centa, and, after waiting twenty or thirty minutes, during which several pains may occur, the placenta not leing passed out, introduce your hand, formed in conical shape, into the vagina, hook your fingers in the spongy placenta, and gently pull it out.
ATTENTION TO THE CHILD.
Does it Ireathe? If the child gives a hearty cry, you may be sure it is all right. If it is evidently breathing at all, as the vast majority of new-bom infants are, there is no further serious trouble to be looked for on that score; but if it remains still, and gives no sign of life, it will require immediate attention. Some authors recommend not to cut the cord until respiration is fairly established. But this connection should exist only as long as the cord is pulsating: when that ceases, the cord should be cut, lest the placenta act like an instrument of suction, and withdraws blood from the child.
The unhreathing condition of the child may be caused by mucus filling its mouth: care should be taken, therefore, to clear it as soon as born, by wiping the mouth with a finger wrapped in the corner of a soft handkerchief. Then sprinkle cold water on its face and body: the shock thus given may awaken the dormant vitality. Should this be not sufficient, alternate the sprinkling of cold water with immersion in warm water. This alternate treatment of heat and cold may be repeated several times. Should this not succeed, take a towel wet in cold water, and with a corner of it strike the child vigorously on the chest, back, and head.
Do not give up in discouragement, even if the child does not breathe for half an hour. There are instances in which children have been brought to life after an inconceivable
