When all is said and done, what we want for each expectant mother is little more than that she shall live a normal, regular, wholesome life; that she shall be able, and what is of equal importance, be willing to weave into her everyday life the principles of personal care which every one should adopt; that she shall watch and be watched for symptoms of complications throughout the entire period of pregnancy, in order that they may be detected early, speedily treated and serious troubles thereby prevented. The adoption of such simple precautions will pave the highroad to health and happiness for yourself and your baby. CHAPTER VI MAKING READY FOR THE BABY In making ready for the actual arrival of the baby there are several factors to consider, chief among them being the doctor; the nurse; the place where the baby is to be born; the room he is to occupy and an equipment which will facilitate the care of yourself and the baby, at the time of his birth and afterwards. Of course you have long since placed yourself under a doctor’s care, so that is settled. If you are in the care of a privately engaged physician, he will, in all probability tell you his wishes in regard to your engaging a nurse. She should be satisfactory to both you and the doctor from the standpoint of training and professional fitness as well as her personality. The selection of the nurse, therefore, should be made in coöperation with your doctor. It is wise to engage her during the early part of your pregnancy both to insure your securing the one that you and the doctor want especially, and to have that much of the preparation off your mind. It is usually a good plan to engage the nurse to hold herself in readiness to respond to your call at any time after two weeks before the expected date of your confinement. Quite reasonably, if she is obliged to give up or refuse an engagement in order to hold herself available for you, from a given date, she will do so at your expense. Try to arrange to have the nurse stay with you for six weeks after the baby is born, even though this involves considerable financial sacrifice on your part. Of course if you can afford to keep her still longer, so much the better. All of this is in case you are in the care of a privately engaged physician and are to have a special nurse. If you are being cared for during pregnancy by doctors and nurses connected with a dispensary, health center or prenatal clinic, they will advise with you about your nursing care at the time of confinement and afterwards.