A MOTHER'S LAMENT,
(To THE EMMA or THE "SPECTATOR.")
Sta,—Having read in your issues of August 27th and Sep- tember 3rd the two letters on " Midwives and Infant Feeding," I should like to voice a grievance of many a woman who, like
myself, is an expectant mother. It is when the infant is coming that -the foundation is laid of a good supply of milk, and to this end the mother should be in a happy frame of mind. But how can this be, if the woman who is presently to partake in the greatest miracle of life is made to feel that she is something to look down upon rather than to be treasured? My life ever since I was in my teens has been devoted to bringing into the world, and rearing, children, often under most trying circumstances. My eldest son is twenty two years and himself a father; my youngest is eight years, and I am expecting another, and am still young enough to have plenty more. But instead of being able to feel proyd of the fact I cannot help feeling the opposite. It is not us mothers that are looked upon with wonder in these days, but rather the women and girls who can ape men by cycling, motor- cycling, swimming, footballing, &c. I have never had either time or money to spare for cycling, &c., but I consider I have performed a much more important office, though those around me do not think so. I go about feeling more of an. encum- brance than otherwise, and yet we are always reading about what to do with the babies when they come. I think it is a case of taking a little more care of the mothers and. make them feel of some importance in the world, and the rest will follow to a great extent as .a miter of course. I trust you
can find room for my letter, though I am not an Inspector,
&c., but only a mother.—I am, Sir, &c., I RENE PERKIER. 84 Harelbank Road, Catford, S.E. 6.
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