Birthing positions - Regina Coppen

Women have been delivering in the upright position for centuries. The evidence is clear that upright birthing positions confer greater advantage than nonupright positions, such as recumbent, lateral and semi-recumbent. Yet in present day practice, the majority of women are still delivering 'flat' on the bed. The author argues that women are not aware of the different positions and that midwives are not always prepared to deliver them in their position of choice. The text looks at the evidence for and against the use of different birthing positions. A systematic review of the evidence from a historical, anthropological and scientific perspective is discussed. The results of a randomised controlled trial on women's decision making and choice of birthing positions is included as well as midwives' views of birthing positions and the extent to which they influence women.