Cupping glasses were in use from the early 1700s onwards. Their purpose was to draw the nipple out from the areola in preparation for breast feeding. They were also used for expressing small quantities of breast milk. Other possible uses include drawing fluid from other parts of the body for conditions such as oedema of the limbs or abdomen.Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920. She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993. Cupping glass, consisting of a glass tube connection and red rubber hand pump.midwifery, infant feeding

This appliance can used in two different ways: externally to spray antiseptic mist on to the skin or internally on the back of the throat. Insufflator is the clinical term for spraying. This was used by a midwife in the care of mother and newborn babies. (Becton Dickson)Mary Howlett (1840-1922) began practising as a country midwife in 1866 in the western district of Victoria. She qualified as a 'ladies monthly nurse' in 1887 and continued to practise as a nurse and midwife until 1920.She began her six months training at the Melbourne Lying-In Hospital. She was known by many as 'Auntie', and her career spanned more than 50 years. Mrs Howlett's midwifery box and contents were given to Dr Frank Forster, and he donated them to the museum collection in 1993.White metal applicator, probably made from nickel plate. Consists of three sections - application cup (.1), watch spring attached to a piston and flange (.2), and a section of metal connection (.3). Applicator was originally attached to a glass tube mounted on black vulcanite by metal connections of various sizes. Inscribed 'BECTON DICKSON & CO/PAT. DEC. 06", "RUTHERFORD N.J."midwifery, infant care

This bottle was used by Dorothy Taylor nee Rowe as a baby in 1920, who was born in Murtoa and grew up in Wal Wal.Baby Bottle made of clear glass, chilli shape, with hole on top of bottle to allow air into bottle as baby feeds.with raised descriptionTop side - "THE / "HEALTH" / FEEDING / BOTTLE" Bottom side - " TABLE-SPOONS " Has measurements 18, 16,14,12,10,8,6,4,2.baby bottle, feeding bottle, babies bottle, glass bottle, infant bottle, milk feeding bottle

Shoes were worn by the donor during 1929Soft leather baby shoes. Ankle strap with centre button. Original colour pink, fadeddomestic items, infants

Shoes were worn by the daughter of the donor during 1968White leather upper tee bar sandalClarkes Playtexdomestic items, infants

Worn by Susan, daughter of donor. Hand knitted by donorA 1964 creamy white knitted bonnet, pattern in the shape of petals from the centre at the back of the head. Nylon ribbon ties 2.5 cm long.Matching booties see NA3591 and Dress NA3587costume, infants'

Worn by Susan, daughter of donor, hand knitted by donorA pair of creamy white knitted wool booties, 1964, with nylon ribbon threaded around ankles. See also NA3586 matching bonnet and dress NA3587nonecostume, infants'

Embroidered by donor (Richardson Pat) at Primary School in Grade 6 in 1948A rectangular tray cloth embroidered with a Faun and two Rabbits, Flowers and edged with yellow thread.Meal Mat by Semco No 1handcrafts, embroidery, domestic items, infants

Cream viyella baby gown, smocked at front and at waist. Edged with cream cotton lace at neck and wrists. Decorative feather stitch on bodice, handmade button holes pearl buttons, 'jap' silk bodice lining, french seams throughoutcostume, infants'

Baby clothes worn by Una Reynolds, member of the Society. Born 1927, died 2003.White, lawn cotton baby's underdress/petticoat. Sleeveless, with drawstring at waist. Hand sewn white chain stitching and lace trimming at high neckline and armholes. Drawstring at back neck opening and one button and buttonhole halfway to lace. Skirt edged with double row of white chain stitching and crochet lace.costume, infants'

Baby clothes worn by Una Reynolds, member of the Society. Born 1927, died 2003.Creamy-white, fine voile baby's dress.Bodice and short sleeves in magyur (dolman) style with buckingham point lace inserts. Square neck in lace edged with lace edging gathering. Skirt with lace inserts and handkerchief hem, edged with gathered, wider buckingham point lace. Side seams of bodice and skirt are lace inserts. Back opening with two buttons and buttonholes and white cotton tape tie from lace at neck.|Bolero in same fabric and lace. Has Peter Pan collar edged and trimmed in lace with silk ribbon insert tied at neck. Sleeves and front opening edged and trimmed with lace; lower edge has handkerchief points trimmed with lace.costume, infants'

Made by donor for her children during 1950's.Cream viyella dress with smocked bodice and sleeves, with pink and blue rosebuds. Neck has white lace trim and press stud at opening at backcostume, infants'

Made by donor for her children in the 1950sA cream viyella coat with Peter Pan collar, smocking on either side of press-stud opening with buttons. Smocking in cream with pink and blue rosebuds below yoke. Long sleeves have shaping darts and smocking at wrist.costume, infants'

Donated by Joan Stewart who made it for her children in 1950sCream viyella smocked baby's coat. Cream silk smocking on sleeve, also on two front panels and across back. Feather stitching on edge of collar and sleeves. Four pearl buttons down front.costume, infants'

Hand knitted cream wool shawl. Garter stitch centre. Deep fan and feather stitch border.costume, infants'

Made on a long sea journey to Australia. Made by Nora Driscoll O'Donnell on her sea voyage from England to Port MacDonnell.S.A. (near Mr Gambier)A child's white dress with eyelet embroidery known as broderie anglaise with blue ribbon at neck, three buttons at back and drawstring waist. It has a matching half length white cape with eyelet embroidery and collar.costume, infants'

Given as a gift to Geoffrey Warren as a baby in 1952.Small babies brush, pale blue plastic base and handle, cream nylon bristle.domestic items, infants

Given to Anne, daughter of donor, on the occasion of her christening - 1952Silver baby's spoon with design engraved on handle, Spoon at right angles to handle. Matching silver pusher.Cavalier EPNS Sheffield England.domestic items, cutlery, infants

Baby's bonnet made of cream silk and hand crochet with lace trim and ribbon.costume, infants'

Baby's dress of voile cotton with embroidered yoke and hemline and sleeves. Lace trim around neck and sleeves. Ribbon insertion on yoke. Three buttons on back.costume, infants'

See pram NA275 and NA2782 beddingStuffed calico pillow (located in pram NA 275), and a stuffed mattress for the pram.domestic items, infants

Front insets of broderie anglaise with sleeves, neck and border edged in broderie anglaise.White cotton baby's dress with front insets of broderie anglaise with sleeves, neck and border edged in broderie anglaise.costume, infants'

Cream baby's bib crochet in artificial silk. Threaded with cream ribboncostume, infants'

Baby's Cream bonnet crocheted with rayon lined with silk and threaded with cream ribbon. Large cream ribbon ties and bows on corners.costume, infants'

Cream crocheted baby bonnet made of rayon and lined with netcostume, infants'

Pair cream crochet rayon baby bootees.costume, infants'

Baby's white cotton petticoat with deep cotton crochet border. Fastened with drawstring at neckcostume, infants'