Indian Medicine (Medicin), translated by C. G. Kashikar c11.11

c11.11

§ 42. Obstetrics and Care of the Confined Woman :— At the birth the foetus is moved by the birth-peristalsis and comes out of the vagina with head below, then the placenta comes out when it is separated from the heart of the mother (Car 4.6.24; Su 3.5.45; AS 2.2.204). The rules for the treatment of labour are laid down in the chapter prescribing the rules for the construction of the "house for the confined woman" (*sūtikāgṛha, sūtikāgāra*). The Sūtikāgṛha is a room 8 *hasta* (*hasta* = 1½ foot) long and 4 *hasta* broad. It should be constructed from different kinds of wood according to the caste of the woman. The bed of the woman should consist of the same wood, the walls should be whitewashed, the door should be on the east or on the south side, the household furniture should be ample and conveniently distributed (Su 3.10.5; AS 2.3.209; AHr 2.1.73 f.). Fire, water, a mortar, privy, a bath-room and a kitchen (or cooking implements) should also be there. Butter, oil, honey, different kinds of salts and medicines, sharp iron knife (for operation) etc. as well as many respectable and expert women who have often delivered, and