CHAPTER XVI.

THE BIRTH CHAMBER.

Memory’s dissimilar pictures of birth-chamber scenes.—Newborn souls welcomed to mother’s arms and love.—The rebellious mother with empty heart and unwilling arms.—The older children reflect the spirit of the mother toward the newcomer.—Illustrations of conduct of intelligent children toward mother at birth period.—How to calculate date of confinement.—Birth chamber no terror for those who live hygienically.—Anæsthetics.—Their use explained.—Allaying anxiety.—Earliest premonitions.—Preparation.—The three stages of labor.—Tying the cord.—The rest and joy that complete and crown labor, 179-187