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. XXI. Figure the Twelfth.

DR. Sometimes, Mrs. it falls out, that (contrary to the former shape) the In∣fant falls down upon its breast, with the hands and feet cast backward into the Womb, as in this figure; what will you do in such a condition?

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

Mid. Truly, this case is the most dange∣rous of all hitherto proposed. First, there∣fore, I must carefully annoint both my hands, and also the womb of the woman; which done, I must feel for the arms of the Infant, and lay hold of them so, till I can lay hold of the head also, and with all care hold it so fast, that I may direct the head first to the birth; next I must dispose of them to the sieds; for this done, the birth will come forth the soon∣er, and with less danger; but if this succeed not, it will be safest to bring the woman to the bed, and to proceed as formerly shewed; that, if perhaps, by this kind of delay, the In∣fant may accommodate it self to a more fit posture for the birth.