I have only had one child, a girl, and I had a most fearful time, which
nearly cost me my life. I got up and tried to get about, as I had only
engaged my nurse for three weeks, and I thought I must try, as time was
going on, and I was in agonies all the time. The doctor had left me,
and the nurse I had assured me it would pass off as I got stronger,
and instead I grew worse and worse, until my husband would call in the
doctor again. I had a fearful time. The womb had got twisted, and
was lying on the back passage, and inflammation set in. It was worse
than a confinement. What I went through! I was in bed ten weeks, and
it was more than three months before I could even lift my baby or do
anything. I had to be sat with day and night, and have nourishment
every fifteen minutes. The woman I had to nurse me, who was recommended
to me by the doctor, swarmed me with vermin, and there I was helpless.
Only my husband and a neighbour to attend to my head, until the doctor
sent the district nurse, and she saved my life. She was so good, and
kind, and clever, one of Queen Alexandra’s Nurses she was. I am so glad
the Certificated Midwives are doing such grand work. We have one here
in the town, and I may say she has all the cases now, and is always
very busy, and is so good, and clean, and careful in the home. What
we working women want to-day is a friend in the time of need, not a
nuisance, the same as I had. It cost me nearly £20, my illness. Had it
not been for our little nest-egg invested in our Co-operative Society,
where should I have been? What a blessing this Maternity Benefit is! I
trust I shall never require it.
_Wages 27s.; one child._