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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. 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. This
must be held by two persons who must raise her up a
little every time her pains come on, with steady hands
and in even time, but if they be not exact in their
movements, they had better leave her alone. At
the same time two women must hold her shoulders so
that she may strain out the foetus more easily; and
to facilitate this let one stroke or press the upper
part of her stomach gently and by degrees. The
woman herself must not be nervous or downhearted, but
courageous, and forcing herself by straining and holding
her breath.
