With a complete breech presentation, one or both knees are flexed, not extended. See the illustration on page 323. There is some controversy in obstetrics over the best method of delivering a breech baby. For many years, breech deliveries were performed vaginally. Then it was believed the safest method was to deliver the breech by C-section, especially if it was a first baby.
Many doctors believe a Cesarean section is still the safest method of delivering a breech baby.
However, some doctors believe a woman can deliver a breech without difficulty if the situation is right. This usually includes a frank breech in a mature fetus of a woman who has had previous normal deliveries. Most doctors believe a baby in the breech position can probably be delivered more safely by a Cesarean section performed during early labor or before labor begins. Ask your doctor what he or she normally does in this situation. It is more difficult to do this after your water breaks or when you are in labor.