(c) Place sterile towel over vulva, and at time of pain prevent expulsion by compressing the head by means of locking the hands over a towel on the vulva. It is possible thus to delay delivery two hours, or until the doctor arrives. _Do not permit a precipitate._ After the nurse has completed her preliminary observation, she starts her history, notes the character of the pains, the pulse, temperature and respiration. All unusual phenomena should be recorded; and after the visit of her attending man, his examination, if any, and the conditions found, are put down. Then she prepares the patient and sets up the room for the delivery. =Preparation.=—As soon as the patient is known to be in labor, the bowels are thoroughly cleansed with a soapsuds enema. A toilet jar should be used and not the water closet. The bladder must be emptied at the time of preparation and at frequent intervals throughout the labor. As soon as the bowels and bladder are emptied, the patient is given a bath and thoroughly soaped. The shower is preferred lest the water, contaminated by bacteria from the skin and external genitals, should enter and pollute the vagina. [Illustration: Fig. 52.—Handling forceps, kept sterile in a jar of alcohol.] The hair should be braided in two braids. The vulva and perineum are shaved. No patient will object to this when its importance as a feature of protection against blood poisoning is explained to her. Scrub thighs, hips, and abdomen as far as the navel with soap and warm water, then sterile water, followed by a 2 per cent solution of lysol. Care must be taken to remove the smegma and dried secretions from the folds of the vulva. Put on a fresh pad, a clean gown, and long stockings. A loose wrapper over all permits the patient to move about. (See Chapter XXIII.) Guests are forbidden, and the immediate family is kept at a distance—if possible. An air of buoyancy, composure, and competence should prevail in the sick room, and the patient should be cheered and encouraged in every possible way. During the first stage, the patient may be up and about, as this diverts the mind. She may assist in the arrangement of the room which should always be the best room in the house. It should be well warmed and close to the bathroom. All unnecessary furniture and hangings should be removed, as previously described. After the room has been put in order, the bed is made. =Making the Bed.=—Put mattress pad over mattress and cover with rubber sheet or oil cloth, and spread a sheet over all. Then a smaller rubber sheet is put on, extending from under the pillows to a couple of feet from the foot. A plain muslin sheet goes over the rubber, then the delivery pad. When the bed is ready, a small table or stand should be placed near the head, on which is put the anæsthetic, the mask and the oil or cold cream. The patient may be lightly covered with a sheet or a sheet and blanket.