HOWEVER I must farther observe in this place, that the _POSITIONS_ of _parturient Women_ are very various and different; _some_ doing this _Work_ (as above) in a _Bed_, _others_ in a _Stool_, and _some_ again I have seen deliver’d _standing_, and _leaning_ only a little _Forwards_ upon the _Bed-stead_. Hence, I say, that the _POSTURES_ in time of LABOUR, differ not only according to the _Necessity_, but also sometimes (in _Natural Easy Cases_) according to the _Custom_ of the WOMAN.
BE that as it will, I would advise all _Labouring Women_, FIRST to make _Choice_ of a dextrous and ingenious _MIDWIFE_ to attend them at that _critical Juncture_, since the poetical _Proverb_ (_Accidit in puncto, quod non speratur in Anno_) holds as True in _BIRTH_ as in any _Case_ I know; for _some Women_ after having sundry repeated Natural easy _BIRTHS_, come at last to suffer by some difficult or _preternatural Accident_, which may happen in a _Moment of Time_.
SECONDLY, I would advise all _parturient Women_, to give themselves over into the Hands of such a _MIDWIFE_, to be universally _advised_ and _entirely_ directed by her Conduct: And thus being under the watchful _Eye_ and diligent _Care_ of the prudent and skilful _MIDWIFE_, the good _Woman in her Travail_ has Nothing else to do (besides following _Instruction_) but only to assume _Courage_ and _Resolution_ to assist her own _PAINS_ as she feels them coming on, by _drawing_ and _holding_ her BREATH, as if she was to _sob_ or _sigh_, by contracting the _MUSCLES_ of her _Belly_, as much as possible; insomuch that the forcible _Impression_ may bear alike upon each side of the WOMB, and depress the _Diaphragma_, which (of Consequence) suppresses the WOMB. But then again in this _Case_ I would observe briefly, that she is strictly to regard the _TIME_ of a _right true Travail, as at that Juncture_ only to use _these_ her best and strongest _Endeavours_.
BUT now to return to the _Duty_ of the attending _MIDWIFE_; as occasion requires, She is to direct her WOMAN, either to _lie_, _sit_, _stand_, or _walk_, keeping her always _Warm_, and as close _cover’d_ in Time of TOUCHING as possible; for the least Breath almost of _Cold Air_ may occasion _Convulsions_, and _other_ most dangerous _Accidents_.