Matthew Poole and continuators on Exodus 1:16

16 And he said, When ye do the office of a midwife to the Hebrew women, and see them upon the stools , if it be a son, then ye shall kill him : but if it be a daughter, then she shall live .

A seat used by women when ready to be delivered, conveniently framed for the midwives better discharge of her office.

Which it was not difficult for them to do, without much observation.

Either 1. because he feared not them, but the males onely; and some adde, that he was advised by one of their magicians, that a male-child should be born of the Israelites, who should be a dreadful scourge to the Egyptians: or 2. they reserved them for their lust, or for service, or for the increase of their people and the raising of a fairer breed by them.