I have had two children. I might say I felt better during pregnancy
with the first one than I had ever felt in my life, but I had a very
bad time at the birth with instruments, and after three years, when
I had the second one, I never felt well, and did not seem to have
strength enough to drag through day after day. But I, like a good many
more, could not afford to go to the doctor; and with the second baby I
had to have instruments again to bring the baby into the world, after
which for about eight months I never seemed to regain my strength, and
life was a weary existence. Also, I am sorry to say, I had not one
of the most careful of husbands, and have always had to make my own
provision for the time on £1 a week, and very often nothing, as at that
time he would think nothing of staying out all night, and gambling
away all his week’s earnings. I have always struggled and managed
to keep his club paid, so that I had the 30s. from the club to pay
the nurse and doctor. For the rest, I have happened to have two good
sisters near to me, who always did whatever they could for me, but as
to nourishment, I have never been able to get much of that, and have
always thought that was what kept me back. I have fortunately been
very handy with my needle, and have been able to earn a good bit at
times by taking in needlework, or I don’t know whatever I should have
done. But I am pleased to say, that since I had a breakdown last year,
about this time, and was sent away for one month through our Guild
Convalescent Fund, my husband has been very much better. I think he had
time to find he missed me. Of one thing I am quite sure. I have had as
big a struggle as a good many of my womenfolk, but where some have no
friends and no talent for earning, I have been more fortunate in being
able to do so. I may tell you that when I joined the Guild, nearly five
years ago, I had very nearly lost all my spirit, and felt like giving
in altogether, but the Guild has done a lot for me in that sense, as I
have felt that I must go on doing my duty, and fighting for the right,
although sometimes it is very hard. Still, I have always the Guild to
look forward to, and have found amongst our members some real good
friends, and I shall never forget the great benefit I have felt from
the thorough rest and change of the month at the Rest Home. I feel a
different woman. Although I am not over-strong, still, I have regained
my strength, and a little more energy. I had one miscarriage five years
ago, at ten weeks, and my husband was out of work, so I did not have
any doctor, but had to keep about and do the best I could, taking just
whatever rest I could get. I was months and months getting strong again.
_Wages 24s. to 26s.; two children, one miscarriage._