8. Although there is usually a sensation of buoyancy and lightness accompanying or preceding the setting in of labor, there may be on the other hand a feeling of anxiety and depression of spirits. Be very careful that you are not betrayed into any manifestations of impatience; no words but those of gentleness and encouragement and hope should fall upon her ear. CHAPTER VI. CARE OF THE MOTHER DURING LABOR AND CONFINEMENT. TRUE LABOR PAINS are distinguished from the false by the fact that they are felt considerably in the back, passing down to the thighs, and by their coming on at regular intervals. At first they recur nearly every two hours, and they steadily increase in number and frequency, and are grinding in their character. There are other signs which denote the actual commencement of labor; there is usually a frequent desire to empty the bowels and bladder, perhaps shiverings or rigors unattended with a sensation of cold, sometimes a severe rigor, and these signs are preceded or accompanied or followed by a discharge of mucus and blood, called the show. It is well now to send for the medical man, though if he lives near by it is only necessary to let him know that his services may shortly be required. If the patient suffers from nausea, vomiting, or chills and shiverings, let her know that they are only incidents of her labor and not unfavorable. Do not let her increase the pains or attempt to increase them in any way; it is much better that the labor should progress in a natural manner, even if it is very slow. THE PREPARATION OF THE BED for the occupancy of the mother is now to be attended to. Cover the right side of the bed (as the patient will probably lie on her left side) with a piece of water-proof cloth or oil cloth; upon the top of this a sheet is to be placed and fastened with safety pins. Over this permanent dressing (on the top of the bed sheet) a neatly folded draw sheet is adjusted (and a second rubber and draw sheet is desirable), which, after the labor, can be removed, leaving the first clean and dry. This second draw sheet and rubber, and also a folded comfortable can be placed a little nearer the foot of the bed than the other, and after the lady’s confinement she can be drawn up on the permanent dressing, and the temporary dressing can be easily removed. The other bedclothes may be adjusted in the usual manner. A piece of carpet can be thrown on the floor by the side of the bed, and it is well to have a hassock to put between the patient’s feet and the foot-board or bed-post.