Hi Mel,
I haven't read through everone's responses so sorry if I repeat...

I think it's good to be aware that every woman and every labour has a preferred position. Personally I found any type of sitting hideous. Fitballs were awful for me as were 'birthing stools', toilets eewwww for me. However I have seen women birth to their hearts content whilst rolling around on a brightly coloured ball!!!

I love to be in an upright position in early labour. I like to move around continuously. Hip swaying is fantastic to help the baby get into the right 'groove'. The motion helps with pain relief also. Showers are super especially if there are two nozzles. One for your belly and one for your back.

I love to hang or pull down during labour also. For instance putting your hands on the top of the door of a cupboard and pulling down. I found that fantastic. Many indigenous cultures have a special rope that is fixed or that other women hold the end of for this purpose. I like to squat during a contraction. Leaning into a bean bag often is helpful. All of my babies have been born whilst I was either squatting or on all fours. I liked that way best of all, and it just seems to be my way. I do the all fours thing and my husband knows it's time!