Parturition chair, Germany, 1701-1850

Folding parturition chair, German, 1701-1850

Parturition or birthing chairs provide support to people in labour and make it easier to give birth in an upright position. This wooden example has an adjustable back and hand grips that can be repositioned for comfort. A cutaway section in the seat – upholstered in wipe-clean leather rather than the pink silk brocade used for the back and arm rests – allows the baby to emerge into the waiting hands of a midwife or attendant.

In the 1700s, birthing chairs were often used by multiple generations of a single family, being passed down as heirlooms. This one had the advantage of being collapsible for storage.