Hey there,
I didn't find this suggestion anywhere else here so I thought I'd throw it out there.
I got this idea from one of the many stupid hemorrhoid treatment therapies I threw good money at when I thought my fissure was a hemorrhoid.
A lot of people talk about squatting being better than sitting, but it is hard to squat on a western toilet without some kind of aid, like a stool.
So this lady suggested Leaning forward with a somewhat arched back, as far as you can while shifting your bent legs up beside the toilet base. So the balls of your feet are braced on either side of the toilet. I like to lean forward til I can reach the towel rack across from the toilet, or the purse hook in a public restroom.
Since I learned this technique, I haven't had to push at all.
It kinda mimics the squat but without as much acrobatics.
-woi