16Tú-yus.
17Mút-ya.
PRENATAL RELIGIOUS AIDS
It is very rarely, indeed, that any serious difficulty is encountered in childbirth, but I have been informed that difficulties are occasionally met with. In such cases, when all human resources fail, the matter is said to be left in the hands of the family priestesses and the usual religious invocation and rites are performed. In every case one or more priestesses are present, and take the usual precautions, such as the placing of lemon and sasá reed under the house, against the approach of evil spirits.
ACCOUCHEMENT AND ENSUING EVENTS
The midwife and her companions continue to assist the patient until the moment of delivery, which takes place ordinarily within from four to six hours after the first pangs of childbirth have been felt. The umbilical cord is immediately cut with a sliver18 of bamboo, and the mother is made to sit up at once in order to prevent a reflux of the afterbirth into the womb. At least such is the reason assigned for this last practice.
18Ba-lís.
The child is immediately washed with water and some medicine sprinkled over its navel.19 It is then returned to its mother. Should the birth have occurred during the period between new and full moon, it is said that the child will have good luck20 during life.