She has spent nine months looking forward to an event that has been consummated; she has spent nine months in a state of more or less apprehension and suspense that have been abruptly ended, and we know that it is quite natural for any one to experience a letting down, or something akin to collapse, when long-continued uncertainty is ended, even though it ends happily. And as recovery progresses the patient becomes aware, perhaps only vaguely, of another change which is not always a welcome one. For nine months she has been the centre of interest in her immediate circle; she has been the object of unremitting concern and solicitude, and much as she and her family may have tried to keep her life normal, she and her needs have constantly been given the first consideration. The very mystery of the child developing within her has created an attitude of respect, almost of reverence, which was never her portion before. In every way she has been shielded, protected and cared for, and all eyes, including her own, have steadily looked forward to the event for which this care has been preparing her—her ordeal of childbirth and the coming of her baby. And now her ordeal is over. Her baby is here. Every one may be said to be breathing easily at last and they are no longer apprehensive and absorbingly interested in her. As a result the young mother will soon become simply one of the family and the community, and will cease to be the centre of reverential interest and solicitude. It is scarcely human to welcome such a change in one’s state, and though in all probability very few mothers are conscious of resenting it, very many actually do. And for this reason very many unwittingly cling to a rôle of semi-invalidism. It is entirely unconscious on their part and it is also very human and natural. To aid in the process of bracing up such a young woman to resume her former life and to meet the demands which it imposes; or to protect another patient of the eager, buoyant type from exposing herself too early to the onslaughts made by everyday life, is far from being a simple task, and to meet it no one rule can be laid down. There are all of the variations and degrees between the timid or self-indulgent woman, who must be encouraged and spurred on, and the too active, ambitious patient, who must be steadied and held back for a time. But here, again, this is simply a part of the nurse’s duty; one aspect which makes nursing the gratifying service that it is.