ree from any sagging tendency. The position of the bed in
the room should be such that the patient will not directly face the window
light, nor be in a direct draught between the window and the door. It [65]
should be so arranged that the nurse can get easily to either side,
consequently it must not be pushed against the wall.

HOW TO PREPARE THE ACCOUCHMENT BED.--Over the mattress place the rubber
sheet so that its center will be exactly under the hips of the patient. Pin
with large safety pins each corner of the rubber sheet to the mattress; now
put the sheet on exactly as you do when making an ordinary bed. On top of
the sheet, and in the middle of the bed (again where the patient's hips
will rest), place a draw sheet. A draw sheet is a sheet folded once, placed
across the bed, and pinned tightly with large safety pins to the mattress
at each side. The advantage of this sheet is, that it can be removed when
necessary, leaving the original clean sheet on the bed, without disturbing
the patient. Be particular not to have the top of the draw sheet higher
than the middle of the patient's back. Place the pad,--previously prepared
for the purpose,--on the draw sheet and level with the top of the draw
sheet.

Most physicians carry with them to all confinements a _Kelly pad_. A Kelly
pad is a rubber pad with inflated sides, which is put under the patient's
hips, and which retains all the discharges incident to a confinement so
that when it is removed the bed is clean and fresh. The advantage of the
Kelly pad is twofold; first, it ensures a clean, compact, systematic
confinement; second, its use subjects the patient to the least necessary
movement at a time when movement is distressing, painful, and frequently
dangerous. If a Kelly pad is not used, it is desirable to place under the
pad (between the pad and the draw sheet) a piece of oil cloth or rubber
sheeting, or a number of newspapers will do. This will prevent, to a
considerable degree, the discharges from soaking through the pad on to the
draw sheet and sheet and mattress below.

After the confinement is over and the patient is clean, remove the Kelly
pad, and the pad below if necessary, or the pad and newspapers if these are
used,--place a clean pad under the patient and you are ready to place the
binder on if a binder is to be used. [Page 66]

SHOULD A BINDER BE USED?--Medically a binder is not necessary, neither is
it objectionable from a medical standpoint. It is