In ancient times, African women used a wide variety of traditional birthing positions, that is, to date, believed to give women less pain and facilitate labour. Since the medicalization of childbirth, women have been pushing on their backs or in a semi-sitting position with their legs raised or pushed back or out.
Many childbirth educators have often frowned on these positions, as they are believed not to be ideal for the baby.
With these alternatives, women essentially had more control over their childbirth as they were not restricted to lie on their backs like it’s seen in modern hospitals.
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Here are some of these ancient traditional birthing positions:
