56 Ulysses Aldrovandi

The third form of unnatural birth occurs when the infant, seeking a way out, extends only one foot; while the hands are lowered toward the thighs, the other foot is tucked up at the side.

The fourth form occurs when the infant appears transversely, with its back turned toward the opening of the womb, as shown in the accompanying illustrations. For this reason, skilled midwives and the medical attendants assisting the woman in labor must work diligently—tilting the mother on the bed or using other methods—to ensure the protruding foot is guided back inside. Once this is achieved, the mother should roll from side to side on the bed until the infant is found to have turned slightly. This rolling technique should be employed in any delivery where the fetus appears in an awkward position.

In this fourth form, the mother should not be encouraged to strain or push the fetus out in any way,

because it is quite impossible for the child to be born in such a position. Instead, the midwife, having lubricated her hand with oil, must push against and shift the infant’s back so that she can direct the head toward the birth canal.