
An illustration of the hands and knees method — transitiontoparenthood.com
Hands and knees position
Other cultures used the hands and knees position which some health experts till now say relieves back pressure and allow the baby to turn to an easier position.
The illustration below shows an African-American woman in the 1800s giving birth while kneeling on the floor and leaning on a chair.

Woman with the hands and knees position — wellroundedmama.blogspot.com
It is said that the furniture could help her rock back and forth during delivery.