Also breast-binder made of a straight strip of soft cotton material, 10 or 12 inches wide and 2 yards long. This is crossed in front and held with safety pins, the ends being carried over the shoulders and pinned to the back of the binder. It should be snug below the breasts but loose over the nipples. The openings over the nipples show how this binder may be used to support the breasts of the nursing mother. (From photographs taken at the Maternity Centre Association, New York.) ] [Illustration: FIG. 37.—Abdominal binder used in Figs. 34, 35 and 36, showing darts at top of front to fit it over the abdomen. ] [Illustration: FIGS. 38 AND 39.—Front and back view of home-made stocking supporters made of webbing or 1–inch strips of muslin and a pair of child’s side garters. The straps are sewed together in the back, but pinned in front to permit adjustment as the abdomen enlarges. (By courtesy of the Maternity Centre Association, New York.) ] The expectant mother’s _shoes_ also merit considerable attention and thought. Her feet are larger than usual because they are likely to be somewhat swollen during the latter part of pregnancy, and the increased weight of her body tends to spread them. This added weight also increases the strain put upon the arch and flat foot is a not infrequent result, unless the arch is well supported. Another reason for the need of proper shoes is that, as pregnancy advances, the body’s centre of gravity changes. The pregnant woman becomes unstable on her feet and needs low, broad, firm heels. They need not necessarily be flat at first, if the patient has been accustomed to wearing moderately high ones, for the sudden lowering of the heels may injure her arches. High French heels, of course, should be avoided because they not only increase the difficulty and discomfort of walking but cause backache, as well, by forcing a posture that adds to the pressure on the lower part of the abdomen. They also increase the risk of turning the ankles, tripping and falling. The patient’s shoes should be an inch longer than those she ordinarily wears; they should have broad toes and fit snugly over the instep, in spite of being large. If her shoes are not comfortable the expectant mother will tire easily and tend to take less exercise than she should.