IN like manner it happens not very seldom, that the _INFANT_ comes with its BACK _forwards_ into the _Passage_; and in this _Posture_ the NAVEL-STRING falls commonly down _there_, so that besides _itself_, nothing else is to be felt by the TOUCH: In this _Case_, the MIDWIFE is to observe well the FLOODING; immediately upon which, _she_ is to seek for the FEET, which are more easily come at than the _HEAD_, tho’ the same is even also a very difficult TASK, by reason that the _CHILD_’s _Back_ takes up the whole Space of _Room_; which, notwithstanding, must be cautiously done, and the _INFANT_ discreetly extracted by _them_.
BUT again sometimes, the _BIRTH_ lies also _Transverse_, or a-cross the WOMB; in which dangerous _Case_, I confess the _MIDWIFE_ cannot well perceive, so as to distinguish Matters by the _Touch_, before _Flooding_: Because the _INFANT_ (swimming in the _Waters_) is as yet seated high, and then moving its HANDS and FEET variously, _she_ sometimes feels _one_, and sometimes _another Member_ at the _Orifice_; or, one Moment she finds _Something_, and another _Nothing_ at all there. However, in fine, _she_ may perceive the _Humours_ most commonly compressed into an _acuminated_ or _oblong Form_.
WHEREFORE in this difficult _Preternatural Condition_, the _MIDWIFE_ ought primarily and chiefly to consider and discover the _Posture_ of the WOMB, whether it be _direct_ or _oblique_; since according to THAT _she_ must proceed in assisting her _Woman_ with true Discretion. As for _Example_, if _she_ finds it in a streight or _natural State_, and the _Waters_ sufficiently exuberant, extended _length-ways_, &c. as aforesaid, _She_ must, without _Loss of Time_, break the _MEMBRANE_, and presently, removing all _Impediments_ of _HAND_, _FOOT_, or _NAVEL-STRING_, judiciously direct the _HEAD_ into the _Passage_; which may be very easily and safely done immediately upon the FLOODING. Whereas if _this Method_ be delay’d, or not taken in _due Time_, and consequently the _HANDS_ (as the readiest) present themselves to the _Orifice first_: In this _Condition_, I would lay the _Woman_ discreetly upon her _Back_, with the _upper Part_ of her Body _lowest_; after which, I would move the _INFANT_’s _Hands_ back with my _own_; whereby at the same time bringing its _FEET_ into the _Passage_, I would in the next Place gently extract the whole Body with all possible _Conduct_ and _Success_.