The compleat midwifes practice, in the most weighty and high concernments of the birth of man. Containing perfect rules for midwifes and nurses, as also for women in their conception, bearing, and nursing of children: from the experience not onely of our English, but also the most accomplisht and absolute practicers among the French, Spanish, Italian, and other nations. A work so plain, that the weakest capacity may easily attain the knowledge of the whole art. With instructions of the midwife to the Queen of France (given to her daughter a little before her death) touching the practice of the said art.

Chamberlayne, Thomas., Boursier, Louise Bourgeois, ca. 1563-1636.

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THE COMPLEAT MIDWIFE HER PRACTICE.

SECT. V.

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CHAP. XIV. What is to be done to the Infant.

THe Midwife having tied up the Navel string, as is beforesaid, she ought next to cleanse the Infant not only in the face, but also over the whole body; anointing the groins, hips, but∣tocks, thighs, and joynts with oyl of sweet Al∣monds or fresh Butter, this makes the skin more firm, shuts up the pores of the skin, so that the exteriour air cannot come to hurt it, and be∣sides this, it strengthens all the parts of the bo∣die.

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It would not be amiss to make a bath or decoction of Roses and Sage in Wine, and with that to wash the Infant every morn∣ing.

After the Infant is thus well anointed, and after that well dried and wrapped up, you may give to the Infant a little Sack and Suger in a spoon, or else the quantity of a pease bigness of Mithridate or Treacle dissolved in wine, with a little Carduus water.

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