Austen was born prematurely. Benjamin writes "The Doctor was here in the afternoon, and said he was afraid she (Matilda) would get no relief until all was over. Last evening just after tea she was obliged to go to bed when the pains she complained of for some time came on worse, and continued until 10 'o clock when she was confined with a boy, a very little chap, I never saw one so small. It is so unexpected, there is nothing ready, we had to do as well as we could and wrap the little one up in flannels."