Yes, I agree Kelly, though you can improvise. Some hospitals are actually looking into this however due to litigation I don't know how it willo go. It seems there is some concern about back injury and women falling. I can see the reasons but it does take us away from our primal birthing urges. Let's hope a balance can be reached.

The safety handles that are installed in hospital showers are great to hold onto and squat and pull down at the same time. I have used this myself and it is a great 'labour tool'. Another option is to lower the bed if you are in a regular hospital as low as it will go. Encourage the birthing woman to pull down on the triangle that is used to hoist yourself up on when you are in bed (do you know what I mean?). This is a really helpful tool also that women seem to benefit from. However I haven't done that one myself!