My experience of child-bearing has been very painful, owing to an
inward growth. Each confinement was a very critical time--in fact, with
the last one I nearly lost my life, and was told by my doctor never
to run the risk again. Fortunately for us all, I have a thoughtful
husband, or, of course, it would have made the home very unhappy.
During the time of pregnancy I used to put a little away every week,
perhaps one week tea, another sugar, and so on, as my husband’s wages
were small, and I could not go out to work, not being strong. I am sure
the 30s. the mothers get now would have been a great boon in my case.
It would have saved a lot of worry as to ways and means. No one knows
what it means to a mother at such times, what contrivances she has to
make things eke out. I think myself half the suffering in after-life is
brought about by worrying to make ends meet at such times. In my own
case, how much I have to be thankful for with a good, steady husband!
I honestly think no woman should have less than £1 per week for
housekeeping purposes, and how many thousands have far less! I should
like to see all workers receiving a living wage, as then I think most
of the trouble would be met.
_Wages 20s. to 30s.; three children._