During the first three months of pregnancy with my first baby I
suffered fearfully with my head. Then, as time went on, I gradually
got better, and able to do my work, and felt quite strong until about
the sixth month. Then water began to trouble me; my feet and legs were
very much swollen, so much that I could not get any boots on, and
had to remain indoors the rest of the time. On the day of the birth
I commenced with pains at six o’clock in the morning, and I went on
all day, until a quarter to seven at night, and I was getting so weak
that the doctor asked me if he might use the instruments. I was glad
to have them, but they gave me a fine putting up. The doctor said that
my baby could not have been born without them. No doubt it relieved
me at the time, but I suffered afterwards, as I was all torn with the
instruments, and had to be stitched. I was so weak afterwards that I
could not get up on to my elbows, and it took me a considerable time to
get my strength up again. At the same time my husband was in bed with
an attack of typhoid fever. We had no hospital in our district then. My
doctor was very much afraid that I would contract the disease, but I am
thankful to say that I escaped. With my second boy I was in good health
all the time, and had a quick birth, and without instruments. That
was two years and two months after. About four years after the birth
of my second boy I had a miscarriage, which I reckon are worse than
having a baby, as they nearly drain your system and you suffer severe
pain, and it makes you very weak. I always blamed the miscarriage for
an attack of nervous debility I had. I first commenced to lose flesh,
then my nerves were affected, and I got so weak that I used to faint
away several times in the day. My doctor ordered me away for a change,
and to get into company, as I was getting so low, but it took me a long
time to pick up. About nine years after the birth of my second boy I
had a girl, which I am pleased to say put new life into me; it seemed
to renew my whole system. She is now eleven years old, and quite strong
and healthy.
_Wages 27s. 6d. to 42s.; three children, one miscarriage._