None of my three children were born in the supine position and the eldest is now almost thirty so I am a little surprised to read that it is still common. And

None of my three children were born in the supine position and the eldest is now almost thirty so I am a little surprised to read that it is still common. And while my wife found it painful to some extent it is quite clear that she also enjoyed the process to a fairly large degree. But this was in a maternity unit that had essentially no rules beyond do what makes mother and baby happy, and have the capability to deal with a crisis if it should occur. My wife felt free to arrange herself in whatever position was most effective and to make as much noise as she liked when it got tough. I think that many women end up going into labour in a fearful frame of mind because of the constant reminders that it will be painful and this coupled with midwives intent on following timetables and doing things their way results in a stressful time for all. As everyone else mentions, I am aware that my sample is not large and that there are many who have had a different experience.