I had seven children and one miscarriage in ten years and three months.
This left me at the age of thirty a complete wreck. My great difficulty
was during pregnancy, suffering very severely from sickness, so much
so, indeed, that on two occasions I was under the doctor the whole of
the time. The doctor gave me his services free.
I tremble even now to think what my life would have been but for his
kindness to me. I could not have paid for a doctor, as wages were only
£36 a year, and I had to pay £10 a year rent out of that. When I look
back upon those days I wonder how we did live.
My last child was born a delicate, weak child, who suffered from
malnutrition until she was eleven months old, and at her birth the
doctor told me I should never have another strong and healthy baby,
and that women should only have a child every three years, and rest at
least a month after confinement. He knew I could not give myself the
rest I needed, for I could not afford to pay anyone to look after my
home and children. I had to rely upon some child of thirteen who was
able to leave school, and whose parents were glad of the 2s. 6d. a
week I could ill afford to pay. I have been forced on many occasions
to do things no woman lying-in should have done. I have left my bed
on the tenth day, and have had to do the family washing as early as a
fortnight.
I do feel most strongly that women should be able to get advice and
help during pregnancy. Our children are a valuable asset to the nation,
and the health of the woman who is doing her duty in rearing the future
race should have a claim upon the national purse. Ample provision
should be made so that she could give of her best.
_Wages 10s. to 14s. and husband’s food; seven children and one
miscarriage._