Webster Technique: Does It Help to Relax Hips for Easier Birthing?

Updated on January 28, 2008
V.J. asks from Phoenix, AZ
7 answers

I'm 36 weeks pregnant and am wondering if the Webster Technique helps to relax the hips and get the baby in an easier birthing position. I am pretty sure that my baby is in the easier birthing position, the anterior position, but I was wondering if this technique helps for better relaxation and alignment down there. I am doing a natural home water birth and have taken hypnobirthing classes. Thanks!

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So What Happened?

I didn't try the Webster technique because I was worried about the umbilical cord wrapping around his neck. He kept flip flopping from one side to the other before I went into labor. When I went into labor, he was in posterior position, and 30 hours of natural labor was a lot tougher with his head putting so much pressure on my sacrum! I knew he didn't have room to move until my waters broke. But my waters wouldn't break until his head was in the right position. Finally I started moving into transition. When my midwife went to check me, my waters broke, I did some standing pelvic tilts, my acupuncturist put some needles in, and he immediately moved into the right position. Before that, the acupuncture nor the cat cow pelvic tilt exercises helped. My midwife says that babies have their reasons for the positions they're in and how long it takes to come out. I agree with her but might go see a Webster Technique chiropractor the next time!

More Answers

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J.D.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Hi V.
I have a 6 month old boy and I also took Hypnobirthing! And I even planned a water birth at home, which didn't work out because the water accelerated my 2 and 1/2 hour labor even MORE!! It was too much, so I ended up out of the tub and in the bed for delivery! But it was still a marvelous experience. My husband is a chiropractor (which explains the super fast labor) and works with many pregnant mommies. The Webster technique (although great, and he does perform) actually is not for that purpose. The Bagnell technique is what you are looking for. He is the only Bagnell certified Chiropractor in the state. He has great success with this technique and great fast labors with first time mommies. His clinic number is ###-###-#### and ask to see Dr. Davis-let them know you are 36 weeks. But get there soon-you don't have much time before Baby Boy arrives!! Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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E.D.

answers from Denver on

V.,
What a great question. The Webster Technique is a specific technique used during pregnancy to allow the baby to be in the best possible birth position. It is very gentle and safe. It is typically used when the baby is in a breech position, but it can also be helpful if the baby is posterior. The treatment balances the position of the pelvis to allow the baby to be best positioned for birth. There was a study done that showed that women who were under chiropractic care during their pregnancy had 1/3 less labor time. The reason for this reduction in labor time is because the pelvis is in a more neutral position and better able to open during birth. It sounds like you have a beautiful birth planned. The only way to know the alignment and flexibility of your pelvis is to get it checked out. You can find Chiropractors that specialize in pregnancy at www.ICPA4KIDS.com and search "find a doctor". Also, please feel free to call me if you have more questions about the Webster Technique. ###-###-####.
Happy Birthing :)
E.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.C.

answers from Denver on

Check out spinningbabies.com for advice about Optimal foetal positioning. I really felt like these techniques got my son in great position (and helped me have a successful VBAC). The site is kind of overwhelming, but the main ideas are very helpful and not overwhelming.
It's basically that you should, in last several weeks of preganancy, be leaning forward as much as possible, thinking of the belly of a hammock, so baby's heaviest part (spine and head) move naturally with gravity to ideal position. Best of luck, and be well.

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L.W.

answers from Phoenix on

congrats on your first. so what is the Webster Technique?
thats my last name and i have never heard of it... lol
well anyway let me know if it works for you!

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K.M.

answers from Flagstaff on

Hello and congratulations!!! I am a holistic healthcare practitioner in Flagstaff and one of my specialties is working with pregnant moms. I offer acupuncture and advanced craniosacral therapy, homeopathy, Chinese herbs, nutritional support and a wide variety of healing modalities. I also offer acupuncture anesthesia during labor and delivery and help support the process with acupuncture and advanced craniosacral therapy. I also offer a Free new baby first time adv.CST session so they are off to an even more balanced start.
I know that these modalities will help relax and align your body and the baby. I'm curious if you did you hypnobirthing with Lynn, a nurse in Sedona? It is fantastic work!! Yea to you for having a beautiful home birth!!!
Good Luck and Many Blessings,
K. McGary ###-###-####

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N.V.

answers from Las Vegas on

I'm not very familiar with the Webster technique, but wanted to mention http://spinningbabies.com/. I also had a homebirth in water (and took hypnobirthing classes) and loved this site while preparing for birth, as I was able to really tell which position my baby was in and picture her in there. Plus, it helped me to practice proper techniques (alignment, etc) to ensure baby would be in the best position for an easier birth. Best of luck to you!
~N.
ICAN of Southern NV
Chapter Leader
ican-online.org

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J.M.

answers from Albuquerque on

If you're doing hypnobirthing, try adding something about relaxing your hips in the affirmations. Keep stretching and walking. Keep an open mind; anything can happen, don't assume your birthing plan will be your baby's birthing plan. Everything can change in a matter of moments.
Congratulations and relax!

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