_By no means wash and dress the baby as soon as it is born._ Consider the marvelous change that has taken place in all its functions. Respiration is established and the blood, instead of going to the placenta for oxygenation, goes to the lungs; the stomach and all the organs of digestion and elimination are brought into action; the skin, also, with its innumerable perspiratory ducts, begins its work. Give nature time to establish these processes before the system is taxed by being washed and dressed. An Indian papoose might be plunged into water at once without detriment, but no white baby of this country has sufficient vitality to safely undergo this shock. Rub the baby all over with olive oil, cover warmly, and leave it to rest and sleep. While the baby is resting the mother demands especial attention. Contractions of the uterus will soon be renewed to expel the placenta. Usually these do not recur for half an hour, and it may be two hours before the after-birth is expelled. Should there be no hemorrhage and the walls of the uterus contract, there is no cause for uneasiness. _For expelling the placenta_ contractions can be induced by laying upon the bowels cloths wrung from cold water, or by manipulating the abdomen after dipping the hands in cold water. Also, the patient may blow into her closed hand, or give a slight cough. If there is hemorrhage, the vein of the umbilical cord should be injected with cold water. This, in many cases, removes a retained placenta. This valuable suggestion is a fact unknown to many practitioners. The placenta does not adhere as often as some suppose. If attached there is seldom danger from delay in removal, unless there is hemorrhage. After it is expelled it should be burned or buried. The mother must be bathed in tepid water, sponging carefully her back, abdomen, thighs and perineum. Lay a cloth to the vulva wrung from a lotion of arnica, one tablespoonful to a quart of water. If there is soreness in the pelvic region a compress wet in the same lotion can be worn. _The parturient woman requires no bandage._ If a compress is needed a towel can be pinned around to keep it in place. Also, if there is discomfort from undue enlargement and relaxation of the abdomen, a bandage applied loosely will give relief. Otherwise no bandage is essential. The common belief that it restores a woman’s form is a mistake. She returns to her former size better without than with it. If worn at all snug it is likely to cause inflammation that will produce bloating. It also presses the uterus down in the pelvis and in the relaxed condition of all the parts may cause prolapsus uteri. The frequency with which prolapsus occurs may justly be attributed to the unnatural pressure thus exerted. A parturient woman makes a more speedy and excellent recovery without the bandage.