05/04/2023
These are the comparable statistics for women who birth in an upright position v non-upright positions. They are pretty blooming powerful stats right?! You are also more likely to have a shorter labour and less likely to have a c-section. So why, despite these benefits, do so many women opt to lie down on their back to give birth?
Giving birth lying flat on a bed or in a lying down position is actually quite a modern trend. If you were around a few hundred years ago, then you would most likely be squatting, on your hands and knees, or sitting on some form of a birthing stool. Have a look below at some of the super cool carvings, sculptures, and drawings of women throughout history, giving birth. My favourite is the South Indian carving below in the middle. Notice that the mama is the biggest and therefore most powerful. She's supported in a standing Squat position.
