Alternative birth positions.

The dorsal supine position for birth appears to be an aberration practised only in North America during the last 150 years and contrasting to historical precedent and current practices in most other cultures. Alternative birth positions featuring reclining, sitting, squatting or side-lying have recently been shown to have definite physiological and psychological advantages over the conventional posture. The author of this article examines the evidence supporting these advantages and illustrates how these birthing positions may be incorporated into hospital birthing procedures.