Parturition chair, made at WIHM, according to Roeselin's description of 1532

Parturition or birthing chairs were used to provide support for a woman during childbirth. Many parturition chairs were family heirlooms which were passed down through the generations. They are still used in some countries today. Some chairs were quite complex designs with adjustable arm and foot rests for the mother’s comfort. Some could also be folded to convert into a bed or operating table. This chair is based on an earlier, simpler design from 1532.

This replica was made in 1912 at the Wellcome Historical Medical Museum Workshops.