lean forward to create more space in your pelvis for your baby to turn.
• Sit with your back as straight as possible and your knees lower than your hips. Placing a cushion under your bottom and one behind your back may make this position more comfortable. Avoid sitting with your knees higher than your pelvis.
• When you read a book, sit on a dining room chair and rest your elbows on the table. Lean forward slightly with your knees apart. Avoid crossing your knees.
• If pelvic girdle pain is not an issue, try sitting facing backwards with your arms resting on the back of a chair.
• Watch TV kneeling on the floor leaning over a big bean bag.
• Go for a swim.
• Sit on a birth ball or swiss ball - they can be used both before and during labor.
• Lie down on your side rather than your back. Place a pillow between your knees for comfort.
• Try moving about on all fours. Try wiggling your hips or arching your back before straightening your spine again.
• During Braxton Hicks (practice contractions), use a forward leaning posture
• During contractions, stay on your feet, lean forwards and rock your hips from side to side and up and down to get your bottom wiggling as you walk

Remember to attend your antenatal appointments and contact your midwife or OB-GYN if you have any questions or concerns about the position of your baby.

Article references

• MedlinePlus . Your baby in the birth canal. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002060.htm . [Accessed May 19, 2022].
• NHS Inform. How your baby lies in the womb. August 17, 2021. Available at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby/labour-and-birth/getting-ready-for-the-birth/how-your-baby-lies-in-the-womb . [Accessed May 19, 2022].
• The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). If Your Baby is Breech. November 2020. Available at: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/if-your-baby-is-breech . [Accessed May 19, 2022].
• MedlinePlus. Breech - series - Types of breech presentation. March 12, 2020. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/presentations/100193_3.htm . [Accessed May 19, 2022].
• Medscape . Breech Presentation. January 20, 2022. Available at: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/262159-overview . [Accessed May 19, 2022].
• Physicians & Midwives. Which Way is Up? What Your Baby’s Position Means for Your Delivery. November 15, 2012. Available at: https://physiciansandmidwives.com/what-your-babys-position-means-for-delivery/ . [Accessed May 19, 2022].
• BabyCentre. What is brow presentation? Available at: https://www.babycentre.co.uk/x564026/what-is-brow-presentation . [Accessed May 19, 2022].
• NCT. Bay position in the womb before birth. Available at: https://www.nct.org.uk/labour-birth/getting-ready-for-birth/baby-positions-womb-birth . [Accessed May 19, 2022].
• NHS Forth Valley. Ante Natal Advice for Optimal Fetal Positioning. 2020. Available at: https://nhsforthvalley.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Ante-Natal-Advice-for-Optimal-Fetal-Positioning.pdf . [Accessed May 19, 2022].

Read this next

What are the health benefits of tea?

Tea is a popular beverage consumed worldwide. Regularly drinking tea is thought to have many potential health benefits. Read on to find out how tea may help you

Healthy heart diet guide

Making simple changes to your diet is the first step to being heart-healthy. Add these foods to your everyday eating plan.

How to keep cool and survive a heatwave

Heatwaves are on the rise worldwide putting you at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Try these tips to help you stay cool

7 Lifestyle changes to help reduce obstructive sleep apnea

Some simple lifestyle changes can help you reduce your obstructive sleep apnea symptoms. Here are 7 tips you can try.

Fetal Presentation, Position, and Lie (Including Breech Presentation)

• Key Points |

Abnormal fetal lie or presentation may occur due to fetal size, fetal anomalies, uterine structural abnormalities, multiple gestation, or other factors. Diagnosis is by examination or ultrasonography. Management is with physical maneuvers to reposition the fetus, operative vaginal delivery , or cesarean delivery .

Terms that describe the fetus in relation to the uterus, cervix, and maternal pelvis are

Fetal presentation: Fetal part that overlies the maternal pelvic inlet; vertex (cephalic), face, brow, breech, shoulder, funic (umbilical cord), or compound (more than one part, eg, shoulder and hand)

Fetal position: Relation of the presenting part to an anatomic axis; for vertex presentation, occiput anterior, occiput posterior, occiput transverse

Fetal lie: Relation of the fetus to the long axis of the uterus; longitudinal, oblique, or transverse

Normal fetal lie is longitudinal, normal presentation is vertex, and occiput anterior is the most common position.

Abnormal fetal lie, presentation, or position may occur with

Fetopelvic disproportion (fetus too large for the pelvic inlet)

Fetal congenital anomalies

Uterine structural abnormalities (eg, fibroids, synechiae)

Multiple gestation

Several common types of abnormal lie or presentation are discussed here.

Transverse lie

Fetal position is transverse, with the fetal long axis oblique or perpendicular rather than parallel to the maternal long axis. Transverse lie is often accompanied by shoulder presentation, which requires cesarean delivery.

Breech presentation

There are several types of breech presentation.

Frank breech: The fetal hips are flexed, and the knees extended (pike position).

Complete breech: The fetus seems to be sitting with hips and knees flexed.

Single or double footling presentation: One or both legs are completely extended and present before the buttocks.

Types of breech presentations

Breech presentation makes delivery difficult ,primarily because the presenting part is a poor dilating wedge. Having a poor dilating wedge can lead to incomplete cervical dilation, because the presenting part is narrower than the head that follows. The head, which is the part with the largest diameter, can then be trapped during delivery.

Additionally, the trapped fetal head can compress the umbilical cord if the fetal umbilicus is visible at the introitus, particularly in primiparas whose pelvic tissues have not been dilated by previous deliveries. Umbilical cord compression may cause fetal hypoxemia.

Predisposing factors for breech presentation include

Preterm labor

Uterine abnormalities

Fetal anomalies

If delivery is vaginal, breech presentation may increase risk of

Umbilical cord prolapse

Birth trauma

Perinatal death

Face or brow presentation

In face presentation, the head is hyperextended, and position is designated by the position of the chin (mentum). When the chin is posterior, the head is less likely to rotate and less likely to deliver vaginally, necessitating cesarean delivery.

Brow presentation usually converts spontaneously to vertex or face presentation.

Occiput posterior position

The most common abnormal position is occiput posterior.

The fetal neck is usually somewhat deflexed; thus, a larger diameter of the head must pass through the pelvis.

Progress may arrest in the second phase of labor. Operative vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery is often required.

Position and Presentation of the Fetus

If a fetus is in the occiput posterior position, operative vaginal delivery or cesarean delivery is often required.

In breech presentation, the presenting part is a poor dilating wedge, which can cause the head to be trapped during delivery, often compressing the umbilical cord.

For breech presentation, usually do cesarean delivery at 39 weeks or during labor, but external cephalic version is sometimes successful before labor, usually at 37 or 38 weeks.

Copyright © 2024 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved.

• Cookie Preferences

• Midwifery Care

The Nest midwives offer complete prenatal, labor & delivery, postpartum and newborn care, with the option for birth center or home birth. We also offer well woman, gynecological and reproductive health care services with our certified nurse midwife.

We believe that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes, to be treated with honor and respect.

• Vitalistic Whole Health Care

The Nest wellness branch is a multi-disciplinary team of providers, working collaboratively to care for your mental, physical and spiritual health. 

We practice from a vitalist philosophy of medicine, following the wisdom and innate healing ability of your being to uncover the root of any suffering, illness, or disease, and transform it with love – bringing you back to your true, whole self.  

• Whole Health Compendium

The Compendium is an ever-growing  resource repository for living a natural, intentional life.  

We share with you our collective wisdom, knowledge, and experience, from the very practical to the sublime: recipes; herbalism; holistic first aid; traditional  matriarchal practices of healing and ritual; sacred pregnancy, childbearing & parenting stories and skills; and everything in between.

Link coming soon!

• Curated Supplements

Our providers have done the research to select high quality supplements and herbs so you know you’re getting effective therapeutic supplements.

Our inventory includes bundles – preconception and prenatal package, liver package, immunity package, postpartum anxiety/depression package – as well as individual products for digestion, pediatrics, and more!

Purchase with your provider at your next visit or contact us for office hours.

ViviAnne Fischer

Licensed midwife.

ViviAnne brings the deep wisdom of experience to her care for women through prenatal, labor & delivery, and postpartum care.  She integrates the art of traditional midwifery and current knowledge.  ViviAnne enjoys the relationships she develops with families and often creates lasting friendships.  Women appreciate her compassionate, calm and patient nature.

Midwifery care is available at our Pullman, Moscow, and Lewiston offices!

Tina Gearhart

Certified nurse midwife.

As a certified nurse midwife, CNM, Tina is able to provide women’s health midwifery care from adolescence through menopause! She can provide care for Well Woman exams, labs, family planning, and gynecological concerns.  Tina’s straightforward and deeply caring manner really helps women feel informed and empowered in their healthcare. M idwifery care is billable to insurance, Medicaid, or self-pay and is available at our Pullman, Moscow, and Lewiston offices!  Book with any midwife for prenatal care, or book with Tina specifically for Well Woman care.

Naturopathic Doctor, Licensed Midwife

The Medicine Woman of The Nest, Dr. KO guides healing with a sense of patience, ease, and trust.  As a midwife and doula, Dr. KO brings a tender reverence for the sacred transition of birthing.  With a foundation of evidence-based care, she empowers the mother to trust her own body and intuition.  Book with any midwife for prenatal care and Dr. KO will be on your team – the three midwives rotate each week.

Dr. KO is currently not accepting new naturopathic clients; but you are welcome to call us at email [email protected] to discuss options and be added to a wait list for intensive spiritual counseling.

Click below to work with Dr. KO in her weekly group offering, Meditation Circle at The Nest in Moscow Wednesdays at 6pm.

Deborah Webster

Acupuncturist, chinese medicine practitioner.

Deborah believes the body cannot thrive if out of balance and seeks to help her patients feel better through natural means such as diet, and movement, and encouraging their natural healing process with acupuncture. Acupuncture is an amazing, gentle tool that can be used to remind the body that the path to healing is inside all of us. She works with pediatric patients, couples who are preparing for parenthood, and those experiencing pain and discomfort in their bodies. Our bodies reflect what is happening within us and by treating the whole self, our best lives can be appropriately reflected.

Deborah can book at our Pullman or Lewiston offices!

Megan Hewes

Office manager, embodiment instructor.

As the Office Manager, Megan values kindness, efficiency, and beauty.  She is our point person for scheduling, billing, and special projects; and she loves connecting with each client who comes to The Nest.

In Embodiment fitness classes, Megan creates a non-judgmental environment that encourages you to respect and understand your own body while challenging its cardiovascular system, strength, and flexibility.  Above all, expect exercises that feel good and music that makes you want to move!

Jess Mallery

Student midwife, birth assistant.

Jess brings a steadying and supportive presence to births at home and the birth center. As the student midwife at The Nest, she attends office visits and births as an important part of earning her degree from the Midwives College of Utah. Her contributions to maternity care and delivery reflect her deep honor for the experiences of pregnancy, birth, and womanhood.

Jessica Smith

Lactation consultant, nurse.

As your lactation specialist my goal is to compassionately support you through your parenthood experience.  I apply a holistic approach to my practice, combining ancient wisdom with evidenced based science to give you a full range of information. My goal is to create a safe space for you to feel connected, honored, and supported in the decisions that give you peace and joy. This is a very challenging, vulnerable, and intimate time in life and having someone to guide you through your journey can be immeasurable. I feel humbled and honored to work beside parents in this transformational time.

Pullman, WA

425 S. Grand Ave Pullman, WA 99163

Between the Coldwell Banker building and Old European Restaurant. Please parallel park on the south side of the building.

Lewiston, ID

523 1/2 Main St. #207 Lewiston, ID 83501

Next to and above Redingers Photography. Midwifery visits and Acupuncture offered at this location 

424 S Jefferson St. Moscow, ID 83843

We moved to a new Moscow office! Now located in the white house right behind the old Uma Center.

(509) 330-5539

[email protected]

Fax: (509) 795-0936

Mailing address: 425 S Grand Ave. Pullman, WA 99163

Our Offerings

Our locations.

• Pullman, Washington
• Lewiston, Idaho
• Moscow, Idaho
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy & Cookie Policy

My journey to midwifery started early.  I was born at home with a midwife and grew up surrounded by women who used herbs, homeopathy and food to heal the body.  I was always drawn to pregnancy and birth, however, I took a few detours along the way!  My boys were born in 2002, 2005, and 2006.  I earned my Masters Degree in Human Development shortly after the birth of my second son – with a focus on families and parenting.  In 2007, I became a birth doula while also teaching at WSU.  The calling to midwifery grew louder over time and I went back to school to earn my bachelors in midwifery and become a certified professional midwife in 2015. I love connecting with families and being a part of their journey.  I am passionate about doing what I can as a midwife to facilitate and hold space for normal physiological birth, with the goal always that women will feel they were well cared for, heard and honored.  I am also excited about advancing midwifery care in the U.S.!  I serve as a committee member on the Midwifery Advisory Council in Washington and the Idaho Midwifery Council in Idaho. 

I have been in health care my entire adult life.  I started as a certified nursing assistant working in a nursing home, became a phlebotomist, and an EMT (though, I never worked as an EMT) until I discovered my passion for nursing. I found out I was pregnant with my first daughter the same time I was accepted into nursing school. As a typical first-time mom, I was nervous, excited, and wanted to feel as though I could connect with my OB. After 3 visits of having to explain to him I was there because I was pregnant, I had lost all confidence that he’d be of any use once in labor.  A friend had suggested a CNM (certified nurse midwife), and this was life-changing.  She deserves all the credit for where I am today.  

I attended nursing school at the Colorado Mesa University in Grand Junction, Colorado and graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, in 2002. I started nursing school with a 3 month old, and my second daughter was 3 month old when I graduated… something I don’t necessarily recommend attempting.  While working as a medical/surgical nurse, I attended graduate school at the University of Colorado in Denver and graduated in 2006 with a Master’s in Science specializing in nurse midwifery (Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Midwife).  I would spend the majority of my career in Colorado working in the hospital and clinic setting, until crossing over to the home birth and birth center world. I finished 2021 by becoming an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant). 

I am passionate about women’s health, pregnancy, and birth. I believe in empowering teens to learn and trust their bodies, guiding women and their partners through their low-risk pregnancies and birth, and guiding women through and beyond menopause.  I treat women as a whole – mind-body-spirit – and believe optimal health can be achieved when all three are aligned. As a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM), I am able to evaluate, diagnose, prescribe medications if needed, and support women throughout the life span. I provide evidenced-based education, resources and recommendations to allow for individuals to make informed decisions about their health in a non-judgemental manner. Types of visits include preconception counseling, birth control (IUDs, Nexplanon, Natural Family Planning, etc.), gynecological visits, annual physical exams, and blood work if needed, and of course prenatal and postpartum visits. As an IBCLC, I support the breastfeeding mama throughout the entire breastfeeding journey. I am also able to evaluate tongue/lip ties and revise them, if and when appropriate.  

I was born in Moscow a few years ago, and grew up on the Palouse. My husband and I live on a lovely farm outside of Palouse that has been passed down by my great-great grandparents who settled here 1913.  I have two grown daughters (22 & 19), one of which is a pharmacy tech, and the other is currently attending WSU – Go Cougs! I am also lucky enough to have two bonus boys (12 & 10); along with the true rulers of the farm, a 7yr old white golden retriever and a 6yr old German Shepard. We are looking forward to bringing more animals back to the farm in the near future.  I love lifestyle photography and more recently have delved into birth photography.  I enjoy running, reading and audible books, gardening, and might be a bit of a wine enthusiast; mostly though, I just enjoy being at home with my husband.

I was born and raised in a suburb of Minneapolis, Minnesota. I graduated from Bastyr University as a doctor of naturopathic medicine. I am also in the final stages of completing a Masters of Science in Midwifery from Bastyr. I was brought to midwifery and naturopathic medicine through the desire for a life dedicated to the pursuit of the overwhelming joy of loving service. I have been volunteering with several organizations to serve underprivileged children in various countries since the age of 16.

I attended Stanford University and graduated with a degree in neurological psychology and a minor in human biology. As I gained more focus on healthcare throughout my undergraduate career, I geared my service work towards sexual and women’s health. After graduation, my entrepreneurial spirit and search for a more holistic system of medicine brought me to a career in naturopathic medicine, and training as a craniosacral and visceral manipulation practitioner and massage therapist. I am very dedicated to the power of holistic healthcare, and I believe firmly in the ability of each individual to manifest their own health. I have begun my clinical education at Bastyr; while my skills continue to evolve, the clinical style I always attempt to embody is illustrated by the phrase, ‘listening in love.’

I came to midwifery through a desire to support health from conception. I ascribe to the belief that a child’s time in the womb and experience of birth are some of the most formative health experiences, and these experiences will continue to impact the health of the individual throughout the entirety of their life.  In addition, I am drawn to the empowerment of women that pervades the field of midwifery, returning to women their dignity and power, and supporting the reclamation of birth by the women who are giving it.

I truly believe that giving birth is one of the most important events that will occur in the life of a woman; I cannot adequately express how excited, honored and grateful I am to have the opportunity to partner with women in this experience.

The foundation of my life, belief, and medical practice is this:

All illness would be eradicated if we could all remember the one essential truth-

Everything is love.

Deborah Webster is a licensed acupuncturist who graduated with her Master of Science in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from South Baylo University and holds a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science. She loves to help her patients move and feel their best without pain or discomfort. Deborah has experience in treating a wide range of disorders and patient issues which has given her the tools to understand that each person is unique and will have their own healing journey. Our bodies reflect what is happening within us and by treating the whole self, our best lives can be appropriately reflected. This is true for her wellness, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum patients who are preparing their bodies for the next stage in life. For patients with chronic or acute pain syndromes, Deborah loves the moment when they tell her they are pain-free and they are able to come up with a plan to keep them moving and living their best life. For her pediatric patients, she seeks to help them feel comfortable and safe as they are growing. Acupuncture helps the body by increasing circulation, stimulating the immune system, and improving the body’s pain response. It is both gentle and effective at helping to bring the body back to balance.

I have been the Office Manager of The Nest since October 2018 and am so grateful to be a part of this holistic practice.  My experience here has been both as staff and patient, as I delivered both of my babies at home with The Nest!  Before coming to The Nest I worked in fitness since 2010, with a Bachelors of Science in Kinesiology from WSU and certifications as a fitness instructor and personal trainer.  I am thrilled to merge my background in exercise with the vitalistic approach of The Nest to offer classes that not only challenge cardio, strength, mobility, and balance, but incorporate a meditative quality of movement and closeness with our emotions.

Embodiment fitness classes:

Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:30am

All ages and bodies are welcome in this mindful movement practice that promotes vitality, strength, mobility, and balance. Music-led exercises blend yoga, qigong, dance, weightlifting, and calisthenics with plenty of options to honor and adapt to your body as it is right now, including senior, prenatal, and postpartum bodies. Try out your first class for free!

Then $15/class   or 8 for $12/class

Location: Pullman Parks & Rec Center, Room 213

190 SE Crestview St. Pullman, WA 99163

Student Midwife, DONA Birth Doula

When I was 11 years old, I attended the birth of my little sister. This experience laid the foundation for a lifelong fascination with all things pertaining to childbearing and women’s health. I received excellent midwifery care during my own pregnancies, which inspired me to become a midwife myself. I am currently in midwifery school and have been honored to learn from several local midwives, including the amazing midwives at The Nest. I’ve attended nearly 100 births and am grateful for each of these experiences.

I also work independently as a doula (find me at palousedoulacollective.org).  My goal is to provide support that is suited to the needs of each woman and her family. Creating such support requires time, attentiveness, and honor for the unique needs of each client. Because of this, I place high value on prenatal visits in which we get to know each other, explore individual goals, preferences, concerns, and questions. I do my utmost to ensure my clients have access to evidence-based information, are honored in their decisions, and feel prepared to welcome their baby. I support labor and delivery through in-person emotional and physical care. And in the early postpartum days, I remain available to offer a listening ear, gentle advice if it is desired, and connection to additional community resources. It is my joy and privilege to support this sacred and ordinary process.

When I’m not busy with birth work, I enjoy cooking, making things with yarn and fabric, and exploring with my family. My husband and I live in Latah County, Idaho, and have five children.

Nurse, Lactation Consultant

Hi there, I’m Jessica Smith. I offer lactation consultation at The Nest for the greater Palouse community, whether you are a Nest midwifery patient or not.  I’m a nurse, IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant), Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula (find me at palousedoulacollective.org), and Certified Breastfeeding Educator. I’m also a rural, homeschool momma of four littles living on our regenerative farm with ALL the animals in Palouse, WA.

My interest in wellness, birth, babies and maternal health started from a young age. During high school and college I taught swim lessons and worked at a long term care facility as well as a special needs home. Upon graduation I worked as a school nurse, pediatric home-care nurse, and a minor-care/ready-care nurse. But, soon my passion for the healthcare, or rather dis-ease care system began to wane. I was constantly trying to get my patients outdoors to experience the world and nature around them. I wanted to help them live healthy, balanced lifestyles. My passion for getting back to nature and our roots continues throughout my own life and blends into my work. This is why I take a “holistic” approach.

When my own journey with motherhood began, I was awakened to the fact that in our culture there is a disconnect between birth and postpartum. Like many, I prepared for the birth but never really gave much thought to postpartum. While planning for birth is important, planning for the postpartum period is even more important. I found myself struggling with lack of resources and unable to ask for help. I struggled with breastfeeding, low supply, and ended up supplementing. Through help of doctors and lactation consultants we ended up saving my breastfeeding experience for two years and then was able to successfully tandem nurse when baby #2 arrived! I experienced birth trauma and postpartum anxiety & depression. I struggled to find balance and healing again after each baby. I came across Julia Jones Newborn Mother’s Collective, Ayurveda Postpartum care and found the missing link in my postpartum experience. Through the wisdom of ancient traditions and scientific role of Oxytocin, I learned what we have missed in our culture. While there’s much from ancient traditions and culture, we can’t apply to our modern lifestyle there are two culturally universal things we can do, help and support the new mother and offer nutrient dense, warm prepared meals.

Through my pediatric nursing experience, I cared for many previous NICU babies with unique challenges, in which I saw a vast difference in the ones who were fed breastmilk. This led me to dive deeper into the lactation world and fueled my love for working with families through difficult times. I furthered my education and became certified as a breastfeeding educator and birth doula.  Birth work has caused me to look deeper at my own healing so I can show up for clients with positive energy. As your lactation consultant my goal is to support you through your experience. I love working and troubleshooting through challenges with clients to apply what feels right for you and your needs. I want to guide you where necessary with an open mind well as empower you and promote healthy lifestyle.

The best to you, Jessica

Special Trainings:

• Midwife Assistant Training | 2009
• Lewis-Clark State College, Nursing Graduate | 2011
• Postpartum Doula Training, Newborn Mother’s Collective | 2015
• Certified Birth Doula | 2015
• Certified Lactation Educator, Evergreen Perinatal Education | 2016
• Intuitive Birth for Birth-Workers | 2019
• Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Workshop, Perinatal Support Washington | 2020
• University of San Diego Extension, Lactation Consultant Didactic and Internship | 2021
• Steamy Chick, Peri-Steam Facilitator | 2021
• Tongue Tie, A Comprehensive Approach to Assessment and Care, Melissa Cole, MS, IBCLC | 2022
• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant | 2022

• Newsletter Sign Up
• Mindful Parenting Revolution
• Newborn Sleep Program
• Follow Up Support
• Child Sleep
• Adult Sleep

Mindful Parenting

• Video: Say a Mindful Goodbye to the Pacifier
• Video: Family Boundaries Holiday Edition
• Video: Mindful Holiday Tips
• Sleep Do’s & Don’ts for Your Holidaze

• Self Care Checklist
• Here’s what others have to say…
• Kristine In The Media
• Book A Call

Say goodbye to your child’s tantrums, power struggles and sleepless nights.

Enjoy parenting with ease, joy and deep connections with Kristine Petterson, Mindful Parenting Specialist and Certified Child Sleep Consultant.

Why You Need a Parenting Specialist

Navigating the challenges of parenting, especially child sleep issues , can be overwhelming. As a certified Child Sleep Coach and Mindful Parenting Specialist , I offer expert guidance to help your family achieve restful nights and harmonious days. Personalized sleep plans and evidence-based mindful parenting strategies are designed to foster healthier, happier children. By addressing sleep problems and enhancing parenting techniques, we can create a balanced, joyful family life. Discover how expert sleep coaching and mindful parenting can transform your family’s well-being with better sleep and stronger bonds.

30 minutes can change your parenting forever

In just 30 minutes we can better understand the root cause of your parenting challenges with sleep and child behavior and create a plan to address them.

No more guilt & shame

No more yelling & punishing, no more fighting within your marriage, watching priceless moments with your child transform into yelling, anger and overwhelm is heartbreaking as a parent..

Unfortunately too many parents go through these challenges alone and end up feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and powerless because the situation almost never gets better on its own.

Mindful parenting involves being fully present and engaged with your child, fostering emotional connection, empathy, and emotional regulation. This approach helps manage stress, improves communication, and encourages positive behavior through non-judgmental listening and thoughtful responses. By modeling calm and compassionate behavior, parents create a nurturing environment that supports both their and their child’s well-being. Practicing mindfulness allows parents to handle challenges with patience and kindness, making it a transformative approach for family dynamics.

Your child’s tantrums are more and more frequent, bedtimes & mealtimes transform into frustrating negotiations and sleepless nights.

It becomes even more difficult to stay calm and aligned with your partner’s decisions as the fatigue accumulates and your daily family life becomes a real struggle.

The reason you’re struggling is simply because you don’t have the right tools & strategies yet. There is nothing wrong with your parenting and there is a way to finally enjoy the family life you’ve dreamed of, with fun, joy and deep connections.

Hi, I'm Kristine!

I’m a Mindful Parenting Educator and child sleep consultant dedicated to freeing families from the exhaustion and guilt that can overwhelm us all.

Why? Because I’ve been there myself… Mealtime meltdowns, diaper changing tantrums, car seat protests, using time-outs, threats, getting SO angry that I would slam doors. This was NOT the vision of the parent I wanted to be. So I decided to get to work: classes, reading stacks of books, therapy, coaching, Sleep Consultant Certification, practicing real time… and after years of work my family completely transformed. I completely transformed… and our connection was deeper than ever. I then discovered that all the work I had done could help other parents make the same transformations for themselves and their children. And this is what I want to help you with.

Here's how my coaching works:

Book a complimentary call, discover the tools & strategies that will work for your family, start your step by step process to ease, fun & deep connection, infant sleep, featured in.

Imagine if...

You wake up tomorrow refreshed and full of energy. You’re dancing in the kitchen with your kids while making a healthy breakfast. You know they got the sleep they needed and you all enjoy these precious moments.

When the time comes to get ready for school, they’re listening and you don’t have to rush because you know you’ll be on time!

When you drop them of, you say goodbye and you can’t wait to see them after school… You’re not dreading dinnertime because it’s now a time to connect rather than micro managing how many bites they’re eating.

Bedtime routine is really sweet, you laugh, snuggle and your children feel safe to stay in their bed the whole night. You know you’ll all have a good night sleep…

Want to learn more about sleep and Mindful Parenting? Start with these articles:

Reassuring Your Little Worrier

Toddler Sleep Tips

Overcome Your Parenting Triggers

Top 5 Strategies of mindful parents

• LEARN: The basics of mindful parenting and how to apply these short/sweet tips starting TODAY!
• CONNECT: Discover unique ways to re-think your reoccurring parenting challenges and connect more deeply with your whole family.
• PROBLEM SOLVE: Change from reacting to responding carefully in stressful situations so that you can prevent escalation and create greater ease.

• Privacy Policy

Join The Discussion