over the patient's irritated stomach, a soft, fine soap
lather (_see_ Lather and Soap). It acts in such cases like a charm. The
lather is well and _gently_ spread with a _soft_ brush all over the
stomach. Wipe it gently off with a _soft_ cloth. Cover again with fresh
lather. Do this five or six times. Then treat the back in the same
manner, behind the stomach. In half-an-hour all retching should cease.
When the stomach has had a rest of some hours, a small quantity of
light food may be given. Half a Saltcoat's biscuit (_see_) thoroughly
masticated, and a little milk and boiling water may be enough to take
at one time. Do not force the appetite, wait until a desire for food is
felt. Pass by degrees to ordinary food.

If the mother, at any time, feels faint, on no account give brandy.
Drop five drops of tincture of cayenne on a lump of sugar. Dissolve it
in half a teacupful of hot water, and give this instead. In cases of
heartburn, take small drinks of hot water, say a tablespoonful every
five minutes. A very great help to the expecting mother is found in the
cold sitz-bath (_see_ Sitting Bath). Baths known as "Matlock Baths" may
be had, which suit very well for this purpose; but a tub for washing,
of a suitable size, would do very well, or even a large sized bedroom
basin will serve. Put in cold water, three inches deep, and let the
patient sit in it. In winter have the water cold, but not freezing. The
rest of the body may be kept warm with a wrap, and if the patient feels
cold, the feet may be placed in hot water. Taken once or twice a day
this bath will have a tonic effect on the whole system, and a markedly
cheering effect on the mind. The time in the bath is shorter or longer
according to the patient's strength and power of reaction. Feeling will
be the best guide, but even a dip of half-a-minute will do good.

In regard to the actual birth, we repeat that those concerned should
see to the attendance of a _really_ skilful medical man. Chloroform in
the hands of such a doctor is of immense value, but in unskilful hands
it is dangerous. Therefore let expense be no bar, where it is possible,
to the obtaining the best medical aid that can be had.

Many trivial matters greatly affect the mother during child-birth, and
the few succeeding hours. We have known a stupid remark by an
incompetent nurse spoil a mother's health for months. The greatest care
must be exercised by all concerned to say only cheerful and soothing