3. The mother, bearing in mind that God, the creator of all things, began to form the offspring, should devote herself on that account even more to piety than formerly, beseeching God daily, with most ardent prayers, that He will bring to light, perfectly formed and sound, what she bears beneath her heart.
4. Let matrons, therefore, be especially careful of themselves, that they may in no respect injure their offspring. 1. Let them observe temperance and diet, lest by excessive eating and drinking, or unreasonable fasting, by purgations, by blood-letting, by chills, etc., they fall into a condition of depression and liability to injure, or emaciate, or debilitate their offspring: they must therefore be particularly cautious against all excess during the period of carriage. 2. Let them not recklessly stagger, stumble, or strike against anything, or even walk incautiously; because of any and all of these, the yet weak and infirm infant may be injured. 3. It is needful for the prospective mother to hold a tight rein over all her affections, so as to avoid incurring sudden fear, falling into excessive anger, or repining or distressing herself in mind, etc.; for unless she beware of these things she will have an infant timid, passionate, anxious, and melancholy, and, what is worse, from sudden terror and excessive passion, it may be brought forth a lifeless abortion, or at least of very feeble health. 4. In respect of external actions, the mother should be careful not to indulge in excessive sleep, indolence, or torpor, but perform with all agility her usual employment, with all the promptitude and celerity of which she is capable; for as she then is, such will be the nature of her offspring. With respect to other matters, skilled physicians, nurses, and honorable matrons will supply the necessary advice.
5. Immediately upon the birth of the child let it be suitably cleansed and washed: let soft and warm fomentations
