SOGC makes changes to guidelines for vaginal birth of breech babies

This is not strictly midwifery related, but it is an interesting development in the world of maternity care. My friend Robin has been working hard in the last few years to make vaginal birth a viable option for women with breech babies. (C-sections still have their place, of course, but there are some breech presentations that are suited to normal vaginal delivery, but many women are never given the information let alone the choice. You can learn more about it at the Coalition for Breech Birth website.)

Last week, Robin got this great response from the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.

Dear Ms. Guy:

Thank you very much for your letter dated June 25th, 2008 regarding Breech Birth in Canada. Your letter was perfectly timed as the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada’s (SOGC) Council Committee has just discussed and approved new guidelines that will offer choices to women who want to have a vaginal birth when there is a breech presentation. The breech guideline is now being copy-edited and will be published in the fall in the JOG. At that time, it will become official SOGC policy. A full press release will be prepared and we would be happy to have you, or someone from your group, participate.

The SOGC had a guideline in 1994. In 2000, given the results and the publicity surrounding breech delivery, we felt it was necessary to warn our members about the study and suggested they discuss it with their patients. At no time did the SOGC ever recommend cesarean sections for all breech presentation. I regret these comments reported by physicians and we will certainly work hard to correct these impressions.

The SOGC will also collaborate with the Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (APOG) to make sure that Breech Vaginal Delivery is taught properly in all medical schools in Canada.

Thank you very much for sending this information to me, I will circulate this information to SOGC Council. I will also put you on the mailing list for our guidelines, which are printed in the JOGC as well as being available on our website.

Yours Sincerely,

André B. Lalonde, MD, FRCSC, FSOGC, FACS, MSc
Executive Vice-President