Outcomes of breech birth by mode of delivery across hospitals within Metro North Hospital & Health service: a retrospective observational study

This study aims to examine the impact of planned birth mode (caesarean section versus vaginal delivery) and clinician training on the outcomes of women who have a breech presentation and their babies. In Australia, caesarean section is by far the predominant mode of birth for foetuses presenting as breech at term. National and international guidelines recommend support for maternal choice in this area. Clinicians who have received training in vaginal breech birth (VBB) have been shown to be more knowledgeable and confident to discuss this option with patients. Thus, this study hypothesises that planned VBB and clinician training in VBB is associated with better outcomes for mothers and babies and lower hospital length of stay. We propose to review data from women with full term breech presentations at three Metro North hospitals over the past 10 years to examine this topic. This retrospective cohort study design will provide evidence to support decision making about birth mode in this patient group. There are no other published studies on this specific topic.