TO DRESS FOR THE OCCASION, a folded sheet should be adjusted around the waist (or, instead of this, or above this, a petticoat), to extend from the waist to the feet. (These will be removed after the delivery.) Then a chemise should be put on in the usual manner, and drawn up and folded high under the arms. She should then have on a clean nightgown, and over it a warm wrapper; this can easily be slipped off when she is about to go to bed, and the night-dress, if it is a long one, can be folded up under her arms, so that it will not be soiled. The STAYS must not be worn, as that prevents the free action of the muscles of the chest and abdomen. The patient, during the first stage of labor, may walk about or sit down, and need not confine herself to the bed. She may be allowed such food as she can eat, but should not be urged to take food. THE BEST BEVERAGE for her is either a cup of warm tea, or of gruel or arrowroot. Cold water will not hurt her if she desires it. A patient ought, during labor, frequently to pass water. Some women, from false delicacy, do not attend to it, and suffer severely for it. THE DOCTOR OUGHT TO HAVE SOME ROOM to retire to that the patient may be left very much to herself, and that she may have opportunity whenever she desires to of thoroughly emptying either the bladder or bowels. It is better that not more than two women be present with her, and even one of these can be dispensed with if necessary. THE ROOM SHOULD BE KEPT QUIET.—Let the attendants be quiet and self-possessed, and let there be no noise, or excitement, or whispering. There may be ordinary cheerful conversation, but when the pains become very frequent and severe, it is best that this should be hushed enough to have the patient feel that the attendants are not neglectful of her, or careless about her. Cheerful words spoken to the patient of the blessed relief that will come after enduring so much pain will do good. When the membranes are ruptured and the waters discharged, the doctor should be called in immediately. When he is present you will be subject entirely to his direction. If the medical man cannot be present pretty soon, I advise any nurse who has diligently studied this book to make a digital examination, and ascertain if there is a head presentation; if there is, there need not be any anxiety about getting a doctor. If the child is born before the doctor has time to reach the house, let the patient be made to understand that there is not the slightest danger; and, for yourself, observe the following directions: