84. “Two Children under the Year.”
I have had seven children, and three have died. I certainly have had very hard, long labours, but I don’t know that it could have been avoided; the doctor always said it was in my favour—I am not very strong. But I think what I suffered during my pregnancy most women have to suffer. Although my husband and myself were very ignorant on such matters when we were married, or some of it might have been avoided. That is why I am so pleased it is being made a public question, so that the people will be more enlightened on the subject.
You will see I had my first two children under the year, all due to ignorance. It nearly sent me in a decline. My husband and myself were very young, and no one had ever talked to me. I am pleased it is different nowadays. I had a daughter married a year last Christmas; her husband and her is as pure yet as the day they married. She is twenty-seven, and her husband thirty years old. They are as happy as two children. They are both well read, and understand things better than I did when I married. They are passionately fond of children, and will go in for one presently.
It is my three last babies I have buried. The doctor says I must not have any more; it will be fatal to me if I do.
Wages 22s. to 26s.; seven children.