BOTANIC PHYSICIAN. 
a strong pain, having previously contributed to the dilatation 
vagina ; and with the escape of the waters there is sometimes 
_ a temporary suspension of pain, and the head of the child falls into 
the upper aperture or brim of the pelvis, or descends into the cavity ; 
but e frequently th vance is not made until several pains 
= allowed this occu re ee 3 
1€ contractions of the womb recurring with augmented frequen- 
and force, gradually propel the foetus along the passages, until 
the head presses on the fork, or soft part separating them from the 
which is put on the full stretch; and also against the soft parts. 
: it protrudes. These by degrees dilate, and permit the back 
part of the head to emerge under the arch of the pubes, and with 
complete protrusion of the head, the other parts of the body are 
expelled, sometimes by the same pain, but more frequently by the 
_ one which speedily follows. _ 
e same pain that expels the child, now and then detaches and 
the placenta or after burthen, commonly so called ; but more 
the womb remains at rest for about a quarter of an hour, 
nes its contractions, and throws it off with the adherent 
is Constitutes the interesting process of natural labor, in which 
the womb requires no officious interference, but which, when forced 
____ tosubmit to any, she often resents, by harrassing the busy meddler 
with some untoward occurrence. 
All that it becomes necessary for the accoucheur to do during this 
_ Interesting process of natural labor is to support the fork by his 
e% hand, covered smoothly with a soft napkin, and so applied as to give 
_ it an equable support, without in the slightest degree resisting the 
of the head. No other interference, in natural labor, is justifi- 
, and too strong terms cannot be employed to reprob: ne prac- 
stening the birth of the body, dragging the 
it fore A 
into the world. It should be left to be expelled by the un 
traction of the womb. One or two precautions, however, are 
necessary ce, spre head has come into the world, we should en- 
deavor to bring the shoulders into the passage during the same pain, 
otherwise the external orifice might contract around the neck of the 
_ child, and create difficulty. Afterwards, when the bulk of the child 
4s passed, we should not suffer it to be thrown out suddenly, but 
___ withdraw it slowly, in order that the womb may contract gradually. 
hivocal signs of life, the navel-string must be tied, with a string 
piece of tape, at about the distance of three inches from tlie navel, 
‘and again tied at about three inches distant from the first. The 
_Maval-string may then be cut with a pair of scissors, between these 
ligatures. All this should be done in the most delicate manner, 
“under the bed clothes, without exposing either the mother or child. 
- The navel-string being thus secured, and the child separated from 
the mother, it is to be transferred to the nurse, whilst the bar 
mud the body of the mother, shou 
_ womb supported by gentle pres 
As soon as the child is thus brought into the world, and manifests” - 
