growth. Numerous bloodvessels begin to grow and
that part of the lining membrane with its numerous bloodvessels
constitute the placenta, or as it is commonly called _afterbirth_,
because it comes out _after_ the _birth_ of the child. From the
placenta there is also reflected a membrane over the ovum, so as to
give it additional protection. That membrane forms a complete bag over
the fetus; this bag becomes filled with liquid, so that the fetus
floats freely in a bag of waters; this bag bursts only during
childbirth. The fetus is not attached close to the placenta, but is,
so to say, suspended from it by a _cord_, which is called the
_umbilical cord_. When the child is born, the umbilical cord is cut,
and the scar or depression in the abdomen where the umbilical cord
was attached constitutes the navel or umbilicus (in slang
language--button or belly button). The umbilical cord consists of two
arteries and one vein embedded in a gelatin like substance and
enveloped by a membrane, and it is through the umbilical cord that the
blood from the placenta is brought to and carried from the fetus. The
blood of the fetus and the blood of the mother do not mix; the
bloodvessels are separated by thin walls, and it is through these thin
walls that the fetal blood receives the ingredients it needs from the
mother's blood. In other words, it receives its nourishment from the
mother by _absorption_ or _osmosis_. The blood from the placenta also
furnishes the fetal blood with oxygen, so that the fetus breathes by
the aid of the placenta, and not through its own lungs.

It is well to remember that there is absolutely no nervous connection
between mother and child. There are no nerves whatever in the
umbilical cord, so that the nervous systems of the fetus and of the
mother are entirely distinct and separate. And this will explain why
certain nervous impressions and shocks received by the mother are not
readily transmitted to the child. It is only through changes in the
mother's blood that the fetus can be influenced. As will be seen in a
later chapter we are skeptical about "maternal impressions."

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

LACTATION OR NURSING

No Perfect Substitute for Mother's Milk--When Nursing is Injurious
to Mother and Child--Modified Milk--Artificial Foods--Care
Essential in Selecting Wet Nurse--Suckling Child Benefits
Mother--Reciprocal Affection Strengthened by Nursing--Sexual
Feelings While Nursing--Alcoholics are Inj