Having thus finished the Vade-Mecum for Midwives, before I conclude I will add something of the choice and qualifications of good nurses; that those who have occasion for them, may know how to order themselves, for the good of the children whom they nurse. 1. Let her age be between 20 and 30, for then she is in her prime. 2. Let her be in health, for her sickness infects the milk, and the milk the child. 3. Let her be a prudent woman, for such a one will be careful of the child. 4. Let her be not too poor; for if she wants, the child must want too. 5. Let her be well bred; for ill bred nurses corrupt good nature. 6. If it be a boy that is to be nursed, let the nurse be such a one whose last child was a boy, and so it will be the more agreeable; but if it be a girl, let the nurse be one whose last child was a girl. 7. If the nurse has a husband, see that he be a good likely man, and not given to debauchery; for that may have an influence upon the child. 8. In the last place, let the nurse take care that she be not pregnant herself; for, if so, she must of necessity either spoil her own, or yours, or both. To the nurse thus qualified, you may put your child without danger. And let such a nurse take the following directions, for the better governing and ordering herself in that station. _Approved Directions to Nurses._ 1. Let her use her body to exercise. If she hath nothing else to do, let her exercise herself by dancing the child; for moderate exercise causeth good digestion; and I am sure good blood must needs make good milk, and good milk cannot fail making a thriving child. 2. Let her live in good air; there is nothing more natural than this. It is the want of this makes so many children die in London; and even those few that live are not of the best constitutions, for gross and thick air makes unwieldy bodies and dull wits. 3. Let her be careful of her diet, and avoid all salt meats, garlics, leeks, onions, and mustard, excessive drinking wine, strong beer, or ale, for they trouble the child’s body with choler: cheese, both new and old, afflicts it with melancholy, and all fish with phlegm. 4. Let her never deny herself sleep when she is drowsy, for by that means she will be more wakeful when the child cries. 5. Let her avoid all disquiets of mind, anger, vexation, sorrow, and grief; for these things very much disorder a woman, and therefore must needs be hurtful to her milk.