The English midwife enlarged containing directions to midwives; wherein is laid down whatever is most requisite for the safe practising her art. Also instructions for women in their conceiving, bearing and nursing of children. With two new treatises, one of the cure of diseases and symptoms happening to women before and after child-birth. And another of the diseases, &c. of little children, and the conditions necessary to be considered in the choice of their nurses and milk. The whole fitted for the meanest capacities. Illustrated with near 40 copper-cuts.

SECT. XVII. Figure the Eighth.

DR. But, Mrs, Suppose the Infant come forth with both hands stretched forth above the head, and the feet streight stretch∣ed into the Womb, which is here figured and is much more dangerous than the for∣mer?

[illustration] depiction of the baby in the womb in an unnatural position for birth: presentation of both hands together

Mid. 'Tis true, Sir, this posture is much more dangerous than the former; but I shall take all the care I can to bring back again this birth into the womb wholly. And first of all, I shall anoint my hands, and the womb of the woman, with oyles for this purpose, (for this requires no small labour) then, if pos∣sible, with my other hand shall drive it back so by the shoulders, that it may wholly fall back into the womb: And again, lest the Infant should return to the same form of birth, I must put in my hands, and bring down the arms of the Infant to the sides, and by that means bring it to the form of a natu∣ral birth. If this course take not, I must bring the woman to bed, where, after she hath lain quiet a while, I must proceed after the same manner as I have before delivered: and if this also be to no purpose, and that it neither be changed to another form, she must be brought to the stool; and the womb, by the help of the women that are assistants, must be depressed on both sides, and downwards: And (my hands being annointed as be∣foresaid, together with the Womb, and both the arms as they come) I must do what I can to joyn them together, and so re∣ceive it as it comes forth. And in this birth, there is the less danger, if that I or any other Midwife do our duties with all possi∣ble

diligence, and in case the Infant be not too weak.

Dr. Very well Mrs. your way, but I take mine which I mentioned in the former Secti∣on to be the safer of the two, but you may use which you think best.