Samian stone has
the same virtue.
* * * * *
CHAPTER XV
_Directions for Women when they are taken in Labour, to ensure
their safe Delivery, and Directions for Midwives._
Having thus given the necessary directions to pregnant women, how to
manage their health during their pregnancy, I will now add what is
necessary for them to do, in order that they may be safely delivered.
When the time of birth draws near, the woman must be sure to send for a
skilful midwife, and that rather too soon than too late. She must have a
pallet bed ready to place it near the fire, so that the midwife and
those who are to help her, may be able to pass round it, and give
assistance on either side, as may be required. A change of linen must be
in readiness, and a small stool to rest her feet against, as she will
have more power when her legs are bent, than when they are straight.
When everything is thus ready, and when the woman feels the pains coming
on, if the weather be not cold, she should walk about the room, rest on
the bed occasionally, waiting for the breaking of the waters, which is a
fluid contained in one of the outward membranes, and which flows out
thence, when the membrane is broken by the struggles of the child. There
is no special time for this discharge, though it generally takes place
about two hours before the birth.
Pages:
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143