THE first _Duty_ then, that the _INFANT_ requires of us after _BIRTH_, whether born by the _Head_, or extracted by the _Feet_, is the _tying_ and _cutting_ of the _Umbilical Vein_, or _NAVEL-STRING_; which being a thing generally well known, I shall have no Occasion to insist upon it, especially since tho’ the common GOSSIPS may differ in the _Performance_, yet they always agree in the _Fact_. HOWEVER, that we may not pass this _essential Point_ by in Silence, in case a notable Word may drop by the By, I would,—— I. OBSERVE, that, until the _STRING_ be cut, the CHILD is to be carefully laid on _one Side_, not on its _Back_, for fear that the _HUMOURS_, running to its _Mouth_ or _Nose_, may choke it, for want of free Evacuation. II. I would take notice, that, if need require, while the _MIDWIFE_ is busy about the _Mother_, in extracting the _AFTER-BIRTH_, cleansing the _WOMB_, &c. the most capable of the GOSSIPS should _tie_ and _cut_ the _STRING_, especially if the _INFANT_ is weak or ill; otherways it may be deferred until the _Woman_ be entirely _delivered_, and fairly _laid_. Then,—— III. AS to the _Performance_ of this Matter, it may be _tied_ with a good strong _Thread_, laid four or five-fold, according to its Strength; and the KNOT tied close within _two Inches_ of the _CHILD’s_ Body: Tho’, I say, that the KNOT is to be _tied_ close, yet it must not be so strictly _tied_ as to cut asunder the _STRING_; which might easily happen, especially to the _INFANTS_ of a tenderer Constitution. And the Reason that I would have the _Constriction_ made _two Inches_ from the Body, is this, That in case any _Blood_ should happen to drop out afterwards (as it often happens) there may be _room_ enough to _tie_ it again nearer the _NAVEL_. IV. THE _STRING_ is not to be _cut off_ close to the KNOT, but also _two or three Inches_ from it; so that, if it happens to swell with Wind (as is very common) after being _tied_, it may be _loosed_ again, the _Wind_ discharged, and itself conveniently _retied_. But the far better and preferable way is, to tie this VEIN in _two Places_, and cut it asunder betwixt the _Ligatures_; being thereby secure from losing BLOOD. Some (I know) will not have the VEIN to be _tied_ before the _CHILD_ cries or makes _Water_; but, however, long _Delays_ in this _Case_ are no ways convenient, nor without Danger. V. THIS VEIN or STRING being _cut_, must be wrapped up in a _three_ or _fourfold Rag_, to defend the _BABE_ from Cold or Pains of the _Belly_; which otherways might ensue from the _naked_ VEIN’s lying upon its Body: Which being done, this Part of the STRING is to be laid on the _upper Part of the Belly_, with a small _Boulster_ on the Top of it; and then swathed with a _Linnen Swath_ of about _four Inches broad_, to keep it firm and steady.