and loud noises. Although every precaution be observed, frequently
all counts for nothing; but if the child does thrive, there is no
reason for worry about its ultimate development. When a premature
infant lives, the same chances for adult health await it as it would
have had if born in its due time.




CHAPTER IX


THE PREPARATIONS FOR CONFINEMENT

Engaging the Nurse--Desirable Qualities in the Nurse--Preliminary
Visits of the Nurse--The Necessary Supplies for Confinement--The
Baby's Outfit--Sterilization--The Choice and Arrangement of a Room--
The Bed--The Preliminary Visit of the Doctor--When to Call the
Doctor--Personal Preparations--The Care of Obstetrical Patients at
the Hospital.

Prospective mothers are anxious to learn how they shall prepare for
the approaching confinement. They desire their preparations to be
thorough, reliable, and in accord with the most approved methods of
treatment, for they realize that preparations along these lines will
not only prevent haste and confusion at the time of birth, but will
also promote a satisfactory convalescence. Apparently trivial details
often safeguard confinement against serious accident. Indeed,
measures which aim at the prevention of illness form the chief asset
of modern obstetrics, and of these none takes higher rank than the