that the upper part of the corset should fit loosely, for otherwise
the development of the breasts may be hindered, and the nipples
depressed. As a further precaution against pressure above and also to
secure the proper amount of support below, it is generally advisable
to begin putting on the corset while lying down. In every case the
corset should be laced from below upward; if laced in the opposite
direction it fails to lift the womb and tends to push all the
abdominal organs downward.

Any kind of corset is likely to become uncomfortable toward the end
of pregnancy; and of course should then be discarded. An abdominal
supporter made of woven linen or rubber is frequently used to
advantage during the last three or four weeks. With the first
pregnancy the supporter is rarely necessary, but with subsequent ones
it is frequently useful as early as the sixth month and is
indispensable later. A substitute for the manufactured supporter can
be made at home. Some such device often facilitates turning in bed,
and on that account may be found even more useful at night than
during the day.

THE BREASTS.--Personal hygiene during pregnancy includes the
preparation of the breasts with a view to success in nursing. All
measures which promote the health of a prospective mother also serve
to equip her for the nursing period; and in that sense the directions
just given for the care of the body, as well as the rules to follow
in the next chapter regarding a wholesome way of living, bear
directly upon lactation. But there are also local measures to be
adopted, some of which, such as supporting the breasts and avoiding
constriction by the clothing, have already been mentioned. Finally,
the nipples must be toughened and, if short or flat, they must be