The *Qianjin Fang* (Thousand Gold Formulas) states: It is said that although the parturient woman is considered unclean, during the time of labor pains, as well as before and after delivery, one must not allow people from households with death or mourning to visit her; otherwise, difficult birth will occur. If she has already delivered, it will harm the infant.

It further states: When delivery is imminent, it is particularly taboo to have many people watching. Only three people should be present nearby; only after the birth is completed may others be informed. If too many people watch, difficult birth is inevitable.

It also states: After the infant is born, all persons and the mother are prohibited from asking whether the child is male or female. The mother must also be prevented from viewing any unclean things.

Furthermore, it states: Parturient women must be cautious about consuming hot food and hot-natured medicines. This point must always be remembered; dietary temperature should be akin to that of human skin.

The *Chan Jing* (Classic of Childbirth) states: When a woman has just given birth, there is no need for her to look at the infant herself. Once handed to those beside her, do not ask if it is male or female. Those beside her should not state whether it is male or female. Otherwise, the infant may perish.

The *Duanju Fang* (Short Drama Formulas) states: After a woman gives birth, while the dark foul blood and lochia have not yet cleared, she must not go out through doors or windows to wells or stoves. She must not worship deities or perform sacrifices.

The *Zimu Milu* (Secret Record of Mother and Child) states: According to the "Ti Nüzi Fa" (Method of Body Female), a parturient woman can borrow land to eliminate all taboos. The text for borrowing land is: Borrow ten steps east, ten steps west, ten steps south, ten steps north, ten steps up, and ten steps down, within the square formed by the walls, totaling over thirty steps. The parturient woman borrows land fearing uncleanness, or perhaps the Divine Kings of the East Sea, West Sea, South Sea, and North Sea, the General of Sun Travel, Lady White Tiger, extend horizontally ten zhang; Xuanyuan Zhaoyao rises vertically ten zhang; Tiangou Dizhou enters ten zhang underground. Quickly as per the law. (Write one copy on the first day of the indicated month, recite it three times, and paste it in the center of the north wall of the residence.)

The *Chan Jing* (Classic of Childbirth) states: The auspicious directions for building a childbirth hut according to the monthly method are as follows: For the first, sixth, seventh, and eleventh months, build one childbirth hut facing southeast, which is auspicious. For the second, third, fourth, fifth, eighth, ninth, tenth, and twelfth months, build one childbirth hut facing southwest, which is auspicious.

When building a childbirth hut, do not use jujube thorns, iron nails, spears, or staffs [as materials]; furthermore, it is forbidden to reside under trees bearing wheat crops near water, which is highly inauspicious. Do not stay near stove altars for sacrifices, which is also highly inauspicious.