Movements will also cause the womb to
open and dilate, and when lying long in bed will be uncomfortable. If
she be very weak she may take some mild cordial to give her strength, if
her pain will permit her; and if the labour be tedious, she may be
revived with chicken or mutton broth, or she may take a poached egg; but
she must be very careful not to eat to excess.
There are many postures in which women are delivered; some sitting in a
chair, supported by others, or resting on the bed; some again upon their
knees and resting on their arms; but the safest and most commodious way,
is in the bed, and then the midwife ought to observe the following
rules:--Let her lay the woman upon her back, with her head a little
raised by means of a pillow, with similar supports for her loins and
buttocks, which latter should also be raised, for if she lies low, she
cannot be delivered so easily. Then let her keep her knees and thighs as
far apart as she can, her legs bent inward towards each other, and her
buttocks, the soles of her feet and her heels being placed upon a small
rest, placed for the purpose, so that she may be able to strain the
stronger. In case her back should be very weak, a swathing band should
be placed under it, the band being doubled four times and about four
inches broad.
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