fore as
the womb contracts down upon the child and is not hindered by the "bag of
water." The pains keep on at intervals until the child is born and the
physician can now be of help by guiding, directing and assisting the birth
of the head. This stage averages about two hours.

[530 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

Third Stage.--The birth of the head is very soon followed by the shoulders
and the rest of the body, and the woman is now at comparative rest. The
cord is now tied and cut and the child laid away, if all right, in a warm
place until it can be washed and dressed. Following the birth of the child
there is a short resting period, the contractions of the womb cease and it
becomes smaller through retraction. After a few minutes the pains begin
again, the after-birth separates from its attachment in the womb, and
together with the membranes is extruded into the vaginal canal and vulvar
opening; whence it can be easily delivered by pressing upon the abdomen
over the lump (womb) and by guiding the after-birth with the cord. This
should be done slowly so that the membranes will all come away with the
after-birth.

This should always be examined to be certain that everything has come
away. A greater or less amount of clots of blood come with the
after-birth. The contraction of the womb stops the bleeding, one hand
should be kept on the abdomen over the womb, to see that it remains hard
and retracted. The womb moves under the hand. If it softens, gentle
rubbing should be kept up and the womb will soon remain contracted. This
stage averages about fifteen minutes.

MANAGEMENT OF LABOR.--Preparation of the Bed.--The bed should be high,
springs not soft, with a firm and smooth mattress. It should be placed so
that both sides are accessible. The bed should be made up on the right
side as a rule, as the woman usually lies on her left side when delivered.
Place a rubber, or an oil cloth sheet, over the mattress, and over this an
ordinary muslin sheet and secure this with safety pins to the corners of
the mattress. This is the permanent bed; on top of this is the second
rubber sheet and this is covered with another muslin sheet and both held
by safety pins. This is the temporary bed. Plenty of hot and cold boiled
water should also be at hand. Frequently only a temporary bed is made with
rubber or oil cloth underneath, blanket and sheet above this. They should
be fastened so that the movements of the woman will not disorder them.
The