We discovered that the latest research supports these upright positions as best health practice for women

Being upright during labour and birth can increase the available space within your pelvis by 28-30% giving more room for baby to be born
Your contractions are more effective. Some preliminary studies have shown that an upright position in labour is as effective as an Oxytocin (Pitocin) infusion in stimulating contractions
Your baby is 54% less likely to become distressed during labour and birth if you are in an upright position
The length of the first stage of labour, between 3-10 centimetres can be significantly less when you remain upright, active and mobile

Upright positions reduce the duration of the second stage (pushing stage) of labour
Being upright has been shown to result in a 23% reduction in medically assisted deliveries- more space, less distress and a shorter labour results in fewer necessary interventions
A 21% reduction in rates of episiotomy (a cut made to the area between your vagina and anus) in women who give birth in an upright position
A 29% reduction in emergency caesarean sections
Mothers have a reduced need for epidural pain relief when they are upright