Lateral Sims' deliveries: a new application for an old technique.

The left lateral Sims' position is a time-honored but neglected childbirth position. Increasing use of bed deliveries as a part of natural childbirth in birthing rooms makes side deliveries attractive, since the perineum is better visualized and the obstetrician has greater freedom of movement. Impeding widespread adoption of the lateral Sims' position is a lack of experienced personnel to teach the procedure and a lack of suitable descriptions and depictions in the literature. This paper presents the advantages and problems of using this position and provides a detailed description of the technique for those interested in incorporating it into their practices.