The main thing to remember is that the lining of that new little mouth is as delicate as a rose leaf and if it is wiped with other than the gentlest stroke the surface may be injured and give trouble later on. While he is hanging, head down, your friend may rub his back or stroke it with her free hand and in all probability you will then hear the baby use his lungs to your heart’s content. But if he still does not cry well he may be sharply spanked two or three times as shown in Fig. 24. In this picture the cord has been cut and the baby is removed from the bed, but that is not necessary for it is very common to hold the baby up, wipe out his mouth, stroke his back or spank him, before the cord is cut. You need not be at all disturbed if your baby needs these little forms of encouragement, at first, for remember that all of a sudden he is given some very complicated and taxing work to do and it is only reasonable that he should have all possible help as he undertakes it. Remember, too, in looking forward to this event, that the probability that you or your friend will have to think of any of these things is very remote for the doctor and nurse are almost certain to be with you, and you will be able to give yourself over entirely to being very happy that at last your baby has come. THE MIRACLE[1] _By_ ELIZABETH NEWPORT HEPBURN The wind blows down the street, A shutter bangs somewhere, While twilight falls as softly as A woman’s flowing hair. Within a quiet room, Adventurers at rest, A mother holds her new-born son, Safe, now, upon her breast! For out of Night and Pain, The womb of mystery, Is sprung this miracle of Life That she can touch and see. No seer’s prophetic dream, No star in all the skies Burns with a luster half so bright As happy mother eyes. No questor for the Grail, No searcher for the Truth, Counts more than those who bear and rear And love and nurture Youth! Within her curving arm, All safe and warm he lies, The heir of all that Man has won Down countless centuries! Footnote 1: Written expressly for “Obstetrical Nursing” by Carolyn Conant Van Blarcom. CHAPTER VIII THE BABY’S MOTHER