In my case all my pregnancy times have been rather bad. Had I been less
fortunate in finding a good husband, and one who was able to keep at
home, one thinks, I should never have been living to-day. I have cost
pounds and pounds besides the care and anxiety in bringing my two into
the world. My first was a miscarriage owing to a fall while hanging a
picture. Was in bed over a fortnight, and almost drained bloodless.
My second, a fine bouncing girl--unfortunately too fine. I had to be
stitched twice, the first at confinement, the second three weeks later,
caused by the agony of a gathered breast. I was eight weeks ill at
that time. My third, I could scarcely walk about for six weeks before
confinement owing to strain on weak parts, and only short of eighteen
months of previous confinement. I had to be stitched again, but managed
to ward off the breast trouble to a great extent; incapable for five
weeks. My last was the worst; we had removed away to a strange place,
and I happened to get a woman who did not know her work. I was very
ill at the time, but everything was favourable until the third day
I developed childbed fever. I went blind, sometimes unconscious, my
breasts in slings, so large I could not see over the top, inflammation
of the bowels, and blood-poisoning; I was almost beyond hope, and was
seriously ill three weeks. Then took a turn for the better. We had to
get a thoroughly efficient person in, the cost of which was £1 per
week for seven weeks, and, God bless her, she deserved every farthing
she got, although it was hard. We had to pay again for other housework
to be done. I feel I owe much of my recovery to her. My husband was
seriously reduced in means, but he would have sold anything to do good.
When I got sufficiently well I had to go to hospital; was a patient
there a month, was fetched home, carried to bed, and stayed there six
weeks, owing to abscesses from the stitching being delayed so long and
bad condition of my system. I am not a strong person now, but I am
now in my forty-sixth year, and seem to be improving in a good many
respects.
The highest wage my husband earned was 45s., the lowest, and at the
worst time, being £1--just the amount the nurse required, besides all
else--washing, cooking food, and everything a home needs.
_Wages 20s. to 45s.; three children, one miscarriage._