Birthing positions

I totally agree with you Elle. I also understand the things you mentioned to be accurate as you describe. I home birth unassisted and the first time labored on my back it was long and hard. My baby came out in 3 pushes after 42 hours of labor. The second time I birthed standing straight up and going into a squat possition as my baby desended and came out in a single push after 19 1/2 hours of labor. My third time I birthed standing up again, 2 pushes and 10 hours. This position is not mentioned in this article, however I found it to be the easiest for me. I am pregnant again and look forward to standing for the birth in April of '09. This time hopfully only 5-6 hours max. lol!

Your information is completely inaccurate. The lithotomy position slows down labour, squatting and kneeling positions speed labour up and make birthing easier and far less painful. An episiotomy (not "epistiomy") is never required, but lithotomy and semi-sitting positions give the (incorrect) illusion that episiotomy is viable. It can take up to 7 years for your wife to recover fully from an episiotomy (ie, say goodbye to your sex life), whereas a simple birthing tear takes just weeks to a couple of months to heal. Get your facts straight.