SECONDLY, I would advise all _parturient Women_, to give themselves over into the Hands of such a _MIDWIFE_, to be universally _advised_ and _entirely_ directed by her Conduct: And thus being under the watchful _Eye_ and diligent _Care_ of the prudent and skilful _MIDWIFE_, the good _Woman in her Travail_ has Nothing else to do (besides following _Instruction_) but only to assume _Courage_ and _Resolution_ to assist her own _PAINS_ as she feels them coming on, by _drawing_ and _holding_ her BREATH, as if she was to _sob_ or _sigh_, by contracting the _MUSCLES_ of her _Belly_, as much as possible; insomuch that the forcible _Impression_ may bear alike upon each side of the WOMB, and depress the _Diaphragma_, which (of Consequence) suppresses the WOMB. But then again in this _Case_ I would observe briefly, that she is strictly to regard the _TIME_ of a _right true Travail, as at that Juncture_ only to use _these_ her best and strongest _Endeavours_. BUT now to return to the _Duty_ of the attending _MIDWIFE_; as occasion requires, She is to direct her WOMAN, either to _lie_, _sit_, _stand_, or _walk_, keeping her always _Warm_, and as close _cover’d_ in Time of TOUCHING as possible; for the least Breath almost of _Cold Air_ may occasion _Convulsions_, and _other_ most dangerous _Accidents_. BECAUSE I have often observ’d _Women_ to be _Costive_ and bound in their _Bellys_ upon this Occasion, which is of dangerous Consequence, I would therefore advise in this _Case_ to adhibite a gentle _Emollient Clyster_; not only that (by the RECTUM being so emptied) there may be the more _Room_ for the necessary _Dilatation_ of the _PARTS_, but also that the unfortunate _Effects_ of COSTIVENESS may be timely prevented: And the same _Means_ I would use, in Case of _Heavy_, _Dull_, or _Languid PAINS_; ordering the _Clyster_ only in this _Case_ to be made a little more _Carminative_; as mentioned in the preceeding _Chapter_. BUT _this_ however I would have done in the _Beginning_ of the _Travail_, and reiterated (if need so require) before the _CHILD_ be advanced too far _Forwards_. NOW the _MIDWIFE_ finding all things in a _Natural Posture_, and the CHILD in a _Forward way_, is to advance her _Hand_ skilfully, (which at every individual TOUCH ought to be fresh-anointed with the _Oil_ of white _Lillies_, _Roses_, &c. or _Fresh-Butter_, _Hogs-Lard_, or whatsoever of this Nature is readiest at Hand) entering the _ORIFICE_ with the _Fingers-Ends_, dilating it by opening _them_ gently as the PAINS come on: Thrusting gradually the _Sides_ of the _ORIFICE_ towards the _OCCIPUT_ or Hinder part of the CHILD’S Head, and moistening these _Passages_ also with what she uses for her _Hands_.