The lower right-hand corner of the bed—­ the right side of the bed is that side which is toward the right hand as one stands facing the foot-board—­ is arranged for the confinement; on this is fastened the smaller rubber sheet, and over this the sheet is folded, and both are fastened down with safety-pins.  The pillow for the patient should be placed at the upper and inner corner of the square.  After the delivery the patient is lifted to the upper part of the bed and the temporary dressing is removed.  A sheet and blanket are used for a covering during the confinement.

Before the labor begins it is well to fasten up the vest and gown, so that they will not be soiled, as it is important that the patient shall be moved as little as possible after the labor, as all movements tend to increase the bleeding.

The floor oilcloth must be spread at the side of the bed which is made up for the confinement, and should extend slightly under the bed.

A bureau in the room should contain the mother’s and baby’s clothing, bed-linen, towels, and any other articles which will be needed, all properly arranged.

The clothing for the mother and baby will be placed where it will keep warm, and the infant bathtub will be in readiness in case of sudden need for it.

All water used about the confinement must have been carefully sterilized in advance.  The best way to sterilize the water is by boiling it in a large wash-boiler; whatever vessel is used must be scrupulously clean, and ought to be new.  The vessel is covered over, and the water is allowed to boil for half an hour; it is then, still covered, set aside to cool.  There should be three gallons each of sterilized hot and cold water; since in case of an emergency there must be plenty of water ready for use.

The various articles ordered in the confinement outfit will be at hand ready for use.  It is the duty of the nurse to have everything ready for the doctor before his arrival.  The patient should have a full warm tub-bath, fresh night-clothes put on, and an enema should be at once given to unload the bowels, and this even though there may have been a bowel movement only a few hours previously.  The patient should remain in bed until the arrival of the doctor.  After an examination has assured the latter that all is right, she may be allowed to go around the room, with a wrapper thrown on over the night-gown.

Conveniently near the bed should be a small table, covered with one or two freshly laundried towels.  This table should have on it a wash-basin, a hand-brush, soap and hot water, an antiseptic solution, scissors, a ligature for the navel, and a suitable aseptic lubricant for the hands.

The Process of Labor.—­ The process of labor is divided into three stages.  The first stage is that of dilatation; by which is meant the stretching of the mouth of the womb so that the child may pass through.  At the first confinement this stage lasts about fifteen hours; at subsequent labors the length of this stage is much shorter, the average time being eight hours.  The pains during this stage are sharp and cutting, and they are accompanied by a slight show of blood.  The patient is fretful and nervous