Rest and hygiene on the mother's part continue to be necessary alike in her own interests and in the child's.

This need has indeed been more generally and more practically recognized than the need for rest during pregnancy.

The laws of several countries make compulsory a period of rest from employment after confinement, and in some countries they seek to provide for the remuneration of the mother during this enforced rest.

In no country, indeed, is the principle carried out so thoroughly and for so long a period as is desirable.

But it is the right principle, and embodies the germ which, in the future, will be developed.
There can be little doubt that whatever are the matters, and they are certainly many, which may be safely left to the discretion of the individual, the care of the mother and her child is not among them.