PREGNANCY, BIRTH & BEYOND
/My Breech Birth Story: A Conversation with Oni Blecher on PBB Radio
Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down with Oni Blecher from Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond Radio to share my personal birth story—the birth of our eldest daughter, which was a breech birth. This was an incredibly vulnerable experience for me to revisit and share, it took me 10 years to get there, but Oni convinced me it’s an important conversation to have, especially when it comes to the myths and misconceptions surrounding breech births. So I leant in.
As many of you know, birth stories are often shared in whispers, laden with judgment, assumptions, or sometimes even silence. Breech births, in particular, are often surrounded by fear and misunderstanding. But the truth is, breech births have been happening for centuries, and with the right care, attention, and informed choices, they can unfold beautifully. It’s one of the reasons I felt so compelled to talk about my experience.
Before diving in, I did ask our daughter for her blessing to share our story—because, of course, it's hers too. She gave her full permission, and for that, I'm grateful. It’s an intimate thing to share, and I wanted to honor her voice in this process as much as my own.
In the interview, we unpack all of it—the challenges, the emotional journey, the decisions made, and the support sought out. I share what it felt like to have a pregnancy and birth that didn’t fit the “textbook” mold, and how that shaped my relationship with myself and my body. But it wasn’t just about the hurdles; it was also about the empowerment that came from trusting my instincts, seeking informed support, and the resilience we found as a family.
It’s crucial to highlight that breech births, while less common, are far more frequent than many people realize. In fact, studies show that approximately 3-4% of pregnancies are breech in the third trimester. Yet despite these statistics, many women find themselves unsupported or misinformed when it comes to their options for breech birth. The conversation around breech pregnancies often comes with fear and pressure, especially when it comes to medical choices like cesareans or attempting to flip the baby.
I share my story in the hope that it might help shift that narrative, and encourage more women to feel empowered to explore their options, trust their bodies, and seek the support they need to make informed decisions that align with their values. We shouldn’t feel shame or fear around our birth stories, no matter how they unfold.
To hear more about my experience, including the highs, the lows, and the lessons learned, you can listen to the full interview with Oni on Pregnancy, Birth, and Beyond Radio. It’s a raw and honest conversation that dives deep into the realities of breech birth, the myths that surround it, and the importance of reclaiming our stories.
Thank you for joining me on this journey and for supporting these important conversations. Birth stories are not one-size-fits-all, and it’s time we embraced the diversity of experiences that come with bringing life into the world. Whether it’s a breech birth or a cesarean, a home birth or a hospital birth, we all deserve to feel empowered, informed, and supported in our choices.
With love,
Zoë