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 Preparation for Motherhood 
 
 HV 
 
 ELISABETH R0I3L\S0X SCOVIL 
 
 ite Superintendent of the Newport Hospita], and Associate Editor 
 of the Ladies' Home Journal 
 
 Author of " The Care of Children " 
 
 # 
 
 PHILADELPHIA 
 
 HENRY ALTEMUS 
 
( 
 
 IN UNIFORM STYLE. 
 
 By the same Author. 
 
 THE CARE OF CHILDREN. 
 
 NEW AND REVISED EDITION. 
 
 IVith a practical and copious index. 
 360 pages. 12 mo. cloth. $1.00. 
 
 HENRY ALTEMUS, PUBLISHER. 
 PHILADELPHIA. 
 
 Copyright, 1896, BY HONRY ALTEMUS. 
 
 :>■ 
 
 -i: 
 
 I ! 
 
 1 i 
 
 Henry Altemus, Manufacturer 
 PHILADtLPHlA 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 INTRODUCTION . 
 
 11 
 
 CEIAPTER I 
 
 THE PELVIC ORGANS 
 
 Iinpre<rnation— Punishment for Destruction of 
 Jjife — Growth — i'he Mammary Glands . 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 MENSTRUATION 
 
 |me of Appearance — Necessity of Care — Dan- 
 gers of Cold— Batliin^— Napkins— Remedies 
 — Exercise— Interruptions — Vicarious Men- 
 struation—Cessation—The Menopause— En- 
 durance— Relief— The Home-Maker . 
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 INDICATIONS OF PREGNANCY 
 
 Bsation of Menses— Morning Sickness— En- 
 largement of Breasts— Other Symptoms— 
 
 17 
 
 26 
 
 (5) 
 
6 CONTENTS 
 
 Quickening — False Tndicntions — Medical 
 Kxamination — Spurious J^regnaney — Dura- 
 tiun of Pregnancy — Twins — Sex . 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 THE PROGRESS OF PREt} NANCY 
 
 Preparation — Points to be Noted — luij)ortanceof 
 Fluid — Tension of Skin — Bandage — Use of 
 Oil — Care of the Breasts — The Nipples — 
 Motion — Interference with Breathing — Men- 
 strual Periods — Evacuations — Walking — 
 Pain — The Nurse — Selection — Engagement 
 — Meals — Duties 
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 FOOD 
 
 Meat — Made Dishes — Gravy — St. Patrick's Pie— 
 Delicate Mince — Tomato Mince — Creamed 
 Chicken — Steaks and Chops — Fish — Eggs — 
 Egg Lenionade — Egg Broth — Albumen — 
 Baked Eggs — Parmesan Eggs — Dropped 
 Eggs on Rice — Rice — Tapioca Cream — Deli- 
 cate Pudding — Rice and Apple Pudding — 
 Cheese — Cheese Scallop — Cheese Toast — 
 Cheese Crusts — Cheese Puffs — Cereals — 
 Oatmeal Bread — Oatmeal Cakes — Oatmeal 
 Tea Cake — Choice of Food — Potato Soup — 
 Tomato Soup — Tomatoes — Green Tomatoes 
 — Potatoes — Brussels Potatoes — Panned 
 Potatoes — Potato Puffs — Green Vegetables 
 — Cabbage — Canned Corn — Fruit — Baked 
 Bananas — Beverages — Tea — Coffee — Cocoa 
 
 in 
 ih 
 Ji 
 O 
 bi 
 D 
 
 re o: 
 
 W 
 
 Fo 
 in 
 
 The M 
 
 Dr 
 cisi 
 Ex 
 
 Nftcessi 
 lax 
 
 £ Inc 
 Mo 
 
CONTKNTS 
 
 —Hot Milk— Tieinonade—Oninpeade— Food 
 in Nanseii— Milk— Peptonizcnl Milk— Di^-ost- 
 ihle Milk — llcnnot (^u•(l— Hccf Tea— Beef 
 Juice— ( Miiok(Mi Broth— ( ):itinejil (iruel — 
 Oyster Hroth- <nnn Arahic Water — Al- 
 buiiieuizeil \\'ator — Koiimiss — Kflfect of 
 Diet — Longings 
 
 CIIAPrEll VI 
 
 BATHS 
 
 CJire of the Body— Caution in Bathing— Friction 
 —Plunge Bath— Sponge Bath— Cold Bath- 
 Warm Bath— Sitz Bath— Foot Bath— Cold 
 Foot Bath— Foot Bath in Bed— Sponge Bath 
 in Bed— Baby's First Bath— Local Baths- 
 Eye Baths 
 
 64 
 
 95 
 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 EXERCISE 
 
 The Muscles — Walking — Stairs — Breathing — 
 Driving — Sitting — Standing — Physical Exer- 
 cise — Gardening — Precautions — Massage — 
 Exercise in Bed 
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 REST 
 
 Necessity of Rest — Rest During the Day — Re- 
 laxation — Waste of Power — Out-door Rest 
 — Change of Occupation — Sleep — Means of 
 Liducing Sleep — Friction — Bed Covering — 
 Morning Sleep— Night Light— Bed Time— 
 
 108 
 
1 
 
 8 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 Ventilation— Oxygen — TIeat — Pure \*.r — 
 Ways of Ventilating— Sources of Cuntauji- 
 nation — Temperature 
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 CLOTHING 
 
 Principles — Result of Pressure — Shoes — Stock- 
 ings — Stocking Supporters — Red Socks — 
 TTnderwear — Waists — Skirts — Maternity 
 Presses — Wrappers — Out-door Garments — 
 Color — Night-dress .... 
 
 CHAPTER X 
 
 THE baby's wardrobe 
 
 Patterns — Samples — Ready-made Clothing — 
 Number of Garments — Rands — Shirts — 
 Petticoats — Napkins — Pads — Night-slips — 
 Dresses — Studs — W rapper s — Sock s — 
 Blankets — Jackets — Cloak — Hood— Bibs — 
 Bib-pins .... ... 
 
 CHAP'^^.R XI 
 
 THE baby's belongings 
 
 The Basket — Contents — Carrying Basket — The 
 Clothes Press — Sachets — Bassinettes — The 
 Bed — Pillows — Cribs — Cradles — Protectors 
 — Blankets — Coverlids — P i 1 1 o w Case s — 
 Hammocks — Toilet Apparatus — Folding 
 Bath— Tin Tub— Toilet Sets— Wash Stands 
 — Powder Boxes — Comb .... 
 
 
 I 
 
 Th( 
 
 Th( 
 
 Sens 
 
CONTENTS 
 
 9 
 
 VI 
 
 1 ^ 
 
 15 
 
 CIIAPTKR XII 
 
 THE MOTIIKU'S ROOM 
 
 Situation— Windows— Floor— HtHlstoad — Red— 
 Couch — Tables — Chiiirs — Screen — Orna- 
 ments— Flowers— Substitute lor Commode . 107 
 
 THE MOTIIEFl's COMFORT 
 
 The Haby's Room— Uod I'ads— I'ads— I^inders 
 —Night-dresses — iJed Jackois— Wrappers 
 — Necessaries— Syrin.tjc— Hot-water Bag — 
 Bed Pan— Bed 'i\ible— Wasli Cloths . . 205 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 THE MENTAL STATE 
 
 The Ideal — Physical Impressions — Fears — Self- 
 denial — Hereditary Disease — Occupation — 
 Influence on Sex — On Intellectual Capacity — 
 Influence of the Mother . . . . 214 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 AILMENTS 
 
 Sense of Weight — Morning Sickness — Indiges- 
 tion — Constipation — Piles — Ivlenia — Swell- 
 ing of the Legs — Varicose Veins — Rupture 
 of a Vein — Salivation — Faintness — Dis- 
 coloration of the Skin — Loucorrhoea — Sleep- 
 lessness — Consulting a Physician . . 226 
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 MLSCARRL\r,E 
 
 fauses — Symptoms — Treatment — Convalescence 247 
 
10 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 CHAFFER XVI 
 
 PREMATURE CONFINEMENT 
 
 Symptoms — Trcutment— Care of the Baby — 
 
 Clothing — Wasliing — Incubators — Food— 
 
 Gavage—Exccssive Care .... 
 
 CHAPTER XVII 
 
 LABOR 
 
 Beginning — Stages — Cord — After-birth — The 
 Mother's Needs — After-pains — Emergency 
 — Removing Stains — Tlie Doctor's Comfort . 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 AFTER-CARE OF THE MOTHER 
 
 Rest— Food— The Supply of Milk— Care of the 
 Breasts — Cleanliness — The Hair — The Eyes 
 — Medicine — Points to be Mentioned — Milk 
 Leg — Convalescence — Confidence in Doctor . 
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 AFTER-CARE OF THE CHILD 
 
 Care of the Cord —Rupture — Warmth — Position 
 — Nursing — Washing the Mouth — Interval 
 of Feeding — Feeding — Cream Food — Lime 
 Water — Sterilizing Milk — Peptonizing Milk 
 — Vomiting — Amount of Food — Temper- 
 ature of Food — Nursing Bottle — Movements 
 — The Fontanelles — Care of the Eyes — 
 Hearing — Red Gum — Jaundice — Thrush — 
 Colic — Increase in Weiglit — Mother Love . 
 
 2.)} 
 
 L*t' 
 
 27i 
 
 201 
 
2.')4 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 2t'2 
 
 2To 
 
 291 
 
 The preparation for motherhood should begin in 
 early girlhood. It is the mothers of to-day who are 
 training the mothers of the next generation. As 
 tliey deal wisely, or unwisely, with the souls and 
 bodies of their charges, the children of the future are 
 helped, or hindered, in their equipment for the battle 
 of 1 i i\\ 
 
 It has been the fashion to educate girls in total 
 ignorance of the subjects that in coming years many 
 of tlieni will most require to be fully informed upon. 
 
 The structure of their own physical frames, the 
 laws that govern the reproduction of the sp(>cios, 
 the proper care of children, before and after 
 birth, demand and should have at least as much at- 
 tention as the study of foreign languages, or the 
 higher mathematics. 
 
 Motherhood is the natural lot, as well as tlie 
 crowning glory of woman. Even if she did not at- 
 
 (11) 
 
,1 1 
 
 I! 
 
 !i* 
 
 ii' 
 
 12 
 
 INTRODUCTION 
 
 tain it herself, it would do the individual woman 
 no harm to be thoroughly furnished with the ihr- 
 essary knowledge, and there are few who at som* 
 time do not have to care for the children of others. 
 
 There is nothing indelicate in the secrets of natur< 
 We may look with pure and reverent eyes at h( 
 processes, as far as she permits their mysterious work- 
 ings to be seen, and find only cause for awe and ad- 
 miration. Unseen but ev^r present is the Lord ano 
 Giver of Life, in whom we live and move and hav' 
 our being. 
 
 If the sacredness of life, even in its earliest stages, 
 were more deeply impressed upon the minds of 
 some women, it might lessen the tragedies of ruined 
 health and burdened conscience that overshadow to' 
 manv homes. 
 
 It is true that some women are laden with bur- 
 dens beyond their strength to bear, and maternitv 
 from its too frequent recurrence becomes an ojiprcs- 
 sive weight, instead of the blessing it was intended t 
 be. The remedy does not lie in the desperate woiuai: 
 taking the law into her own hands and staining lui 
 soul with crime by crushing the germ of the new 
 life just begun. This is fraught with terrible con- 
 sequences to body and soul alike. After the birtl. 
 of the child, the best and wisest physician withii. 
 
 fi^ts 
 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 13 
 
 lal woman 
 
 ii the 11* »- 
 10 at soiiit 
 of otheir 
 s of natiiiv 
 eyes at he; 
 rious work- 
 .we and ad- 
 m Lord aim 
 ^e and hav' 
 
 rliest stap;p>, 
 ( minds of 
 es of ruiiuHi 
 H'sbadow t()i 
 
 with bur- 
 materniiy 
 
 |.s an oppn V 
 
 intended I' 
 
 (rate woiiuii; 
 
 staining lu'i 
 
 lof the HOW 
 
 irrible eon- 
 
 \.v the birtl 
 
 iciaa withiii 
 
 Wach should i)e consulted and his advice implicitly 
 followed in the future. 
 
 If mothers talked frankly yet modestly with their 
 daiiiihters, first informino; themselves and then 
 teachiufi: their children some of the great central 
 focts of life, there would be less unhappiness, suffer- 
 ing and ill health. The barrier between mother 
 and dauu;hter, that prevents the frankness and con- 
 fidence that ought to exist between them, is often 
 raised in very early childhood. 
 
 The little girl, as her curiosity awakens, comes to 
 her mother with questions which .should be truth- 
 folly answered, as far as it is possible to make the 
 subject plain to her limited comprehension. In- 
 stead of this she is put off with some well-worn 
 fiction, which she soon discovers to be untrue. Her 
 absolute trust in her mother is shaken, never to be 
 wholly restored, and she seeks from others who have 
 no right to give it the information she should have 
 had from the one whose dutv it was to have ira- 
 parted it. 
 
 Why should the mother, of all others^ be the one 
 to shrink from guarding the purity of her child's 
 Blind? Innocence is not ignorance, but reverent 
 knowledge. It is the atmosphere wliich surrounds 
 ai object that gives it its coloring. The simple 
 ^ts of physiology, properly taught, convey nq 
 
14 
 
 irTRODUCTTON 
 
 I !fi!! 
 
 II 
 
 I' I i 
 
 ■ - J- 
 
 ■*■ 
 
 devo 
 
 this I 
 who 
 this I 
 for 11] 
 
 Th 
 a wor 
 
 safety 
 and St 
 been j 
 
 Wli 
 
 hint of impropriety. Viewed through the mediun, 
 of a vulgar secrecy, as something only to be spoken 
 of with hated breath, they acquire a fictitious im- 
 modesty which in no way belongs to them. 
 
 Many wise mothers have recognized their obli>ra- 
 tions to their children in this matter, but there ar 
 many, many others, who have neglected them gafui,, 
 There are many, too, who would be glad to fiilti tpQgV 
 them if they knew the way. 
 
 Make this a principle in the elementary teachiii'j 
 never tell a child anything that is not absolute] 
 true. Draw illustrations at first from plant and an 
 imal life. Describe in simple language the wonder fj^mg 
 ful structure of the pelvic organs. Tell how day In functic 
 day the little fiame grows until the child is [)erfectci cleanli 
 and the tiny, helpless being comes into the world t^ are all 
 be loved and cherished. Further details can be kf; child Ik 
 until the inquirer is older, but there need never 1> sible fi 
 silly mystery in the beginning. doing 
 
 A good ^ext book of physiology for mothers i fulness 
 needed. Those in use in schools do not deal wit: gyer b 
 the pelvis further than to say that it contains soni J^ .^ 
 
 important organs, which is not sufficient informatidexplioit 
 for women. The text books intended for studriii in gi^.)., 
 of medicine are too technical fi)r the ordinary readcJater vo 
 and presuppose a knowledge that she does not liavtbriefly 1 
 This being the case, it was thought that a cha[)t6i 
 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 15 
 
 devoted to this subject woiikl not be out of plaee in 
 e medium ^j^jg ,„.,„ij.ii. Jt niay be of use and interest to those 
 )e spoken ^^^ dv^'ive to know something of the anatomy of 
 tlous im- ^jjjg region and yet have not time nor opportunity 
 
 for more extenckid study. 
 i'lv obliira- jjj^, „^,),.(3 vigorous, heaUhy and well-developed 
 there ar ^^ woman is, the better elianee she has of coming 
 :ed them gafely through the i)erils of child-bearing. It is 
 1 to fulh ^j.^Q tl,^^ delicate women do pass through them in 
 safety, but their children are apt to have less vitality 
 ,' teacliiH': and stren<rth of constitution than if the mothers had 
 absolutei; bggn physically finer specimens of womanhood. 
 Lut and an Whatever then tends to build up and develop the 
 he wonder- frame of the girl prepares her the better to fulfil the 
 ow day by function of motherhood. Good food, pure air, 
 perfecte I cleanliness, exercise, proper clothing, sufficient sleep, 
 le world ti are all means to the end. From her daughter's early 
 can be let! childhood the mother should bear in mind her pos- 
 jd never k sible future and strive to prepare her for it. In so 
 doing she will greatly add to her capability for use- 
 mothers i fulness and to her happiness in life, whether she 
 
 deal M'it; ever becomes a mother or not. 
 tains soni In a previous book, '^The (.'are of Children/' 
 n format io; explicit directions are given for the care of children 
 pr studni! in sickness and health from their birth until their 
 Inary read' later youth, so that this subject has been only very 
 s not havtbriefly touched upon in the present volume, 
 t a chaptc: 
 
ill! 
 
 If I 
 
 hii 
 
 tl!l 
 
 Ml 
 III 
 
 lii 
 
 1; 
 
 ( t 
 
 Hi 
 
PEEPARATION 
 
 FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 THE PELVIC ORGANS 
 
 The vv'ord pelvis is derived from a Greek term 
 "meaning p. dish, or bowl. It is the bony basin form- 
 ing the lower part of the body. The hip bones are 
 the highest point on each side. From these it slopes 
 down nntil in front there is only a comparatively 
 narrow rim called the pubic arch. The side of the 
 bowl below this is cut awav, and it is under this 
 arch that the child passes at the time of birth. 
 
 Stretching across the pelvis is a broad bund, or 
 ligament, dividing it into two parts, firmly attached 
 to it on each side. This supports in the middle the 
 Oterus, or womb, where the child lives and grows 
 from its earliest conception until it is born. Leading 
 from each side of the uterus, at the upper part, are 
 Iwo tiny tubes, about four inches long, called the 
 
 m ' 2 , (17) 
 
18 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 M 
 
 111! 
 
 M I 
 
 
 FalIoi>ian tubes. These are to convey the little otrg 
 from the place where it is formed into the uterus, 
 They lie along the broad ligament, but one end i^ 
 free and furnished with a delicate fringe. Below 
 these tubes, also supported by the broad ligameiii, 
 are two oval bodies called the ovaries. These con- 
 tain the eggs which hold tiie germ of the future life. 
 The eggs are so tiny that it would take one hundred 
 and twenty-five of them to reach an inch. 
 
 In front of the uterus lies the bladder, behind it 
 the rectum, or lower part of the large intestine, ofuii 
 called the back passage, and leading directly to it> 
 mouth is the vagina, or front })assage, through which 
 the child makes its entrance to the world. 
 
 The uterus is something like a pear in shape, with 
 the broad end turned uppermost. It has thick walls, 
 but is a very small organ in the virgin state. Then 
 it is only about three inches long and two w^ide at 
 the broadest part, and w^eighs from an ounce to an 
 ounce and a half. When it contains a child new 
 material is added to it, and it increases greatly in 
 size. After delivery it gradually shrinks, but never 
 quite regains its former dimensions. 
 
 If the newly-made mother stands and walks too 
 soon, the weight of the uterus is apt to stretch the 
 broad ligament, which, not being elastic like a piece 
 of India rubber, remains in this state. The uterus, 
 
D 
 
 I little e^rg 
 he uterus, 
 3ne oiul is 
 e. Beliw 
 ligament, 
 These con- 
 future \\i\\ 
 le hundred 
 
 t 
 
 r, behind it 
 ^stine, often 
 [•ectly to it- 
 ough whieli 
 
 shape, willi 
 
 thick walls, 
 
 ate. Then 
 
 wo "vvide at 
 
 unce to an 
 
 child now 
 
 greatly in 
 
 , but never 
 
 \\ walks too 
 
 stretch the 
 
 like a piece 
 
 'he uterus, 
 
 CONCEPTION 
 
 19 
 
 Bot being properly held in place, descends too h)\v, 
 and the patient snilers iron» wiiat is popularly known 
 as falling of the womb. This is a very painful con- 
 dition, giving rise to backache and many uncom- 
 fortable nervous feelings. It is very im[)ortant that 
 there should be rest in bed for nine, or ten, days, and 
 great care should be exercised in walking, or stand- 
 ing, for some time, as the uterus does not return to 
 its usual size for about six weeks. The motion of 
 going uj> and down stairs is particularly injurious, 
 and should be avoided as long as possible. 
 
 ■|| c()NCf:ptiox 
 
 I At the time of menstruation an unusual supply 
 blood is sent to the pelvic organs. An egg on 
 the surface of the ovary l)ecomes ripe, bursts the 
 shell, or envelope, that surrounds it, and falls into 
 the free end of the Fallopian tube, the fringelike 
 extremity of the tube resting belov/ and against the 
 ovary. The tube is lined with a delicate membrane, 
 lined with hairlike filaments which beckon the egg 
 towards the uterus. If it is impregnated, it lodges 
 in the cavity of the uterus and begins to grow there. 
 If not impregnated, it ])asses through the uterus 
 and is carried off throudi the vasrina. 
 ; The semen, or seed of the male, entering the 
 i|terus from the vagina, in which passage it is sup- 
 
 
20 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 posed to remain for about twenty minutes, meets the 
 egg, usually in the Fall()[>ian tube. The passage of 
 the egg through the tube occupies, it is said, from 
 ten to fourteen days. After it is cast out from the 
 uterus nothing remains to be impregnated until the 
 next menstruation shows that another egg has 
 ripened. It is said that the semen retains its vitality 
 for eight, or ten, days, so that if it finds its way into 
 the uterus, or tubes, within that time before men- 
 struation, it may lie there awaiting the coming e^^g 
 and stimulate it into life. There is thus about one 
 week in the month when it is probable conception 
 will not take place. 
 
 I .. 
 
 PUNISHMENT FOR DESTRUCTION OF LIFE 
 
 From the moment that the semen penetrates the 
 egg and unites with it, life begins, and its destruc- 
 tion is a crime that can only be called by one name 
 — murder. 
 
 In some States it is punishable by death if the 
 mother herself is the guilty person. 
 
 When the crime is committed by another the pen- 
 alty is imprisonment for twenty years. 
 
 GROWTH 
 
 The impregnated egg leaves the Fallopian tube 
 
 and attaches itself tQ th(? wall of the uterus, usually 
 
GROWTH 
 
 21 
 
 neets the 
 issage of 
 lid, from 
 from the 
 until the 
 egg has 
 s vitality 
 way into 
 ore mou- 
 rning etig 
 ibout one 
 ;onception 
 
 LIFE 
 
 trates the 
 s destruc- 
 one name 
 
 ath if the 
 
 jr the pen- 
 
 )pian tube 
 8, usually 
 
 in the upper part, and its growth commences. It is 
 loon surrounded l)y a covering of membrane, calh'd 
 the amniotic sac, which alter a time is filled with a 
 fluid in which the child floats. At the time of birth 
 this amounts to about a quart. When the sac rup- 
 tures to permit the escaj)e of the child, the liquid 
 comes awav, and this is known as the breaking of 
 
 the waters. 
 
 The liquid protects the child from accidental 
 injury from a sudden jolt, or jar, to the mother. It 
 also defends the uterus from contact with the hard 
 surface of the child. At the time of birth, when 
 ^e mouth of the uterus begins to unclose, the bag 
 of water slips into the aperture like a wedge and 
 holds it open, preventing it from closing until it is 
 fully ex[)anded to permit the outward passage of the 
 ehild. 
 
 During the time that it is within the uterus the 
 infant receives air and nourishment through the 
 umbilical cord, which is attached to its navel. This 
 begins to grow at the end of the first month, and is 
 about twenty inches long when finished. It contains 
 two arteries and a vein, through which the child's 
 blood is carried to the mother for purification and 
 enrichment, and returned to build up the fast-grow- 
 jpig frame. 
 I At first the wall of the uterus, much :\ickened 
 
22 
 
 PRKP A RATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 till. 
 
 ijM 
 "li 
 u 
 ti 
 
 and enlarged, contains sufficient blood vessels ti 
 supply the demands of the new organism. After a 
 tim(,' more is required, and during the third moiitl, 
 the placenta is formed. This is a Hat, spongclik. 
 mass, growing on the inner wall of the uterus, filKd 
 with blood vessels through which the blood of tin 
 mother freely circulates. One end of the undjilicii 
 cord is attached to it, so that the blood of the cliil(i 
 also flows into it. The two fluids never mini:l(. 
 however, being separated by a thin membrane, tin 
 walls of the blood vessels. 
 
 Oxygen, the gas in the air which sustains life, 
 and nourishment already prepared by the mother, 
 pass through this thin dividing membrane, are al> 
 sorbed by the blood of the child and carried back 
 throu<]:h the umbilical cord. 
 
 When the child has been expelled from the 
 uterus, the placenta, having served its purpose, fol- 
 lows. It is commonly called the after-birth. It i? 
 about eight, or nine, inches long, six, or seven, wide, • 
 and weighs about a pound and a quarter. 
 
 The vagina, or front passage, through which tlit 
 child enters the world, is a canal about five, or .<i.\ 
 inches long, leading directly to the uterus, wIiom 
 mouth opens into the upper end. The walls are 
 very elastic and stretch to permit so large a body to 
 pass through it. 
 
 ■i^f 
 
vessels t'j 
 I. After a 
 )ird inoiitli 
 spongelikt 
 terus, fillt'd 
 loud of tilt 
 } unibiliiai 
 f the cliild 
 'er niiiiL'lt. 
 nljrane, tlit 
 
 istains lite. 
 he mother, 
 iiie, are ah- 
 arried back 
 
 from tlif 
 urpose, i'ol- 
 irth. It b 
 jeven, wide, 
 
 I which tlii 
 five, or six 
 ;rus, whot 
 e walls an 
 e a bodv to 
 
 OROW^TH 
 
 28 
 
 The ])erineiini, a i)art of wliicli extends from the 
 Ipwer part of the ()j)eiiinoj of the va«;ina, backwards 
 towards tiie rectum, is sometimfs torn when the 
 chiM is of an inni>iial size, or tiic ])arts are par- 
 ticularlv unyieldinj;. The doctor in attendance often 
 puts in a few stitches at the time to repair tho 
 breach. If for any reason he thinks it best not to 
 do so immediately, he will })robably take advantage 
 of the earliest oiportnnity to perform the operation. 
 It is a comparatively slight one, and if left nndone 
 gives rise to unpleasant results. The j)erineum in 
 women helps to supi)()rt the vagina, uterus and 
 bladder. Its rupture permits their displacement 
 and causes much discomfort — sometimes serious iu- 
 flOnvenience and suffering. 
 
 Close to the upper part of the opening of the 
 vagina, outside, is a tiny orifice, the month of the 
 urethra, or passage leading to the bladder. This 
 canal is about an inch and a half long. After child- 
 birth it is sometimes necessary to draw the water for 
 a day or two, the mother having temporarily lost 
 the power of passing it herself This is not a for- 
 aoidable operation, and usually gives little, some- 
 ^mes no, pain. A catheter, a flexible tube of rubber, 
 or one of glass, made for the purpose, is gently in- 
 jerted in the urethra and pushed on until it enters 
 lie bladder, when the water flows out through it. 
 
24 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 THE MAMMARY GLANDS 
 
 Although not situated in the pelvis, there are two 
 other organs that have an important function in the 
 process of rej)roduction. These are the breasts, 
 properly called the mammary glands. The word 
 Mamma is derived from the same Latin word. 
 
 Each breast is composed of fifteen or twenty lobes, 
 in which the milk is secreted. Each lobe has a little 
 duct which carries the milk to the nipple. The tiny 
 openings can be seen on its surface when the milk i; 
 squeezed from it. The darker skin around the nip- 
 ple is called the areola. 
 
 The breasts begin to enlarge early during preg- 
 nancy, usually about the beginning of the second 
 month, to fit them for their office of secreting nour- 
 ishment for the baby after its birth. They become 
 sensitive and a tingling sensation is felt in tluni. 
 The veins show more prominently on the surflice, 
 A little later the nipples become enlarged, darker 
 and more sensitive. During the last three months a 
 milky fluid can be pressed from them. The areola 
 also swells and darkens. 
 
 Nature provides in every \vay possible for the 
 safety of mother and child. The pelvis is broader 
 and the bones lighter in women than in men. It i? 
 composed of several bones, and during pregnane} 
 the connections between them become softened aiii 
 
 
 .> », 
 
 ^? 
 
,■11 
 
 3D 
 
 THE MAMMARY GLANDS 
 
 25 
 
 ere are t\v(j 
 
 ;tion in the 
 
 lie breasts, 
 
 The word 
 
 word. 
 
 ,'enty lolx's, 
 
 has a little 
 
 The tiny 
 
 the milk is 
 
 Qcl the nip- 
 
 the bones slightly separate, so as to yield more 
 readily to pressure and give as much room as can 
 be obtained. 
 
 The soft parts also become more elastic and en- 
 large. 
 
 iring prog- 
 the second 
 2ting noiir- 
 ley become 
 t in tlicni. 
 he surface, 
 ^ed, darker 
 le months a 
 The areola 
 
 )le for the 
 1 is broader 
 lien. It i? 
 pregnancy 
 )ftened ani 
 
MMMNIiUa 
 
 J i 
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 MENSTRUATION 
 
 So 
 a mei 
 escap 
 it fre 
 but tl 
 Th 
 brighi 
 lasts 
 The increased supply of blood sent to the pd a half 
 organs at the time of the ripening and dischaivi Wli 
 an egg from tlie ovary causes tiny blood vosxl^ physic 
 the lining of the uterus to rupture, and prodiid great, 
 flow of blood known as the menses. The ten: the flo 
 derived from a Latin word meaning month, and Som 
 name is given because the discharge occurs al every 
 every twenty-eight days. than o 
 
 Others 
 
 TIME OF APPEARANCE ^^^ , 
 
 The time of its first appearance varies very ii; 
 in different persons and under different conditi 
 Girls who live in a cold climate and wiio arc ^tr ^n 
 and hardy are not unwell as early as their iito be 
 delicate sisters, or those whose home is in a ^v;backa( 
 country. PJven in temperate latitudes the flow S' It is 
 times begins at eleven years of age, and it niayful of 
 come until fifteen. If it is delayed longer than them t 
 a physician should be consulted. The 
 
 ' (26) 
 
 \\ 
 
 Ml 
 
NECESSITY OF CARE 
 
 27 
 
 Sometimes the opening of the vagina is dosed by 
 a membrane, called the hymen, whieh prevents the 
 escape of the fluid, and it has to be removed to give 
 it free passage. This is a very trifling operation, 
 but the consequences of neglecting it are serious. 
 
 The discharge is at first pale, then becomes a 
 bright red, and towards the last paler again. It 
 lasts from three to six days, and from a quarter to 
 ; to the pel a half i)int is lost. 
 
 i discharuv When a Iarg(»r quantity than this is discharged, a 
 ood vosseh j)hy8ician should be consulted, as the drain is too 
 [id produ(( great. Iron, or some other tonic, is needed to check 
 
 Tiie ton: the flow. 
 nonth, and Some women menstruate slightly more often than 
 3 occurs al every twenty-eight days. When it occurs oftener 
 than once in three weeks, advice should be obtained. 
 Others are only unwell once in two months and yet 
 ^ seem to be in perfect health, 
 
 ries very n; 1| 
 
 cut COnditi m NECESSITY OF CARE 
 
 who are ^u Any disturbance of the menstrual function is sure 
 as their nto be attended with nervous synij)toins, headache, 
 is in a w. backache, and sometimes pain in the abdomen. 
 
 i the flows' It is worth while for mothers to be especiallv care- 
 
 md it niayful of their daughters at this period, and to teach 
 
 onger than them to take care of themselves. 
 
 The details and meaning of the process should be 
 

 28 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 ( 
 
 explained to a girl as she approaches the age at wii 
 it may be expected to begin. It should be invt? 
 with a certain dignity as the sign manual of h(r 
 trance into the duties and privileges of womanln 
 It is sometimes several months before the flov 
 properly established, and during this time it may 
 irregular; perhaps not taking place for two, or t 
 three months, and then coming at too short intn-v 
 No anxiety need be felt as to these irregulari: 
 during the first year. If it persists after that, i; 
 well to consult a good physician. 
 
 DANGER OF COLD 
 
 Cold is a danger especially to be avoided at t: 
 time. Warm clothing should not be exchangdl 
 light weight, even in hot weather. The cliai 
 should be deferred until the flow has ceased, (i 
 ting overheated and then sitting in a draught !« 
 fruitful source of oold. 
 
 The feet should be guarded with special care. 
 a girl has the misfortune to get them wet, tl 
 siiould be well rubbed with alcohol, spirits of ca 
 phor, or some stimulating liniment. Sitting in v 
 shoes and damp stockings at this time is suicidal. 
 
 While a girl should not be unnecessarilv codil 
 and made to think too much about herself, • 
 should be carefully watched, and if there is a te 
 
 dene 
 shoii 
 in be 
 
 Ba 
 
 fully 
 taken 
 habit I 
 Th 
 easily 
 l)art ( 
 dried, 
 There 
 every 
 not d; 
 are di 
 time I 
 
 As 
 ness fc 
 twille( 
 hemni< 
 they a 
 thejr si 
 four h( 
 
tOOD 
 
 BATHING — NAPKINS 
 
 29 
 
 \ age at m li 
 d be invo>; 
 lal of Ixr 
 
 womaiilii 
 Te the 11 ov 
 me it may 
 ' two, or ev 
 lort intri-v 
 
 irregulaii: 
 fter that, i; 
 
 voided at t; 
 xchanofcd 
 
 The olui! 
 ceased. (> 
 
 draught i- 
 
 cial care, 
 m wet, tl 
 )irits of ca 
 5itting ill V 
 s suicidal, 
 arilv C()(K1' 
 herself, ^ 
 ere is a te 
 
 dency to backache, or pain low in the abdomen, she 
 should lie down often during the first days, and stay 
 in bed if there is much discomfort. 
 
 BATHING 
 
 Bathing during men.struaiion requires to be care- 
 fully guarded. A plunge bath never .should be 
 taken, nor a cold bath indulged in, even if its use is 
 habitual at other times. 
 
 There is need of excpiisite cleanliness, and this can 
 easily be attained by a warm .sponge bath. Only a 
 part of the body must be wet at once and rapidly 
 dried, the feet being kept warm during the process. 
 There should be local bathing with warm water 
 every day. The feet should be wa.shed with a cloth, 
 not dipped into water, and well rubbed when they 
 are dried. Sea bathing must be prohibited for the 
 time being. 
 
 NAPKINS 
 
 A stock of napkins should be provided in readi- 
 ness for the time of need. The.se may be made of 
 twilled cotton or Canton flannel, half a yard .square, 
 hemmed on the edges, and folded into shape when 
 they are put on. About a dozen are required, as 
 they should be changed at least twice in the twenty- 
 four hours. 
 
 When washing is a consideration, pads can be 
 
uii i:i.t.iu,uu\~immmmiieamim 
 
 30 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 ; . 
 
 1 1 
 
 made of cheap absorbent cotton, or cotton wasit, , ^ 
 covered with y;auze, or cheese cloth. They aw: ^ \ . 
 
 stockii 
 
 inches long by three wide, and nearly an incli t! . i , 
 
 A strip of gauze at each end fastens them v p. . 
 
 girdle. Thev can be purchased ready-made, , , \ 
 1 // 1 mi 1 , alcohol 
 
 cost about live cents each, liiey are burndl; n .^ 
 
 use. 
 ''PI 
 
 menstr 
 The most comfortable girdle is made s<>i"*Uj,p „^ 
 
 like the yoke of a skirt, pointed in front and 1,,^.^* _r 
 
 narrow on the hips, and fastened on one sid( . . 
 
 button and button hole. A double piece of t\\ 
 
 cotton is cnt the desired shape and stitched ^^i v)rmpd 
 
 the edge. Some persons prefer an elastic girdk,^^ 
 
 others, a wide, soft ribbon. Whe 
 
 A girl should be trained to take pride in IkIq ^^ 
 
 all her personal belongings and the accessories i-^^j-j^^ ^ 
 
 toilet as neat and dainty as possible. There j^jjg ^j 
 
 subtle want of self-respect in neglecting those g q^^ f^ 
 
 are seldom seen except by the wearer. 
 
 REMEDIES Y' j^ 
 
 If the flow does not begin when it is exptn hors 
 and there are nncomfortable feelings, headadnd eve 
 sensation of weight, or })aiu, in the abdomen, di' me. 
 may take a hot sitz bath, that is, sit immersed t ettw, a 
 hips in a tub of hot water, soak her feet in \'evelope 
 >vater, and take a hot drink of ginger tea, or In If pos 
 
 Klii 
 
HOOD 
 
 EXERCISE 
 
 31 
 
 ton wastt, ^. [jefore roin^r to bed. Slir slioukl wear warmor 
 iiiey ai'^ 'stockings than usual the next clay and not go out of 
 ^"^ ^"^'^' ^' the house. 
 
 s them t( j^ jg ^jj^^ praetlce in some families to administer 
 
 idy-madt'. j^|^.q|jq| ;„ ^,)„i(. {[n-m, and even opium, for the relief 
 
 e b"''^^< "^ of the excruciatiuo: pain that sometimes accom})anies 
 
 menstruation. This never should be done without 
 
 lade sonict |.jjg ^dviee of a ])hvsician. It does not strike at the 
 
 1,1] ^ * ^ 
 
 ront and i^.^^^ ^^ ^1^^ p^.jj^ which might be reached l)y proper 
 
 one siuf -reatment, but only gives temporary ease, and has to 
 piece 01 t\\ -jg repeated each month. Habits may thus be 
 stiteiied ill formed which cause lasting^ injury to mind and 
 istic girou -j^y^ and may end in rendering life unendurable. 
 
 When the pain is so severe that it will not yield 
 H'lde m m'Q the simple domestic remedies of a hot drink and 
 ecessorio^'yarm applications, as a hot water bag, hot fomenta- 
 e. There jons, or a flaxseed poultice, to the abdomen, the case 
 
 ting thui^e^ one for a physician's prescription. 
 
 EXERCISE 
 
 Violent exercise, as skating, playing tennis, riding 
 it is exptn horseback, bicycle riding, dancing to excess, 
 Ts, headadnd even long walks, should be interdicted at this 
 (domen, tilt me. q^ij^, ^lore quiet a girl can be kept the 
 iimerseil t etter, at least until she is old enough to be fully 
 ; feet in veveloped. 
 ' tea, or lei If possible, there should be no study In the even- 
 
 
32 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 ■I 
 
 :l 
 I 
 
 ijiill 
 
 ing during the pi ess of menstruation. The 1 
 is taxed sufficiently already, and the mind sli 
 not be permitted to make an extra demand upo 
 This practice is a pernicious one at the best, 
 should be discountenanced by parents when 
 possible. School is the place to study lesson !> delay 
 and they should be kept there. The hours at 1, 
 are too precious and needed for too many other ; 
 poses to be devoted to them. 
 
 If 
 
 to Ik 
 come 
 its pi 
 shed 
 
 Soi 
 r^uh 
 dischs 
 as the 
 
 INTERRUPTION 
 
 If menstruation is suddenly checked after ii 
 begun, the same measures may be used to encou: vicari< 
 its return. If these are ineffectual, nothinjx r i^endei 
 need be done until the next period, unless tin ^^nir 
 very marked discomfort. There are several d *"© bl( 
 and preparations which can be administered, Ixii *00w •* 
 a doctor can decide when it is proper to j)rc 
 them. 
 
 A sudden fright, any excitement, or stroni; t tTsi 
 tion, may produce the ilow unexpectedly, or cai "'^»' ^ 
 to cease instantly. A chill from sitting in • ^^own 
 clothing, or wetting tlie feet, will often prodiin W*<>*e 
 latter result. The whole function seems to be * ■*• ^^ 
 tiraatelv connected with the nervous system tlia ^®® 
 mind has almost as much influence on it as pliv*^"""^'^ 
 causes. ^^^ «^ 
 
 3 
 
[OOD 
 
 VICARIOUS MENSTRUATION — CESSATION 33 
 
 mind sli' 
 Hand iipo: 
 the best,: 
 nts wlieii^ 
 
 lesson bi 
 lOurs at 1 
 iny other i 
 
 ed after il 
 d to encoii: 
 
 nothinii r. 
 unless till 
 
 several (!• 
 tered, hut 
 er to i)resi 
 
 )r strong » 
 dly, or car 
 itting in '^ 
 m prod 110 
 3ms to he ^ 
 system tlia: 
 n it as pby 
 
 If a woman has a special reason for wishing not 
 to be unwell, it is ten chances to one that the unwel- 
 come visitor makes its appearance on the very day 
 its presence is least desired. If, on the other hand, 
 she dreads that she may not become so, the very fear 
 delays its arrival. 
 
 VICARIOUS MENSTRUATION 
 
 Sometimes delicate girls who do not menstruate 
 regularly, or who have a very scant flow, have a 
 discharge of blood from some other part of the body, 
 as the nose, or mouth, at this time. Tliis is called 
 vicarious menstruation. There is seldom enough to 
 render it alarming, and constitutional treatment is 
 required to build up and strengthen the body, enrich 
 the blood and give tone to the system. Nourishing 
 food is an important factor in the result. 
 
 CESSATION 
 
 Usually the cessation of the menses is one of the 
 first symptoms of pregnancy. Cases have been 
 known where it has occurred regularly during the 
 whole period. 
 
 It is normally absent in the nursing mother, yet 
 
 some women menstruate even while nursing their 
 
 childi-en. It is then generally thought best to wean 
 
 the child. The milk often does not agree with it 
 3 
 
34 
 
 l>llEPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 under those circumstances, and the double drain i? 
 too great a tax on the strength of the mother. 
 
 The nursing period is sometimes prolonged ^vitll 
 the idea that, while the secretion of milk continues, 
 there is less probability of conception taking j^lace. 
 This is often a futile hope. No baby should be 
 nursed after it is a year old. The mother's milk 
 does not supply suitable or sufficient nourishment 
 after the teeth begin to develop. This is nature's 
 indication that more solid food is needed, and it 
 should be given. 
 
 THE MENOPAUSE 
 
 There comes a time in a woman's life when men- 
 struation finally ceases. This is the sign that her 
 power of reproduction is over ; she can no longer 
 hope again to become a mother. This period i- 
 known as the menopause, or, more familiarly, as tlit 
 change of life. 
 
 The flow does not stop suddenly, but becomes ir- 
 regular. There may be a great quantity dischargtii 
 at once, almost amounting to flooding, and then nom ' 
 for three or four months. Gradually it ceases alto- 
 gether. 
 
 This change is often accompanied by great dis- 
 turbance of the system. The liver is out of order 
 the circulation interfered with, and the head affected 
 There are uncomfortable flashes of heat over tlif 
 
 who] 
 instil 
 in pr 
 
 grcesj 
 tiikes 
 
 An 
 the (•( 
 date c 
 Wonici 
 80 unt 
 not b( 
 itoensti: 
 
 :f A \\ 
 
 tfiero n 
 
 lid vice. 
 lould 
 ^<sti( 
 ^od is 
 mdvd t 
 not cai 
 betwee 
 ^fith ill 
 gSod bJ 
 
 • 
 
THE MENOPAUSE 
 
 35 
 
 am Is 
 
 1 ^\\{\\ 
 
 tinucs. 
 
 place. 
 
 uia h 
 
 lature's 
 and it 
 
 en men- 
 hat hei 
 ) longer 
 eriod i- 
 ly, as tilt 
 
 !omes ir- 
 
 len n(tnt ' 
 ises alto- 
 
 •reat dis- 
 
 of order 
 
 affected 
 
 over tilt 
 
 whole body, tiie face is flushed at times, and in some 
 instances the breasts and abdomen enlarge almost as 
 in nn'!i:nancy. 
 
 Tiiese disagreeable symptoms disappear by de- 
 grees, and tlie function is at an end. This usually 
 tiikes place between the ages of forty-five and fifty 
 years. 
 
 Authorities differ as to the effect that the time of 
 the cniinnencement of menstruation has upon the 
 date of its cessation. It is said, on one side, that 
 women who menstruate early in life continue to do 
 80 until later tlian those with whom the process did 
 not begin so soon. Others maintain that delayed 
 menstruation in youth intimates that it will continue 
 longer in old age. 
 
 A woman requires great care at this time, and if 
 ^ere is serious disturbance, she should have medical 
 advice. Rest is essential; some hours of each day 
 Sjfcould be spent in lying down. Often there is in- 
 digestion, and the appetite is capricious. Nourishing 
 food is very necessary, and delicacies should be pro- 
 vided to tempt the palate. If the regular meals are 
 K^t eaten with relish, something should be taken 
 iy|tween them, as a cup of cocoa, a glass of milk 
 ifl^th the white of an egg shaken in it, or a bowl of 
 ^od beef tea, or broth. 
 |KuWj more than at any other period of her life, it 
 
 ■M 
 
:]Cy 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 II 
 
 I 1 
 
 IS a woman's duty to spare herself, if she wishes ll 
 a useful old age. 
 
 ENDURANCE 
 
 The wise old preacher who exhorted girls to ; 
 brave and boys to be pure because each sex posstv 
 the other virtue by natural endowment, eniphasi/ 
 a great need in the education of girls. 
 
 All women have many trifling ailments a 
 uncomfortable feelings, vague sensations, scaivi 
 defined enough to be dignified by the name of jia 
 Perhaps our more sensitive nervous organizat, 
 renders ns more susceptible to these influences tk 
 men are. It may be that the burden of petty ^v 
 ries and cares most of us have to carry, and the (• 
 fined, monotonous lives many of us lead, open i 
 door to these physical disabilities that often seen] 
 us almost unbearably trying. 
 
 In training a young girl, or in dealing with oi 
 selves, let us try as far as possible to ignore tlu: 
 above all, not to speak <.){' hem and never to clior 
 them as if they made i; particularly interestini; a 
 attractive. A brave effort to forget them, and h^: 
 as if they did not exist, sometimes ends in bauisli 
 them altogether. 
 
 RELIEF 
 
 When one is really unwell, it is the part of " 
 dom to get at the root of the trouble, find out, 
 
 possi 
 often 
 Som< 
 dema 
 ishiuj 
 thed 
 body 
 It 
 are n( 
 the lil 
 quired 
 Insi 
 oess. 
 hours 
 demanl 
 She g(| 
 this ill 
 01^ if SI 
 a^ sill 
 ttlda^ 
 IMaii 
 selves 
 house hi 
 mandsl 
 self-saci 
 
RELIEF 
 
 37 
 
 isIks 1' 
 
 iris to 1 
 
 nplia>i/ 
 
 iients II 
 3, sc'urt' 
 Lie of pa 
 rganizai: 
 lences tli. 
 
 petty ^v 
 ud the ci 
 |cl, open I 
 
 ;en seeiii 
 
 g 
 
 with 01 
 
 riiore iIk 
 
 r to cIkt 
 
 grestini: ^i 
 
 and tti; 
 
 11 ban i sir 
 
 a 
 
 part of ^^ 
 find out, 
 
 possible, what is the matter, and remove it. Very 
 often constipation is at tiie bv)tt()m of the mischief. 
 Sometimes not enoiii,^h food is taken to supply the 
 demands of tiie system, or it is not snlliciently nonr- 
 ishinjr. In otiier cases too much is eaten, more than 
 the digestive organs can deal with properly, or the 
 body needs. 
 
 It may be tliat the l)lood is impoverished ; there 
 are not enough of the tiny red globules that carry 
 the life-giving oxygen, and some form of iron is re- 
 quired to increase them. 
 
 Insullicient sU-ep is a frequent cause of nervous- 
 DflBS. The mother sits up late and rises early; the 
 hours between are not long enough to give the rest 
 danand(>d by the weary frame and tired nerves. 
 She gets up feeling languid and unrefreshed, and 
 this inevitably makes her fretful and fault-finding, 
 or, if she has self-control enough to prevent this, sad 
 aind silent. Rest is essential to repair the fatigue of 
 tte day. 
 
 Many women are harder task-masters to them- 
 sdkes than thev are to anv other member of their 
 hoiiseholds. It is the self-indulgent who make de- 
 mands upon others and coddle themselves. The 
 self-sacrificing spend their strength too lavishly, and 
 wHl not see that proper care of themselves and a due 
 
38 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 husbanding of tiieir powers is a duty they onm- ; 
 their families. 
 
 An hour a day spent in rest and sleep by Wdnv 
 who are not strong would contribute more to t 
 comfort of the home than any other use they (oi: 
 possibly make of the time. They would come i'w- 
 and bright to the duties of the evening, instead 
 being too weary and harassed to be cheerful col 
 panions. If the mother is to make the home t: 
 brightest spot on earth to husband and children, ^ 
 must have a private store of sunshine to shed on 
 She cannot generate this when body and brain a 
 overtaxed with the strain of a long day of incessa: 
 work and anxiety. 
 
 i'ili!i!::i 
 
 .ililiiv 
 
 THE HOME MAKER 
 
 The demands of modern life are very exactii 
 It is often most difficult to adjust properly the C' 
 flicting claiius of charitable enterprises, social dm 
 and business engagements. I think we wmi 
 should remember that we are first of all In: 
 makers. None can take our place there. ) 
 all of us have an opportunity to exercise > 
 natural office, and then other duties assume a pa 
 mount importance. In this case we must lili 
 where we are led. When we are the chief fh' 
 in a liome, our first duty is to it, and we Im 
 
D 
 
 ey o\\ e : 
 
 by wonif 
 ore to !; 
 they (oi; 
 come iVt< 
 insteiul 
 eerful col 
 e home t; 
 hildren, ^ 
 ) shed on 
 1 brain a 
 of incessa: 
 
 'M- 
 
 ry exactii 
 rly the c 
 social <liii 
 
 \\-e NV'iiii' 
 f all li"; 
 
 here. ^ 
 3xerci^^o < 
 
 ume a !« 
 must f*'li 
 
 chief iiH 
 nd we lia 
 
 THE HOME MAKER 39 
 
 right to give only such time and strength as we 
 are abundantly well able to spare to matters outside 
 of it. A wise choice of the duties that lie beyond it, 
 and strict attention io the statute of limitation in the 
 matter of strength and endurance, would save many 
 from the terrible breakdown that is known as ner- 
 vous prostration. 
 
 Fresh air is absohitely essential to keep one in 
 health, but most women get sufficient exercise in 
 moving about their households, and a long walk does 
 not hring sufficient compensation for the fatigue it 
 oaoses. Sitting on the piazza, or lying in the ham- 
 mock, in summer, will often be more beneficial than 
 keeping on one's i'aet to walk. In winter, wrapping 
 up warmly and moving slowly about a room, with 
 the window oTJcn, answers the purpose of a constitu- 
 tional, and is not nearly as tiring. Driving is an 
 ideal recreation for tlie woman who uses her feet 
 sufficiently indoors, but not every one can indulge 
 in it. 
 
CHAPTER III 
 
 l"> 
 
 f 
 
 INDICATIONS OF PREGNANCY 
 
 There are a number of symptoms which takt 
 together point ahiiost concUisively to the fact tb 
 conception has occurred. Any one of tliem seps 
 rately would not be positive evidence, because 
 might be duo to other causes. 
 
 CESSATION OF MENSES 
 
 Usually the non-appearance of the menstrual fit 
 is the first indication a woman has that she is ])iv. 
 nant. The oversupply of blood is directed to^\•a^ 
 the su[)port of the child, the pressure on the (ap; 
 laries, or tiny blood vessels, in the uterus is lo.s>e!io 
 they do not rupture and there is no discliarp 
 Menstruation sometimes continues until the fifth. 
 sixth, month and tlien ceases. As has been ti 
 plained previously, its cessation may be due to cd 
 excitement, or otlier mental disturbance. Thus 
 appears that its presence, or absence, is not a posit; 
 sign one way or the other. 
 (40) 
 
 Til 
 
 Th 
 
 t|H 
 
 J ■ 
 
hich takt 
 
 le fact tk 
 
 them sepj 
 
 because 
 
 istrual fl' 
 ^he is ])rt'; 
 ted towiip 
 1 the raji; 
 is lesseiH' 
 ► dischar: 
 the fifili. 
 Ls been h 
 due to co! 
 e. Tlius 
 ot a pushr 
 
 MORNING SICKNESS — QUICKENING 
 
 41 
 
 MORNING SICKNESS 
 
 Morning sickness is a feeling of nausea that oc- 
 curs as soon as the head is raised from the pillow, 
 and often at intervals during the day, particularly 
 a^T eat i no. It usually disappears during the third 
 month, but in some cases persists until the end. If 
 it is so serious that a proper (juautity of fjod cannot 
 be taken, or retained, the doctor should be consulted 
 afVer domestic treatment has been tried in vain. 
 
 ENLARGEMENT OF THE BREASTS 
 
 The enlargement of the breasts, accompanied by 
 tinghng sensations, is often noticed during the first 
 month. This symptom, liowever, appears in some 
 women at the time of menstruation, so it cannot be 
 depended upon as an indication alone. 
 
 ^B OTHER SYMPTOMS 
 
 The nav«-l, or umbilicus as it is properly called, 
 appears t ?jink in during the first two months. 
 IlBter i n-M:, again, and in the ninth month often 
 pt-otnuks, or p Hits, above the surface. During the 
 tjirly peiiud the abdomen* seems to be slightly flat- 
 
 I QUICKENING 
 
 I This usufiliy takes place at four months and a 
 
 liplf, ' half way between conception and delivery. 
 
 Hhe u^ '• V5 rices out of the pelvis higlier into the 
 
42 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 abdomen, and the mother first feels the moveniont; 
 of the ehild. It is a popiihir snperstition that lii- 
 is not present until these motions are perceptibk 
 but it does exist from the moment that the eirgi 
 transfixed by the spermatozoid, or active part, oi'tl. 
 male seed. 
 
 The sensation of quickening often causes a feolir, 
 of faintnes?' If it is first felt in church, or a puli! 
 place, it is c » !t to maintain the self-control. I: 
 it is possible to ic down for a few minutes, the uii 
 pleasant feelings gradually disappear for the time. 
 
 The movements of the child occasion more or le«: 
 discomfort from this time on. The mother may r^ 
 member for her comfort that they cannot do ham 
 The (3hild is firmly enclosed in the amniotic sac, siir 
 rounded by fluid, and that in turn cannot csca)' 
 from the uterus. 
 
 Some women never feel any motion and yet bcs 
 living children. 
 
 Ill' 
 
 I'. I 
 
 FALSE INDICATIONS 
 
 In some cases contractions of the muscles of tl 
 abdomen, or the presence of wind, or gas, in the k 
 testines, are mistaken for the movements of a cliil 
 so that even these indications are not a certain ^i^ 
 of pregnancy, as they may be counterfeited. A 
 examination by a physician is the only means < 
 
 pniit( 
 
D 
 
 SPURIOUS PREGNANCY 
 
 43 
 
 loveniont- 
 
 that li; 
 
 erceptibk 
 
 the egg i; 
 
 ►art, of tl;: 
 
 ;s a feelir,, 
 )r a pull'. 
 ntiol. 1: 
 es, the nil- 
 :he time. 
 lore or le^ 
 er may r: 
 t do liani 
 ,ic sae, siu 
 not escaf 
 
 d yet bi'2 
 
 soles of tl 
 , in the it 
 of a chili 
 ertain ^ii: 
 'eited. A 
 means < 
 
 )sitively })r()vini; it. The enlargement of the ab- 
 
 nu'ii, win'eh might be su])p()sed to be j)roof posi- 
 
 e, may be due to otlior causes, as the growth of a 
 
 nior. Wiien this is the case, the general health is 
 
 ected more seriously than it usually is in an ordi- 
 
 liary pregnancy. 
 
 ':% AVhen the uterus contains a child, it enlarges at a 
 
 jftrtain recognized rate, increasing regularly in size. 
 
 If ith the growth of a tumor the distention does not 
 
 j^oceed according to any known law. 
 
 
 -a 
 
 ! MEDICAL EXAMINATION 
 
 I Tlie doctor can give a well-founded verdict only 
 per he has made an examination by touch, either 
 Iternal or external, sometimes both. As the child 
 velo[)s, about the end of the fourth month, the 
 |ating of the heart can be distinguished through 
 wall of the abdomen if listened for with an in- 
 i^ument to assist the hearing called a stethoscope. 
 Bie i-a[)idity of the beat is said to be one of the signs 
 1^ which the sex may be surmised. If over 134 a 
 mnute the child is probably a girl, under that num- 
 ir a boy. The rate is from 120 to 160 beats a 
 nute. At birth the pulse is about 120. In a 
 lalthv adult it averao:es about 72. 
 
 SPURIOUS PREGNANCY 
 
 ^Kcj vous, hysterical women, those who very greatly 
 
44 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 desire to have cliiklron, yet fear they will not, per 
 haps on account of advanced age, and those who an 
 equally afraid of becoming mothers, are sometiim^ 
 the victims of a false, or spurious pregnancy, ^lair 
 of the signs are i)resent, the enlargement of tli 
 abdomen, the swelling of the breasts, which ni;r 
 even secrete milk, and the cessation of menstruatiu!; 
 Imaginary movements are felt, the stomach may 1- 
 disturbed, and at the end of the supposed pcric 
 labor pains are experienced — all with no nsui' 
 This is, perhaps, the most striking instance in pli\>i 
 ology, of tlie iuflaence of mind over matter. 
 
 f 
 
 IS 
 
 M ' 
 
 DURATION OF PREGNANCY 
 
 It is difficult to calculate the exact day on wlikl 
 the confinement may be expected to take place. I 
 is usual to reckon 280 days, or nine months and on 
 week, from the end of the last menstruation, aiii 
 give that day as the date. For instance : if men 
 struation ceased on the 26th of January, the confine 
 mcnt may be looked for on the 2d of November 
 It is said that the interval between conception an 
 birth is 275 days. From this statement it might !► 
 su])posed that the day of delivery could be acdi 
 rately computed. That it is not so is due to the flit 
 that it is uncertain how long a time elapses befor 
 
TWINS 
 
 45 
 
 not, per 
 ; who an 
 
 lOmetiniK 
 y. ^lari: 
 it of til. 
 hic'li ni:v 
 striKititi!: 
 h may 1. 
 ed peril' 
 10 r( >iii' 
 ! in phy^i' 
 jr. 
 
 on whiii 
 place. I 
 
 IS and on 
 ition, an 
 if iiioi> 
 le confine 
 S^ovenil)e: 
 ptioii an 
 t miglit K 
 be accii' 
 to the Hi' 
 Dses bffor 
 
 semen unites with the egg. The interval is said 
 to vary from a few hours to several days. 
 
 Pregnancy may be prolonged very much beyond 
 the u.-iial limit. In this country the law recognizes 
 tglcixitimate children born after a possible pregnancy 
 erf' .'UT days. 
 
 On the otiier hand, it is possible for a baby to 
 Hm', for d short time at least, very nuich earlier 
 Uiai) is poi)nlarly supposed to be the case. At the 
 ejid of the fourth month it may live for a few hours 
 aaid the sex can be distinguished. A child born 
 <hn ing the seventh month can be kept alive by the 
 exercise of the greatest care. It lives in v^n incu- 
 l^tor, is fed by means of a stomach tvu)e, rolled in 
 limbs' wool instead of being dressed, and disturbed 
 i) more than is absolutely necessary. 
 f As soon as the twenty-first day after conception, 
 <ie ears, eyes and mouth have begun to develop, 
 aod at the end of the first month the tiny begin- 
 siih^^ of the limbs are plainly evident. It is no 
 ftrndess mass that is crushed out of existence if the 
 (^erations of nature are interfered with, even thus 
 eirly in her work. 
 
 I TWINS 
 
 f AVIkmi two eggs are discharged from one or each 
 OTaiy at the same time, or one egg contains two germs, 
 (^ in the double-yolked egg of a hen, and both are 
 
46 
 
 PREPAJiATlON FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 !!!k 
 
 I 
 
 imj)rognate(l, twins are the results. This is said t 
 occur once in every ninety births. The possil)ili! 
 of triplets is very much less, being only one in sivi; 
 thousand. 
 
 When the uterus contains twins the abdonu ii 
 flat in the middle and more [)rominent at the sidi- 
 Sometimes there is a deep depression in the middl. 
 Each child usuallv weiii;hs less than when thcrf ; 
 only one, and it is more likely that they will be itori 
 prematurely. 
 
 The doctor, by the use of the stethoscope, can di 
 termine whether there are two hearts beating, or m\ 
 and so settle tlie question. 
 
 SEX 
 
 It is strange that, with all our boasted advance ii 
 knowledge, it is not yet possible to predict positivily 
 the sex of a child before birth, nor to influence tlit 
 forces that control what that sex shall be. INIaiiv 
 theories have been formulated on the latter subjiii 
 but none has been found to be infallible. Itissud 
 an interesting and important matter, one would thinl; 
 that some bold explorer would by this time havi 
 succeeded in filching the secret from nature. 
 
 The time most favorable for conception is tlit 
 week immediately succeeding the stoppage of thenicii- 
 gtnml flow, and preferabl^^ the first day of this week 
 
 trair tli< 
 
SEX 
 
 47 
 
 ,s said I 1 
 3ssil)ilii 
 iu sevu, 
 
 i 
 
 lomcii '> 
 
 :lie sid(> 
 
 I iniddli 
 
 til ore 1- 
 
 I be Imri 
 
 ! 
 
 \, can (li 
 
 g, or Ud! 
 
 is said that if it takes place early in this period, 
 d)c child will probably be a girl, if later a boy. 
 iioiher theory is, that if the father is physically 
 u- stronger, more capable of impressing his person- 
 itv, a daughter will be born ; otherwise, a son. 
 
 It is also said, that if the mother at the time of 
 ii(( 'ption is excited, interested and anxious to bear 
 soil, she is likely to attain her desire. 
 
 'Jdic age of the parents is supposed to influence the 
 suit. If the father is much older than the mother, 
 
 is considenKl probable that daughters will pre- 
 
 iniuate in the family. 
 
 It was once thought that the eggs from one ovary 
 odiiccd females, and those from the other, males. 
 lice it has been proved that women from whom 
 
 e ovary has been removed oy an operation, have 
 
 erwards borne children of each sex, this idea has 
 
 II abandoned. 
 
 The whole subject is wrapped in mystery. It re- 
 al ns for some earnest student of the future to peiie- 
 ate the darkness and discover the truth. 
 
 rp 
 
 1 is tilt 
 thenicii- 
 lis w<'('l\, 
 
atjsmsnnmgi 
 
 'illl 
 
 12 
 
 I 
 
 !«i 
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 THE PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY 
 
 Preparation. When a woman knows that shei 
 to become a mother, she should prepare herself b 
 every means in her power for her new duties an 
 responsibilities. It is a time of waiting, not io I 
 spent in despondency, nursing nervous fears, r 
 making the most of bodily ailments, but in diliuci 
 cultivation of mind and body. Both mother an; 
 child will reap the benefit if an earnest effort is mad 
 to maintain the health of both at its highest stan<larc 
 
 A celebrated obstetrical physician, writing on tli 
 subject, says : " Women should be willing to trai: 
 themselves in some degree for their labor, as an atl 
 lete would train himself for a race." 
 
 If the family doctor is a sensible, clever man, tli 
 expectant mother cannot do better than place hersel 
 under his charge as soon as she is aware of her wi 
 dition. She need only see him two or three tiim- 
 perhaps, during the nine months, so that the expen- 
 will not be great. He can give her judicious advie 
 (4R) 
 
 }n iiiai 
 ie will 
 jlieve 
 In ti 
 (Jlnl 
 profess, 
 Bo (list I 
 Ct)i)ifort 
 yond a 
 iani>;o 
 ^nt(»rti. 
 ilic poll 
 ifcncd w 
 lake tlj 
 Wher 
 alrwu 
 vital 
 SI 1st a 
 )rking 
 Ity, the 
 [ir the 
 
 lOUIlt ( 
 
 lanstic 
 icn she 
 11(1. 
 ^Tlie fir 
 ip'<'ts as 
 
 ^ 4 
 
THE PROGRESS OF PREGNANCY 
 
 49 
 
 [n iiianv points, and if unfavorable symptoms arise, 
 ^e will l)e able to counteract tliem, and probably to 
 >liove the condition which causes them by treating 
 in time. 
 
 Child-l)caring is not a disease, but a natural 
 irocoss. In a healthy woman it should give rise to 
 |o (listuibance of the health and to very little dis- 
 Hiifort. ^ledicine should not be needed, and be- 
 )ii(l a stricter attention to the laws of nature, no 
 (laii^o should be necessary in the manner of living. 
 riit'ortuiiatcly, very few women approach at all near 
 Ac point of perfection physically. They are bur- 
 jiud with weaknesses, inherited or acquired, which 
 [ake this period a time of trial to them. 
 AVhen this added strain is brought to bear upon 
 already overwrought nervous organization, when 
 |e vital forces, that are scarcely equal to the task 
 sustaining one person and keeping the system in 
 wkini^ order, are suddenly called upon for double 
 ity, they rebel, and their work is badly done. 
 [If the mother with difficulty produces a sufficient 
 loiint of blood for her own use, there is sure to be 
 haustion, pallid cheeks and disturbed circulation 
 Jen she is forced to supply also the demands of the 
 11(1. 
 'he first consideration then is to remedy existing 
 ets as far as possible, to husband the resources 
 
 4 
 
^ 
 
 50 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 n 
 
 r-i 
 
 that arc available, and to increase tlieni by evirj 
 means that can be used towards that end. 
 
 It is for this |)ur})ose that most women need tin 
 aid of a doctor. The function of a medical my 
 ought to be not so nuich to cure his patients of di,. 
 orders as to keep them in order. How to koj 
 themselves in good health is a knowledge that to, 
 many women do not })ossess. If this is importaii; 
 under ordinary circumstances, it becomes doubly > 
 when another being depends upon the mother to U 
 nourished and perfected. She must then seek tli- 
 information from some one who is competent to iiiv: 
 it. As in many instances it is impossible i'nv i 
 woman to consult a idivsician constantlv duriu": t' 
 period, an effort has been made to embody in tiinj 
 little book the advice that is usually given on jKjiii!-^ 
 of hygiene, and to call attention to the symptom^ 
 that demand immediate consultation with an ex]Xi 
 rienced doctor. 
 
 POINT TO BE NOTED 
 
 While it is foolish to worry constantly over evenj 
 unaccustomed feeling of discomfort, it is equally 
 wise to neglect indications which point to serious 
 mischief that may be remedied by prompt treatment 
 
 A woman passes usually about three pints oi 
 urine in the twenty-four hours. During this tii 
 
 khe si 
 
 latcri 
 )fi; >1). 
 twccn 
 icfiiio 
 lini a i 
 The 
 'riK'cn 
 strip I 
 till rum 
 [lit mo 
 fettle ai 
 rli it'll \i 
 kI so 
 icasurci 
 l\v amo 
 
 Ml'OUirli 
 
 jould 
 
 noimt. 
 
 In on 
 ^'ciity-fc 
 iven hci 
 
 )taincd 
 loiikl 
 >nrs lat( 
 It alrea 
 
 A 
 
POINT TO BE NOTED 
 
 51 
 
 ecd till' 
 al iiiif 
 of <li 
 to kf«! 
 :lmt tti< 
 1 port an: 1 
 jul)ly ^ 
 ler to 1* 
 ,eek till- .| 
 t to jj-iv- 
 le I'll" ^ 
 ring t' 
 y in tiii:j 
 
 )n poiii^'i 
 mptomj 
 an exjxi 
 
 ver everjl 
 uallv UD-| 
 o serioiil 
 reatmeii:| 
 pints ol 
 this til 
 
 |hn sliotild make cortain tliat this quantity is not 
 atcriallv dinilnislietl. [f she thinks it is falling 
 )fr Aw -hoiild drink more water, taking a ghi>s be- 
 
 d if til 
 
 ^he should 
 
 iwvcn iiieai^, aiiu ii muio IS no nicrease 
 lent ion tiie iaet to her medieal adviser, aud take 
 
 liin a .specimen of it for examination. 
 The measurinjTj ea!i he easily mana;:;ed in this wav. 
 
 Vocure a large glass bottle, and paste on one side 
 Htrip of eotton about an inch wide. Get a small 
 
 [ill finuiel, such as are sold for five cents, and a half 
 
 iiiit measure. Pour half a pint of water into the 
 
 ^oitle and mark on the strip of cotton the uepth to 
 rliieii it reaches, add another half pint and mark, 
 
 [lul so on until three pints, or two quarts, have been 
 icasurcd. The bottle is now prepared to record 
 le amount of urine. This can be poured into it 
 iroiigh tiie funnel after it is passed. The bottle 
 loiild he tightly corked, washed and scalded every 
 A daily memorandum should be kept of the 
 nount. 
 
 In order to ascertain the quantity secreted in 
 vciity-four hours, the urine should be voided at a 
 
 jiven hour, ray nine o'clock, and what is thus 
 )taincd thrown away. The succeeding amounts 
 lould he saved, -and at nine oV^lock, twenty-four 
 )urs later, it should be pnSvSed again and added to 
 lat already collected, 
 
 t- 
 
mmmmmmmKBKmmmm 
 
 52 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 In preparing a specimen to be taken to the cli^ctoi 
 a])oiit a quarter of a pint should be put into a boh 
 previously well washed and scalded with Ijuili 
 water. The cork, if not new, sliould be thuroiii{li; 
 scrubbed to cleanse it from any j)article of foieii- 
 matter. Care in this respect is very important,:; 
 the doctor cannot be certain of the result of his oi 
 ami nation unless the specimen is free from any ou: 
 side impurities. 
 
 The urine ought to be a pale yellow, and clta 
 If it is ver}' dark in color, or there is a sediinc!: 
 soon after it is passed, or it seems thick at the tini 
 or a deposit appears after it has stood for sin 
 hours, the pliysi(;ian should be informed. A d('])ar 
 ure from the normal in this discharge may 1)( 
 no importance, and it may be an indication thatn 
 quires attention ; only the trained eye can decidt, 
 
 f 
 
 IMPORTANCE OF FJ.UID 
 
 It is said that most persons habitually drink t 
 httle water. It is important that plenty ol' fii: 
 should be sup])lied to the system at this time, ami: 
 effort should be made to take at least two (jua' 
 during the day. This means only about eight gla- 
 Water can be flavored with fruit syrup if it i^ '1 
 liked alone, and a part taken hot if ])referred. A: 
 good riineral water can be used if desired, 
 

 
 ;liO cloctoi 
 to a 1)0^' 
 itli i joili 
 horouirlii 
 of forciLr 
 portant, ' 
 of liis H 
 n anv on 
 
 and clis: 
 a sedluiei: 
 at the tin; 
 d lur S'ii! 
 A drpur^ 
 may be ol 
 on tbatKl 
 decide. 
 
 drink tK 
 itv of fliK 
 I me, amb 
 
 two qua" 
 ijrht ola- 
 
 ifit i^'l 
 rred. ^ 
 d, 
 
 TENSION OF SKIN — USE OF OIL 
 
 TENSION OF SKIN 
 
 53 
 
 'ir> 
 
 J As the abdomen enlarges and the skin stretches, 
 
 JIk i'( is often an unconifortabh* feeling of tension, 
 
 liich can be mnch relieved by anointing the surface 
 
 |verv day after tie bath with sweet oil. Olive oil, 
 
 \\ -alad oil, answers the })urpose admirably. This 
 
 ^ot only gives relief at the time, but prepares the 
 
 ^s.-iies to yield more easily when the child is born. 
 
 USE OF OIL 
 
 : AVlien the oil is used, its application should be 
 tB^tciidt'd to the perineum and all the parts between 
 dse thitrjis where most pressure is experienced, and 
 (hich have to stretch during the passage of the child. 
 lis softens the skin and underlying tissues, and 
 ikcs them more pliable and less likely to give way 
 KM) distended. 
 
 Many expensive lotions are sold under high- 
 
 mding names wdiich profess to render delivery 
 
 jier, if not entirely painless. These dcicelve the 
 
 (wary and enrich their makers, but none of them 
 
 <lo more than can be accomplished equally well 
 
 the persistent application of sweet oil, at one- 
 
 laitrr the cost, 
 
 |Ii is a grave mistake for a woman to buy, or use, 
 
 Mit nostrums of whose composition she knows 
 
 tiling. There is one chance in a thousand that 
 

 PKEPARATION FOR MOTHEllUOOD 
 
 they may do good; the reiiiainiug lune hundred uikJ 
 ninety-nine are equally divided between their bciiiir 
 positively harmful, or utterly useless. No senniblt 
 person will waste her money when the possibilitv 
 of benefit is so small. 
 
 % 
 
 BANDAGI. 
 
 Wlien the sensation of weight is very aisagree- 
 able, a well-fitting abdominal bandage is a groat 
 eomfort. A i)attern for one ean be procured iVoiii 
 any firm ciealing in pa})er })atterns, and it is iiui 
 difficult to fit one without a guide. 
 
 Take a stri[) of stout, unbleached cotton, Ions] 
 enough to encircle the body, and lap about luiiri 
 inches. Fit this to the shape by taking up gores (ni 
 the outside and pinning tiiem. These can aft'i- 
 wards be sewed and the extra fulness cut off. Tb 
 bandage should fasten on one side with buttons, oil 
 safety pins. It will be of little use unless it M 
 snugly to give the desired support. 
 
 CARE OF THE BREASTS 
 
 The care of the breasts is one of the most impor- 
 tant duties of the expectant mother. Her chikl'sj 
 well-being depends upon her ability to. nourish itj 
 and this she cannot do unless breasts and nipples are 
 ill good condition. Many women undergo aguiiv 
 
THE NIPPLES 
 
 55 
 
 d uii(] 
 bciii;: 
 
 m^^ilJ':l: 
 
 ibililv 
 
 sagree- 
 
 1 IVoii: 
 is iiui 
 
 11, l<m; 
 lit i'uiir 
 ort's (»ii 
 \ al'l'T- 
 
 tuns, (' 
 it M 
 
 m 
 
 inipor- 
 
 v\<\\ i'. 
 ^\o> art 
 
 which is little, if at all, inferior to that borne during 
 chilil-hirth, because these have not been properly at- 
 tended to. Neglect of them, either before or after 
 ■i the chihl is born, is apt to be followed by intense 
 sullciiii"', which judicious treatment would have en- 
 I tiivlv prevented. 
 
 ? As soon as the breasts begin to enlarge, they should 
 ' he relieved from pressure. This is ensured by wear- 
 liiii:: :i proper underwaist, with fidl, softly -gat he red 
 Ipoekets in front large enough to receive the breasts 
 |conifbrtal)ly. The dress must be widened across the 
 Ifi-ont l)v the introduction of a full vest, so that there 
 lis at no time the slightest sense of constriction. 
 
 Kveiy day they should be especially bathed with 
 juol water, gently rubbed to stimulate the circula- 
 [tioii, and anointed wdth a little sweet oil. 
 
 » 
 
 THE NIPPLES 
 
 The nipples also must receive particular attention. 
 [Sometimes a small quantity of milky fluid oozes 
 from them. If this is allowed to dry and retnain 
 )ii the tender skin, disaster is sure to follow. They 
 Ishould be bathed at the same time as the breasts, 
 |and share in the inunction with oil. During the 
 ?|la-t six weeks they should be bathed twice a day with 
 il 'ohol containing a pinch of alum, li' the alcohol 
 W^ i'ure, it should be diluted one-half with water. 
 
mim 
 
 56 
 
 PEEPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 Tliey should frequently be gently pressed and | 
 rubbed between the fingers to toughen the skin and 
 prepare it for the pressure of the baby's lips. 
 
 In some women the nipple is contracted, or in. 
 verted. Instead of standing out above the suiface 
 of the breast, a well-defined point which a bab\ caD 
 easily grasp, it is level with the surface and slip. 
 backward into the soft tissue at every attem])t t^ 
 hold it in a most exasperating manner. 
 
 A self-respecting baby generally remonstrates at 
 this state of affairs, and expresses his feelings in in-| 
 dignant cries. He has a shrewd suspicion that hi; 
 mother is responsible for the difficulties he experi- 
 ences in obtaining his food, and he visits his di;l 
 pleasure on every one within earshot. 
 
 Nature is sometimes unkind and does not furiiisl| 
 the mother with well-formed nipples. Very of\eii, J 
 however, the defect is due to their develo])iiuiii| 
 during girlhood and young womanhood, having becii| 
 prevented by undue pressure from tight-fitting cdrl 
 sets. 
 
 Whatever the cause, the expectant mother sho'iki 
 seek to remedy the want of prominence by draxt.ng 
 out the nipple and trying to mould it into shape b)| 
 frequent gentle manipulation with the fingers. Inj 
 some cases this can be done with the hand alone, iii| 
 others a special appliance is required. 
 
MOTION 
 
 57 
 
 lopiiuir 
 
 illiX Ik'C! 
 
 uio' ('(ir- 
 
 liape h] 
 ers. I' 
 iloiie, ii 
 
 A safe one that can be easily obtained is a pint 
 bottle. Fill it with boiling water, empty this out 
 quickly and apply its mouth tightly over the nip- 
 j)le. As the air in the bottle cools it condenses and 
 the nipple is drawn out, or, more properly, pushed 
 out, into the vacant space. The process can be 
 hastened by wrapping a cloth wrung out of cold 
 water around the bottle while it is in place. 
 
 After the bottle is removed the nipple should be 
 lu'ld in the fingers and pressed into shape. This 
 treatment should be begun early and persisted in 
 until the nipple is a well-formed protuberance which 
 can easily be taken into a child's mouth. 
 
 During the fifth month, the areola, or pale brown 
 skin surrounding the base of the nipple, which has 
 already become much darker in color, is encircled by 
 a second ring formed of small, mottled spots of a 
 paler shade than the areola itself. This appearance 
 is most marked in women of dark co nplexion. 
 1'lie width of the band varies in different persons. 
 As it does not occur except in pregnancy, it is one 
 of the confirmatory proofs of that condition. 
 
 MOTION 
 
 Quickening has already been referred to as one of 
 
 J the symptoms establishing the fact that the uterus 
 
 contains a living child. It may be felt at any time 
 
■•!■« 
 
 58 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 after the third month, but usually is first expericiicd; 
 at the end of four months and a half. The sene^atidh 
 varies in intensity in different women. Sometimes ii 
 is so slight as to be merely a fluttering, sometimes s,, 
 j)ronoun('ed as to cause an hysterical attack. 
 
 Thirty drops of aromatic spirits of ammoniii in 
 water, repeated in a few minutes, relieves the laiiit- 
 ncss that sometimes accompanies it. 
 
 If the child's motions cause much disconifdii 
 later on, a well-fitting bandage helps to render them, 
 more bearable. Sometimes they are so slight tliov 
 can only be felt by laying the hand on the abdonicn 
 over the uterus. In other cases they are so violent 
 as to be visible. 
 
 INTERFERENCE WITH BREATHING 
 
 As the uterus increases in size it causes preissiirc- 
 on the diaphragm, or muscular partition separating! 
 the abdomen from the chest. Tliis causes diffuultv^ 
 in breathing, as there is not room for the lungs tO; 
 expand properly. 
 
 During the last two weeks the uterus sinks aeaiii- 
 into the pelvis, the pressure lessens, and breathinjij 
 becomes easier. 
 
 MENSTRUAL PERIOD 
 The child is apt to be born at what would have] 
 been the tenth menstrual period counting from the 
 
 ^illi ill 
 
EVACUATIONS — WALKING — PAIN 
 
 59 
 
 sconifiiii 
 
 ier tliciii 
 rht the) 
 ibddtncr. 
 ) violent 
 
 prcssun 
 
 partuiiij 
 
 lifficuln 
 
 lings ti 
 
 vs a(:ai!i 
 reathiiv: 
 
 la Imu 
 Toin 111'. 
 
 last Olio before conception took place. There is al- 
 wiivs more or less disturbance as this date conies 
 round each month and the time should be carefully 
 
 noted. 
 
 When a woman has previously been regular, she 
 
 [MOWS exaetlv when these davs will occur. If tlicre 
 is anv probability of her forgetting them, she should 
 
 nark them in her calendar, as it is very important 
 that she should be especially careful at this time. 
 
 EVACUATIONS 
 
 The pressure of the uterus against the bladder 
 uises a desire to pass water frequently. Sometimes 
 ^hc elibrt is inefTec^tual. This need cause no alarm, 
 the inclination is excited simply by the pressure. 
 There is often difficulty in having a ])assage from 
 the bowels for the same reason. An enema of warm 
 (liter is better than a laxative to relieve them. 
 
 WALKING 
 
 Walking becomes more difficult and occasion- 
 illy has to be relinquished at this stage, but 
 It is best to continue the daily exercise as long as 
 )()ssible. 
 
 PAIN 
 Pains are felt in the limbs, back and abdomen. 
 Ik' latter may be quite severe, resembling colic, and 
 ire sometimes mistaken for true labor pains. 
 
CO 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 THE NURSE 
 
 The expectant mother should have all her prop- 
 arations completed long before this time. It is vtrv 
 unwise to leave them until near the last. She rnav 
 be too unwell to be able to attend to them, or apn ni- 
 ature birth may find her totally unprepared. 
 
 The nurse should be engaged early. Compeuiit 
 nurses usually have a long list of engagements aiul 
 must be secured in time when their services are de- 
 sired. 
 
 SELECTION 
 
 It is always well to consult the physician in 
 charge before speaking to the nurse. He knows 
 from experience who are trustworthy and who iire 
 unreliable. The life of the patient often depends 
 upon the trustworthiness of the nurse, so this is too 
 important a matter to be left to chance. The doctor 
 has means of knowing the capabilities of a nurse 
 whom he has previously employed which no one else 
 possesses. 
 
 It is not always safe to rely upon the favorable 
 report of a previous patient. If a nurse has con- 
 spicuous faults, they will generally be mentioned, 
 but from mistaken kindness they are sometimes 
 concealed. 
 
 i 
 
ENGAGEMENT — MEALS 
 
 61 
 
 ENGAGEMENT 
 
 In niukiiig the engagement talk frankly with the 
 
 jiiiir<(', that there may be no misunderstanding later. 
 
 Have the price that is to be paid definitely stated 
 
 and also the length of time during which her ser- 
 
 [vices will be required. 
 
 Some nurses are willing to hold themselves in 
 Inatliness for a week or two before a certain date, 
 [and tliey are usually paid half price for this waiting 
 Itinie. Others will only promise to be ready on a 
 [certain day, as they are engaged until then. In this 
 [case it is well to know of some one else who can be 
 Shad if an emergency arises. 
 
 Tiie nurse should be asked if she can stay for 
 flonger than a month if she should be needed. 
 
 MEALS 
 
 It is usual to have a nurse's meals sent upstairs, 
 Mwheii they should be eaten outside of her patient'ts 
 ^01 )m, or to have them prepared for her in the din- 
 in^: room after the members of the family liave fin- 
 i.^hcd theirs. Some one must stay with the invalid 
 wliile tlio family is at meals, and this person natur- 
 ally is the nurse. Much depends upon the customs 
 pn valent in the locality in tliese matters. 
 
.uujiia 
 
 
 62 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 DUTIES 
 
 The nurse should take the entire charge of tlit 
 sick room, sweeping and dusting it. It is uimsiia 
 now for her to do any part of the baby's wa-liiiii; 
 She should not be burdened with duties that r('(|iiir- 
 Iier to be long absent from her charge. If the ((h, 
 is incompetent, she ought to be able to cook her ji- 
 tient's food, as so much depends upon her hdii; 
 properly nourished. Serving it is a part of Lc 
 duty. 
 
 A good trained nurse well repays the extra « 
 penditure necessary to obtain her. She is fainil'a 
 with the best methods of managing mother and cliil 
 Should an emergency arise, she is ready to meet ; 
 She will keep the mother in the best condition t' 
 speedy recovery and will not teach the baby 1 : 
 habits. 
 
 When it is impossible to procure one, the iicr ,1 
 best that can be found must be selected. Absoliiif 
 cleanliness and a willingness to obey the doetorj 
 orders implicitly and unquestioningly are the twj 
 cardinal virtues most imperatively necessary, ^hw 
 minor faults may be pardoned, or overlooked, i:j 
 these can be secured. No previous experience 
 compensate for their lack. 
 
 If the expectant mother is young, she must notlJ 
 overawed by elderly ignorance. She is the enj 
 
 )loyei 
 icnts 
 
 :^viii i; 
 
 lot'tor 
 illv ail 
 it IS 
 
 It l:^ U 
 
 ia< hoc 
 |l)i(' pe 
 
 (•Is;'\ 
 
 [nee. ' 
 
 fery clc 
 
 Misfant 
 
 |ro(lii(>e 
 
 i 
 
DUTIES 
 
 G3 
 
 ! of tllf' 
 
 t ro(iiiiK| 
 the cuii! 
 
 ler l)C'iii|j 
 t of lie' 
 
 extra eil 
 
 i fai nil's 
 
 and c'hik 
 
 I meet i: 
 
 ition f' 
 
 3abv 1' 
 
 3lover and has a rlglit to demand tliat her require- 
 lents shall bo complied with. It is here that she 
 rill feel the advantage of having consnlted the 
 ioi'tor on the snbject. She will have him as an 
 tllv and ho will fight her battles if it is necessary. 
 
 It is to be hoped that this necessity will not arise ; 
 It is unlikely to do so if the selection of the nurse 
 las hocn a judicious one and the mother is a reason- 
 Ibh' person. Harmony in the convalescent's room, 
 elsewhere, is best promoted by mutual forbear- 
 [nce. The relation between nurse and patient is a 
 ferv close one. Dependence on the one side and the 
 |on-tant ministrations necessary on the other often 
 Iroiliice a bond of gratitude and tenderness that 
 trcngthens into a lifelong regard. 
 
 the iKi 
 
 Absitlli; 
 
 3 doctor 
 ; the t'\ 
 
 iy. yy 
 
 ook('<l, ; 
 iencc ca; 
 
 list not 
 the eni| 
 
CHAPTER V 
 
 FOOD 
 
 It is very important that the expectant mother 
 should take sufficient food to supply the extra di 
 niand upon her, and that this food should be of a 
 suitable kind. 
 
 A diet exclusively of fruit, vegetables and ceroali 
 has been strongly recommended as retardinjj tlii 
 bony development of the child and so rendering' 
 labor less painful. This is not endorsed by the Ik-i 
 authorities, and probably, as in many other tllillg^ 
 the middle path is the safest. 
 
 3nak ;j 
 
 )I(1 Wll 
 
 jaw or ( 
 |lini l)oil 
 Si'iic str; 
 ;|isii;illv 
 |iH' <iiiai 
 
 MEAT 
 
 - It is well to limit the amount of meat taken ami 
 and never to eat it more than once a day. liici 
 most nutritious and digestible kinds .1 In 
 
 chosen. Roast beef and roast mutton, -'cf steak, 
 broiled, not fried, mutton chops and poultry, fu iiisli| 
 a sufficient variety. 
 (64) 
 
MADK DISMKS-GIJAVV 
 
 05 
 
 MA I) 10 IHSIIKS 
 
 Wlicn incut is rococjkt'd it shouUl bo carefully 
 lone, a\t»i(liii*:; inucli lilt in th( i)r('[)aration. The 
 
 liillowiii^ siiggestiuiis may be of use. 
 
 GRAVY 
 
 motlieri 
 dv'd de- 
 be of a 
 
 1 cereal; 
 iiipj the 
 ndcriii': 
 
 the be;! 
 thiiv^ 
 
 The foiiiulation of made dishes is a good i^ravv. 
 'Iiiit Icit iVoiii dinner can In; utilized, but when none 
 
 Miiains i( has to be made from the beginnin<^. 
 Inak a few bones into small pieces, cover them with 
 )](1 water and add trimmings, or scraps, of meat, 
 iw or cooked, avoiding fat. Let it heat gradually 
 iiid l)(»il iifcntlv for two hours. At the end of that 
 [iiiic -train and measure the liquid. Half a pint is 
 isiiallv suHieient, but of course much depends upon 
 llic (juaiitity of meat to be used. To each half pint 
 low half a teaspoonful of butter, melt this in a dry 
 \uv jKui, or frying ])an, and stir into it the same 
 iniount of flour. AVhen it has cooked together for 
 lin (" oi- fonr minutes, being constantly stirred, thin 
 unadiiallv by mixin<): with it a little of the boilinor 
 raw ; when perfectly smooth pour in the whole. 
 ■a>i !i with salt and pepper and it is done. Any 
 avoring desired may be added, as lemon juice, all- 
 ice, curry j)owder, etc. 
 
 5 
 
ee 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 ST. Patrick's pie 
 
 Mince the remains of cold beef or mutton vm 
 fine. Place it in a bakinj^ dish, filHiig it about tlinf- 
 quarters full. iMoistcn thorou<^hly with gravv ami 
 till the dish with a thick layer oi' mashed potatu. 
 Dot the top with small bits of butter and bake in a 
 hot oven from a half to three-quarters of an huiir, 
 according to the i-ize of the dish. 
 
 Fi 
 
 riicai 
 with 
 cililat 
 Ji'Mir. 
 and Si 
 
 (•V<i' i 
 
 DEDICATE MINCE 
 
 Cover the bottom of a flat moat dish with nicely 
 brown(>d toast cut into quarter slices. Cut the iiiiai 
 into small thick squares, like dice. If it is tavA 
 cover it with boiling water and let it steam for aii 
 hour and a half, not permitting it to boil, but only 
 sinuuer most gently. This will make it tendd, 
 while hard boiling would toughen it. ^I'lie wab; 
 can be us(h1 for the gravy, or saved for soup. 1 
 already tender, heat the gravy and put the meat in, 
 letting it remain for ten minutes, but being careliii 
 not to boil it. Then pour it over the toast. 
 
 Slices of tender roast or boiled meat can be hcatcl 
 in the gravy, which is then poured round them cn 
 the dish, garnished if desired with sprigs of paisKy. 
 
 Remember that boiling cooked meat toughens it, 
 a thing especially to be avoided. 
 
COOKING STEAK AND CHOI'S 
 
 67 
 
 li nicely 
 he iTicai 
 3 toiiirli. 
 11 for ail 
 ut only 
 
 t(Ml(l(T, 
 
 WAh' 
 
 ). 1; 
 ical ill. 
 
 CiUX't'lll 
 
 T 
 
 TOMATO MINCE 
 
 Fill a l)aking dish with alternate layers of minced 
 niciil and canned, or stewed tomato. Cover tlie top 
 with bread emnnbs and a few [)ieees of butter to ia- 
 cilitatc the browning and bake three-qnarters of an 
 h.iiir. The tomato should be seasoned with pepper 
 and salt, and, if liked, a little nutmeg may be grate<l 
 ovor it, or a sprinkle of mace. 
 
 CREAMED CinCKEN 
 
 Make a cream sauce by melting one tablespoon ful 
 
 of butter in a frying ])an and cooking in it two 
 
 tablcspoonfids of flotn* ; add one pint of milk. Roil- 
 
 ini:: i'at, as butter, attains a nuich higher temperature 
 
 jtiiaii boiling milk or water. The starchy part of 
 
 kiic Hour cooked In it is chano-ed into dextriius <>;ivin<r 
 
 ^tlic sauce a smoother, richer taste and more agre^^able 
 
 llavor than when flour and butter arc simplv rubbed 
 
 It^L^ctluM' and boiled in the milk. Have ready the 
 
 t'l lumcnts I'cmaining from cold roast, or boiled, 
 
 cliltkcii, both light and dark meat, cut into neat 
 
 in rscls, stir them in and let them remain on the 
 
 til ' for riv{» minutes to permit the mass to become 
 
 til roughly hot. Serve in a deep, covered dish. 
 
 C()()K[N(} STEAK AND CHOPS 
 
 It is sometimes impossible to g'^t a good fii'e for 
 H'oiling, and then the frying pan nuist be used as a 
 
wwPMSSiWiHIil 
 
 wmmmmm 
 
 68 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 fKvm 
 
 substitute for the gridiron. p]ven when this is tlie 
 case tlie meat need not be fried in the ordinaiv ac- 
 ceptation of the term. Heat the frying pan verv 
 hot, put a little dripping, cottolene, or a piece of fat 
 from the steak, or chops, in the bottom of tlie pan. 
 Lift it for a moment to prevent the fat from burn. 
 ing. Have steak cut about an inch thick. If it 
 seems tough rub it witli strong vi'H^gar an hour 
 before using and wipe it olf with a dry clotli. 
 Pounding the meat with the edge of a plate soft 
 the fibre. Trim cho])s nicely, removing the fa!, 
 Lay the meat in the pan when it is as hot as pos^i 
 ble, that the heat may close the ]>ores and kccpii; 
 the juice. Turn it (piickly from, side to side thai • 
 may not burn, draw back the pan a little and a^-Nni 
 as tlie meat is done remove it from the pan, imt al 
 lowiuiT it to cook until it is drv and hai'd. 
 
 All meat except pork and veal should be cateo 
 rare, the flesh looking a little rtd. If this i.- not 
 liked, at least do not cook it uiitil every partich^if 
 juice is evaporated and nothing but tasteless muscle 
 left. 
 
 FISH 
 
 This is an excellent substitute for meat at bioak- 
 fast. When it can be obtained fresh it cnii '" 
 eook(>d in any of the usual ways. Those who havf 
 not tried it have no idea how much better slicrs oi 
 
 fresh 
 
 I)()ih"iii 
 
 like .i 
 
 \hv s'l 
 
 taste u 
 
 of th.' 
 
 The i\ 
 
 uater ; 
 
 (A.(l 
 
 (i rated 
 
 |gesti!)h 
 
 hciiior t; 
 
 thi'ee oi 
 I The\' 
 I with mi 
 ,Th(' Ia>i 
 |iiaiiiiier 
 
 |be hl'oii; 
 
 )ver th( 
 h'lwn ill 
 
 • li'sii'al 
 contains 
 (n the sv 
 
 The 11 
 
EGGS 
 
 69 
 
 frcsli lisli are rolled in Indian meal dropped into 
 boilin;^: tat deep enough to eover them and boiled 
 like (louo'linuts. (.V)d fish balls ean be eooked in 
 tli(> -ame way. The flavor is far sn[)erior to the 
 taste when fried in a shallow pan. The fieree heat 
 of tilt' l)f)iling fat cooks tliem in about two minutes. 
 The fat can be strained, clarified by boiling with 
 MMtcr n.id used again. 
 
 Coil fisli can be shredded and creamed like cliioken. 
 Grated nil! meg improves it. Oysters are very di- 
 g('sti!)lc and may be creamed in the same way, care 
 boiuir taken to leave them in the boilino; sauce onlv 
 [three or four minutes until the edges curl. 
 
 They can be scalloped with bread crumbs, stewed 
 with milk, heated in their own liquor, or eaten raw. 
 JTlio hi>t being to many })ersons the most delicious 
 |D'.;uincr of serving them. Sections of lemon should 
 [be brought to the table with them, the juice squeezed 
 )vcr them being an indis[)ensable accompaniment 
 piirii they are taken raw. 
 
 EGGS 
 
 Kiigs do not agree with some persons. They ai'c 
 dcsii'able food because practically all the material 
 )iitaiiicd in them is digested and turned to account 
 fii the system. 
 The usual method of boilluir them toujihens the 
 
rBmmmmmnms 
 
 mmmmmm 
 
 m 
 
 70 
 
 PliEPA RATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 white, or albiiniinuiis ])()rli()ii, rendering itlikeleailKi 
 Ji' an egii; is put into l)oiling water, which is tlii', 
 \N ithdrawn to the back of the stove, where it will kn , 
 hot but not boil, and left for ten minutes, the wliii- 
 will be soft and iellv-llke. 
 
 Those who do not care for tlieni in this state liiiij 
 better have them seraiubled with a little milk, mad 
 into an omelette, or dropped into water without t'n^ 
 shell and served on toast. Fried eggs must l)e|)rii- 
 hibited. 
 
 EGG LEMONADE 
 
 Egg lemonade is palatable to many. Theeirgi? 
 lightly beaten, the lemonade made separately and 
 poured upon it. 
 
 EGG BROTH 
 
 Egg broth is made in the same way, substitutiiij 
 boiling waler for the lemonade; sugar or salt ni. 
 l)e added as preferred. The ejxff must be ear* I'lilh 
 stirred during the j)roeess, or it will curdle. Tiii^^ 
 can sometimes be retained when there is nausea or 
 when solid food would be rejected. In this ease it 
 should be taken very hot and without sugar. 
 
 r 
 
 with li 
 im».-t j 
 w ith SI 
 ciistai'i 
 tains it 
 
 neat 
 
 ill the 
 
 (if l)()ili 
 
 llles. . 
 
 Bui I ; 
 Ino^ reiK 
 
 Cold \v;i 
 
 from tui 
 and stir 
 ually t\v 
 whites ( 
 [squeezer 
 klico of t 
 
 ALBUMEN 
 
 The white of the egg may be shaken in a self- 
 sealing jar with a glass of cold water and flavurttli 
 
 dieii (h'« 
 
BAKED EGGS — DROPPED EGGS OX RICE 71 
 
 with lemon juice, or seasoned witli salt. Iking al- 
 most pure iilbiinien, it is very nourisliiiig. l>eat(>n 
 \vitli siiuar it can bo spread over puddinLi:^, baked 
 I'li-taiil, <'tc., and browned in the oven ; it still re- 
 tains its valuable [)roperties. 
 
 HAKED EGGS 
 
 ]]('[[{ tlie white of the egg to a stiff froth, put it 
 in the dish in which it is to be served. Drop the 
 vdlk lii;htlv in the centre. Place the dish in a i)an 
 ol" hoiliuji; water, cover and let it stand for two min- 
 iiics. A shaHow cnp answers the purpose very well. 
 
 it i tut 1112 1 
 
 kit niav 
 
 larctiillv 
 
 . Thi«| 
 
 usoa or I 
 
 case it 
 
 PAR>[EvSAN EGGS 
 
 Boil two eggs for twenty niinntes; the long cook- 
 ino; renders them more digestible. Drop them in 
 [cold water for a few niinntes to prevent the y(dks 
 Ifroiu turning dark. Melt one teaspoonfnl oi' butter 
 land stir into it one teaspoonfnl of flour, add grad- 
 (uallv two ii'ills of milk. AVhen it thickens add the 
 pliites of the eggs pressed through a ))otat() 
 quoezcr or chopped fine. Pour the mixture over a 
 Islico of toast and o^rate the volks of the eiro^s over it. 
 
 a self- 
 la voroii I 
 
 DROPPED EGGS ON RICE 
 Ego> less than two days old do not set readily 
 dion dropped into boiling water, bnt few of us are 
 
Tl 
 
 rilEPAIlATlON FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 » i;. 
 
 lucky enough to be able to get tliem as fr('^ll a- 
 this. A teaspoonful of vinegar in tlie water Ik l[i> 
 to preserve the sliape. Have the water boilinu witi, 
 a little salt in it, break tlie Qg^^ earefully in a saucii 
 and slip it gently into the water. Let it eook nltdii: 
 two minutes and lift it out witli a ])erf()rated latlii. 
 Have ready a flat dish spread witli a thick lay( r nt 
 boik'd rice and lav the e(X<>;s neatlv on it. Ivi< c V 
 especially suitable to be eaten with eggs, as it sup- 
 plies the starch in which the egg is deficient. 
 
 RICE 
 
 Rice is often disliked because it is impropcih 
 prepared. A wet, sticky, tasteless mass is not appe- 
 tizing. AVhen the rice is smoking hot, every uMiiin 
 distinct and the flavor intact, it assumes a diilrrciit 
 aspect. The ex{)ectant mother should try to learn 
 to like it, if she has a prejudice against it, as it is a 
 bland food very suitable for her. Dr. Pavy, an an- 
 thoritv on food and dietetics, savs that starcliv 
 matters, in addition to playing a part in fat forma- 
 tion, contribute to the manufacture in the body of the 
 highest form of matter we know — that is, protiiJ 
 material. Rice contains a very large pro])orti(ui of 
 starch. Tapioca and sago may be included in tlie 
 same category. 
 
 To boil rice put half a cup in one quart of l)oil- 
 
 t)(r 
 
UlCE 
 
 73 
 
 ^?^h as 
 
 i' with 
 
 ladle, 
 ycr (if 
 vi<T i^ 
 
 iii(r salted water, iiaviiig previously well wa.slied the 
 rice ill several cold waters. It will cook in from 
 fittirn to twenty minutes and nnist be removed as 
 soon a> teiuler while the water is still clear. Drain 
 and set the sauce pan on the top of the stove uncov- 
 creil, stirring the rice occasionally with a fork as it 
 (IricH. It is much improved by using- milk, chicken, 
 1)(( r or mutton broth instead of water, or serving a 
 good gravy with it to pour over it. 
 
 Rice can be baked in milk, allowing half a cup 
 to each (jiiart of milk. It is cooked for two or three 
 hours, beinjr stirred occasionally and milk added as 
 it boils away until the whole is a creamy mass. 
 Sii<!;ar can be added if desired. 
 
 llice pudding can be made with eggs and differ- 
 ent Havorings, as lemon, vanilla, rose water, etc., 
 used to make a variety. Rice can also be added to 
 sou})S and made into a jelly by long boiling, sweet- 
 ened, flavored and pressed into a mold. Stoned 
 raisins can be scattered through the jelly to improve 
 the taste. 
 
 Plain boiled rice pressed into a mould, allowed to 
 cool, turned out and surrounded with custard, or a 
 l)or(l<i- of jam, makes an excellent substitute for 
 a piuldiug. It may also be substituted for tapioca 
 in the following recipe : 
 
SBoa 
 
 i.Mi.^.^..i.\jmmmBmm 
 
 74 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTH KRIIOOI) 
 
 TAPIOCA (REAM 
 
 Put three large tablcspoonfuls of* taplocii to sonk 
 over ni<^lit. Jt'tliis is impo.ssil)le k't it soak in warm I 
 tnillv for two or tliree hours, lioil one quart of 
 milk, sweeten to taste, a(kl the tnpioea and the yolks 
 ol' tiiree eggs well beaten, flavor with vanilla, (ir 
 lemon. Pour into a dish and when eool eovei' the 
 to[) with the whites of the eggs beaten to a 
 stiff froth with a little sugar. Place in the oven to 
 color slightly; if preferred the whites can be stirred 
 through the cool cream after being well beaten. 
 This makes it lighter and more frothy. 
 
 I 
 
 DELICATE PUDDING 
 
 Boil half a cup of rice in two cups of water. 
 AVheii nearly soft add two cups of hot milk. As 
 soon as the liquid boils again stir in the well beaten 
 yolks of four eggs, removing it from the fire in a 
 minute lest the eggs curdle. Sweeten to taste, 
 using about half a cup of sugar. Beat the whites 
 of the eggs very light and whisk them into the mix- 
 ture. Serve cold. 
 
 ] i 
 
 RICE AND APPLE PUDDINGS 
 
 Wash well one teaeu})ful of rice. Pare, quarter 
 and core six apples. Mix and tie in a bag fV(>slily 
 wrung out of boiling water and dredged with flour 
 
CH E ES E — ('II I<: ES E C 1 1 USTS 
 
 76 
 
 P1iiiil;(; in boiliiij*' water and (.'ouk tliree-qiiarters of 
 ail liniir. Do not tie the \)i\^^ too tinhtly" but allow 
 rouiii tor the riee to swell. See that the water does 
 not stop boiling. Siioar may be added to the [)nd- 
 diiit'' it' desired, or a sweet sauce served with it. 
 
 CHEESE 
 
 It is said that the lono- cookino; of cheese converts 
 it from an indii^-estible substance into a verv nutri- 
 
 tious one 
 
 It 
 
 airi'oes with nianv 
 
 P^ 
 
 rsons even with 
 
 out bcinu: cooked. If this is the case with the ex- 
 pcctaut mother, she need not omit it from her diet 
 list, as it is a savorv addition to luanv dishes and can 
 )ni('tiines take the place of the meat which is not so 
 
 S( 
 
 o'( »( t( 
 
 1 for 1 
 
 ler 
 
 CHEESE SCALLOP 
 
 111 
 
 Moisten two cups of bread crumbs with as much 
 ilk as they will absorb. IMace a layer of these 
 ami a layer of grated cheese alternately in a baking 
 pan; when full, cover the last layer of (cheese with 
 
 (U-v (Tum 
 
 bs, dot with tinv bits of l)utter and 
 
 naue in a slow oven one iioui 
 
 h 
 
 It 
 
 is an uuprove- 
 
 nio 
 
 nt to add a sprinkle of salt and a few grains of 
 
 hakino- soda to the milk. 
 
 CHEi:SE CRUSTS 
 Cut slices of brown, or oatmeal, bread in four 
 iiK'li s{juares, butter them slightly, spread them with 
 
7G 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 grated cheese, heaping it higli in the middle, ;iiu] 
 brown in a quick oven about fifteen minutes. Servo 
 hot. 
 
 CHEESE TOAST 
 
 Make milk toast in the usual wav, but before 
 pouring the (;reani over the toast spread each slice 
 with grated cheese. 
 
 CHEESE PUFF 
 
 Take half a teacupful of bread crumbs, half atca- 
 cuj>ful of grated cheese, a dessertspoonful of butter 
 and one cup of milk. IVIix these together and add 
 two eggs, the yolks and whites beaten separately. 
 Beat all together briskly, ]>our into a baking pan and 
 cook in a quick oven about twenty minutes. Salt 
 and pepper may be used at discretion. 
 
 i . 
 
 CEREALS 
 
 Hominy, farina, cracked wheat, farinose oatmeal, 
 etc., may be eaten. It is important to remember that 
 the latter requires long slow cooking, six or elulit 
 hours being none too much. It can be prepared 
 the afternoon previously and re-heated for breakfast. 
 A double boiler is the most convenient vessel to u<e, 
 as then there is no fear of burning. If none is at 
 hand, a tin ])ail with a tight-fitting cover set in a 
 pot of boiling water answers the purpose very well. 
 
!uul :" - 
 
 5C'rvc 
 
 I r-lleo 
 
 a tca- 
 l)uttcr 
 [1 add 
 
 rat civ. 
 ,11 ami 
 
 Salt 
 
 :nieal 
 
 OATMEAL BREAD — OATMEAL TEA CAKE 
 
 77 
 
 SoiiH' persons who do not like oatmeal porridge 
 find the oatiiK^al palatable when made into bread or 
 caki's, and to these the following recipes will be 
 wclcoiiie. 
 
 OATMEAL BREAD 
 
 Boil two and one-half cnps of oatmeal thorouixhlv. 
 W'licp ('(M)l pnt it in apanaiid add half a eiip of iikj- 
 la«Hs, hall' a cnp of licpiid yeast, or half an yeast 
 cake, a tcaspoonfiil of salt and enongh flour to make 
 ii tilt' eonsisteney of ordinary bread dough, not too 
 -liir. J*nt it in pans to rise until very light and 
 bake it an hour and a half. 
 
 OAT\MEAL CAKES 
 
 Take two cups of flour, two cups of oatmeal, 
 tlinr if the rolled oatmeal is used, and mix them 
 well with a spoon. Add half a cup of sugar, two 
 tahlopoonfuls of melted butter, a little salt and a 
 small half teaspoonful of baking soda dissolved in 
 halt' a teacupful of milk. If more milk is iieed(>(l 
 add enough to make the mixture stiff enongh to roll 
 (till like rather thin biscuit. Cut in shapes and 
 l>ake in a moderate oven. 
 
 OATMEAL TEA CAKE 
 
 Mix together two cups of oatmeal, one cu{> of 
 flour, a tablespoonful of butter, one teaspoonful of 
 
78 
 
 rilEPA RATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 soda, two of cream of tui'tjir iiiid two ciip^ of milk 
 IJiike twenty minutes mid hicak in scjuare.s wlmi ( 
 hot. 
 
 (HOICK OF FOOD 
 
 Women who are aeeiistonKHl to snhsist eliictiv 
 nj)()n meat will fnid it diflieult to ehanj^e their ac- 
 customed diet and learn to suj)j>ly its place with li»> 
 stinnilatiuL^ food. The ellort should be made liir 
 the sake of both mother and (;hild ; each \\ ill lie 
 greatly benefited. Diiferent metliods of codkin: 
 vegetables should be tried, and wlienever pos-ihli 
 vegetable soups should be substituted for those iiiadc 
 of meat. 
 
 I'OTATO SOUP 
 
 Boil ten good-sized potatoes. When done, <h:iiii, 
 sj)iinkle with salt and shake well in the sauce j)aii 
 before turning them out. This breaks the starchy 
 grannies on the surface and makes them look mealy. 
 JMash them smooth. Melt a large tablespoon I'liI of 
 butter in a sauce pan, stir into it three teaspoon fills (»f 
 flour, when cooked add gradually three pints of 
 milk ; let it boil for a few minutes to thicken, then 
 add the freshly mashed potato and salt if necessary. 
 When it again boils pour into a tureen, It can U' 
 strained throuiih a sieve if desired. 
 
 %t 
 
T( ) M A T( ) soil • — !( ) M A TO ES 
 
 79 
 
 nilk. 
 
 aIu'11 
 
 liicHy 
 V at'- 
 
 Ic inr I 
 ill lie 
 
 jssihk' 
 ' niiult.' 
 
 (li'aiii, 
 Itiiivliy 
 
 Ileal}. 
 I'll! nt 
 nils of 
 t- of 
 then 
 I'ssary. 
 •an be 
 
 TOMATO sori» 
 
 Skin and slice uiic (|iiarf ot* tomatoes, eook tliem 
 inoiie (juait of boiliiiu- water until jtei'f'ectly tender, 
 a(M one teaspoonl'nl of soda to correct the excessive 
 aciditv. When the effervescence sid)sides sti'ain them 
 and add to the litjuid one Cjuart of millc, sail and 
 [t('j)j)('r to taste. Thicken with one tahlespoonf'nl of 
 Imitt r and one of Hour hoik^l toii^ethcr, and when the 
 -(tup Ixiils a^•ain pour out and sei've. Cjuuied to- 
 mat) ks may he sid)stituted for the fresh ones. 
 
 TOMATOES 
 
 Teinato and potato are both valnaUK^ additions to 
 the diet list and should bo prepared in as many 
 ditl'crent ways as possible to prevent them from bo- 
 cniniiig distasteful. The on(^ contains acid whicdi 
 the stomach often craves, and the other is lari^cdy 
 comp(isod of starch which Dr. Andrew Wilson ted Is 
 us is a muscle food. 
 
 It is scared V necessarv to do more than remind 
 the housewife of the iri'fat varietv of \vavs in which 
 tomatoes can be cooked. Stewed with bread crumbs, 
 or ('lacker crumbs, or thickened with butter and 
 Hour, l)aked, broiled, or scalloped, they are always 
 delicious to those wdio like them, and the taste for 
 them can be acquired when it does not exist. 
 
 A tiny pinch of soda neutralizes the excess of 
 
m 
 
 PREPARATfOX FOR MOTIIFJIIIOOD 
 
 acid which is sometimes too ])roii()nnce(l to he aLnw- 
 able. A httle nutmeg improves the flavor ior tlidse 
 who care for it and a s])o()n('iil of sugar is desira!)lc. 
 
 GREEN TOMATOES 
 
 Green tomatoes cut in slices, sprinkled with 
 ])epper and salt and browned in a iVving pan v.iih ;i 
 little butter, good beef dripping, or cottolene, an 
 considered a delicacy. The slices should be vciv 
 thin. 
 
 POTATOES 
 
 Thei' are almost innumerable methods of prepar- 
 ing potatoes, both the first time and for rc-co(»kiiii: 
 them. A few facts should be borne in mind in re- 
 gard to this favorite veg^'table. Potatoes are iiiorc 
 palatable l)aked than boiled Ixvause the potash wlmii 
 helps to give them flavor, being soluble, is melted In 
 the l)oiling water and remains in it. Salt sprinkldl 
 over them after they are boiled helps to absoi'b the 
 surface moisture and makes them mealv. PotatiK- 
 should not be (!ut in pieces, as the water penetiatiiiL: 
 them makes them soddcMi, Thev should noi In 
 jiared before boiling. One of the best ])otato piv<s<- 
 retains the brown jacket and lets the inner pait nt 
 the tuber pass through in fine particles. If a lit 
 cold water is poured into the pot just before the 
 
 acccpfa 
 
 treated 
 
 crcaince 
 
 . brouiiec 
 
 ;Ciit in t 
 
 ^Saratoirf 
 
 Cut 01 
 two tabli 
 S|»' ion fill, 
 and a lit 
 a little 0. 
 to pre von 
 Ilic sauce 
 l)akii)i>- 
 
 I'x' potat( 
 
 tile top \\i 
 
 fweiify mi 
 iprovciui 
 
 lit' 
 
 \- an.' 
 
 d(>ne, the inside is allowed to cook thoroughly m itli- 
 
 :M. 
 
 *t'.^-.. 
 
HIIUSSKLS POTATOES — PANNED POTATOES 81 
 
 ,,iit the outside beino; boiled to pieces. They should 
 be taken up the inoiiient they are tender and drained 
 iiistantiv ; standing in the watei* ruins them. 
 
 Well cooked potatoes can always be done over 
 
 acccpiahlv and there is no vegetable that ean be 
 
 gtnatcd in as nuiny different ways. Scalloped, 
 
 civaincd, pressed into a dish, brushed viih milk and 
 
 i brow tied in the oven, made into crocpiettes, stuffed, 
 
 'cut in tlii!i slices and dropped into boiling lard as 
 
 Saratoga chips, all are good. 
 
 BRUSSELS POTATOES 
 
 Cut one quart of boiled potatoes into dice. Melt 
 two tab'.espoonfuls of butter, ))oil in it two table- 
 spiionf'uls of flour, add gradually one pint of milk 
 and a little salt. Beat three eggs very light, pour 
 a little of the hot sauce on them at a time, heating 
 ing, until all is added. Return it to 
 md let it boil one minute. Fill a 
 
 th alt 
 
 h 
 
 Qvniiii) lavers o 
 
 )f tl 
 
 le sau(;e anc 
 
 I 
 
 sprii)''l( 1 with salt and pep})er, cover 
 ad crumbs, dot with butter and bake 
 A little nutmeg is considered an 
 those who like it. 
 
 PANNED POTATOES 
 
 potato into thin slices, put them in a 
 till it with milk, each layer having 
 
82 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 been sprinkled with salt. Put tlie dish in the ovei; 
 and bake for two hours. If the milk boils awav 
 vory much add a littl(3 more, as there sIkmiM U, 
 plenty of moisture when the process is liiiislnd 
 This is an excellent way to dis})osc»of small, or in- \ 
 ferior, potatoes, particularly in the spring when tlm j 
 begin to grow soft. They should then be soukwlio 
 cold water before slicing. 
 
 POTATO PUFF 
 
 Take two cups of mashed potato, beat it sinootli 
 with three tablespoon fuls of cream, or two of mill; 
 and one of melted butter, season with ])epp( i- aiiJ 
 salt. Stir in the well beaten volks of two em. 
 Whisk the whites very light and beat them li^litlv 
 into the mixture. Put them in a well buttcml 
 baking dish and brown in a quick oven ; serve ii' 
 soon as the disii is withdrawn from it, as the piiti 
 falls if kept waiting. 
 
 GREEN VEGETAliEES 
 
 In summer tlunv is a wide choice in green vesie- 
 tables which in winter are not available. At tha! 
 season, especially in the country, the range of sclw- 
 tion is extremely limited ; so the most must be uiaJt 
 of the resources at command. 
 
 j ^ 
 
 Cabl) 
 tai)I(', a 
 liHowcr. 
 
 ;, tri'S, ill ; 
 
 ii!L!:, >al( 
 sunc till 
 s the hvdt 
 Trv the 
 invc it t( 
 it into a 
 '■ -^ wit 
 
 [iwLilS) to 
 
 sauce or j 
 
 L(tti^ 
 smclliiio-. 
 
 be cut In 
 ( ari'ot- 
 
 i<'iv;ilii s;ii 
 tliickciied 
 two of hii 
 desired. 
 
 To carl 
 ind stand 
 
CABBAGE — CANNED CORN 
 
 83 
 
 ;i\v;iv 
 
 M I. 
 
 or iii- 
 u they 
 lu'd io 
 
 ^inootli 
 li' milk 
 icr and 
 
 liditlv 
 
 uttmtil 
 
 rvo lb 
 
 lie jnitl'l 
 
 A tii:.; 
 
 f -citr- 
 ic UKulc 
 
 I 
 
 '- 
 
 CABBAGE 
 
 Cabbagio, not usually considered a delicate vege- 
 table, ran be so cooked as to be almost equal to cau- 
 li (lower. It' the head is a large one, cut it in quar- 
 tri's, ill anv case in two. Have ready a pot of boil- 
 iii.j;, salted water. Plunge in the cabbage, at the 
 vaiiic tiiiu' adding a little boiling water to keep up 
 (lie heat. ]>oil one hour, leaving the pot uncovered. 
 Trv the cabbage with a fork ; if not perfectly tender 
 irivc it ten or fifteen minutes' longer cooking. Turn 
 it into a vegetable dish and cut it througli several 
 '■ ^ with a sharp knife, that there may be no large 
 puiia to embarrass the helping. 6erve with a cream 
 saiK'c or accompanied bv butter and vineiicar. 
 
 Long boiling makes cabl)age dark and strong 
 sinelliiig. The same is true of turnips, which should 
 hv cut in thin slices to facilitate the process. 
 
 Carrots can be cut in small pieces and served with 
 
 iVYvam sauce. 
 
 This only means a pint of milk, 
 thickened with two tablespoon fuls of flour and one or 
 two of butter according to the amount of richness 
 desired. It is very good with the butter omitted. 
 
 CANNED CORN 
 
 To (>ach can of corn allow one pint of milk and 
 two eutrs ; season with salt. Put in a baking dish 
 and stand this in a pan of hot water. Bake until it 
 
 il„ii^ 
 
^ssBomsammmmmmmm 
 
 84 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 sets like thin custard. It usually takes about t>vf'ntv 
 minutes or half an hour, but much depends on tlio 
 lieat of the oven. Green corn grated from the col) 
 can be used in the same way. 
 
 FRUIT 
 
 The expectant mother should abjure pastry, rid 
 boiled puddings and anything that she finds ovd- 
 taxes her digestive powers. I^ight puddings, cus- 
 tard, blanc mange, etc., may be eaten with impniiin 
 and fruit is essential. Orani»;es and lemons can 
 usually be procured, even in winter, and these are 
 especially beneficial. In summer there is little diffi 
 culty in keeping up the supply. 
 
 When fresh fruit cannot be obtained, ])niiii' 
 evaporated a]>ples and peaches, i)runelles, a sniai j 
 dried })lum, and canned peaches should take it- 
 place. No meal should be considered cornpltit 
 without fruit. 
 
 L^Miion juice squeezed on sugar may be used \\\m\ 
 nothing else can l)e procured and may also suppli 
 ment other fruit. 
 
 A si I) 
 # preparec, 
 missed I 
 witl](jra\ 
 i^istcd up 
 ;ts is alas 
 it eiihaix 
 Wci'o slo' 
 live [)v t 
 
 till' S(()[)l; 
 
 liu'iii inc 
 Tea UK 
 I ^vater luu 
 •"^'.^ is coi 
 
 RAKED RAN ANAS 
 
 Bananas are thought to be more digestible win: 
 cooked than raw and can be prepared in the follt)\»| 
 ing manner: Remove the narrowest strip of skin i 
 
 All v: 
 
 xc 
 
BP:VERAGES — TEA — COFFEE 
 
 85 
 
 sma.. 
 
 1 
 
 rarefullv loosen the flesh of the bananas at the sides 
 from the skin, withont breaking the ends. Fill the 
 ppaco with sugar, moistened with lemon juice if pre- 
 ferred. I)ake twenty minutes, serve in the skin 
 which will be filled with jelly if it has not tipped 
 over while baking. 
 
 BEVERAGES — TEA 
 
 A single cup of tea or coffee each day properly 
 propared does no harm. The stinmlation is much 
 iiii-'^scd by those accustomed to it if it is suddenly 
 withdrawn. The proper preparation must be in- 
 sisted upon. Tea steeped in a tin tea pot, or boiled, 
 ;h is alas sometimes done under the impression that 
 it eiihan(^es the strength, should be avoided as i(' it 
 were slow poison, as indeed it is. The taimiu set 
 i'viv hy the process acts injuriously on the coats of 
 till' stomach, tanning them as it were and rendering 
 iIkiii inca[)able of their proper work of digestion. 
 
 Tea made in an earthen tea })ot with freshly boihnl 
 water and drank when it has stood only a few min- 
 utes is comparatively harndess. 
 
 COFFEE 
 
 wln'l ^^" excellent way to make coftee is to mix it with 
 ollow f '"> ^'^g, or a little cold water and a j>iece of cod Hsh 
 f skii '''^'"' Fill the cotfee pot with the requisite amount of 
 
 ; 
 
8G 
 
 PRKPA RATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 cold water and remove it from the fire as soon as it 
 boils. 
 
 COCOA 
 
 Cocoa made with half milk and half water i« 
 really preferable to either tea or coffee from an li\- 
 gienic point of view, but so few persons find it an 
 adequate substitute that it is difficult to use it ex- 
 clusively. 
 
 OTHER bp:verages 
 
 Plain hot water is acceptable to a few and the 
 taste for it can be cultivated. 
 
 Lemonade is valuable and can be drunk either hot 
 or cold. The white of an egg can be shaken ^vitll 
 each glass. 
 
 Orangeade made from the juice of an orange witli 
 the yolk of an egg beaten light and added tu it i> 
 preferred by some persons ; a dash of lemon juin 
 improves it. 
 
 Any tart preserve, as cranberry, gooseberry,, or the 
 small sweet- water plum can be used as a flavitriiig. 
 It is best to pour hot water on them and let it stand 
 until cool if desired. ♦ 
 
 FOOD IN NAUSEA 
 
 When there is much nausea it is often impossible 
 to retain solid food and then licpiid must be given iu 
 
MILK — PEPTONIZrro MILK 
 
 87 
 
 small quantities. A teaspoonfnl taken aiul retained 
 does more good than a teaeupfnl wliicli goes down 
 onlv ti> be instantly rejected. Sometimes the stom- 
 ach can bo coaxed into good behavior by repeatedly 
 administering a very little fluid at intervals of half 
 an hour. It learns toleration and will soon bear 
 
 nun'c. 
 
 MILK 
 
 Milk ean seldom be borne alone and should never 
 1)0 ^ivcn if it is disliked, or there is any difficulty in 
 its diuostion when the person is well. 
 
 When it is given it should be diluted one-third 
 with liniewater or one-half with viehy or any eifer- 
 vcsciiig mineral water, prepared with diluted hy- 
 drochloric acid, or peptonized. If hot milk is liked 
 it may be taken with advantage, but not more than 
 one i>;lass a day unless diluted with water. 
 
 PEPTONIZED MILK 
 
 Got from the druggist a few powders each con- 
 . taininir five grains of extract of pancreas and fifteen 
 grains of bi-carbonate of soda. Add one to a pint 
 i)f milk and place the vessel containing it in water 
 
 of 11")'^ Fahrenheit, or so hot the hand can be held 
 in it only for a moment. Let tiie milk stay there 
 1^ {(ir twenty minutes, then place it on ice, cr pour it 
 p into a clean sauce pan and let it come to the boil to 
 
88 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 check the digestive process begun in it. If this is 
 carried too far a bitter taste is (leveh)ped. 
 
 f 
 
 DIGESTIBLE MILK 
 
 Warm one pint of milk very sh'ghtly, drop into 
 it thirty drops of dihite hydrochh)ric acid, stir it 
 constantly until it cools. This takes off tho fiat 
 taste of the milk and also renders it more digestible. 
 
 RENNET CURD 
 
 Sometimes this is retained when milk itself is re- 
 jected. To one pint of very slightly warmed milk 
 add one dessertspoonful of liquid rennet and set it 
 aside to cool. If it is desired to give the whey alone. 
 break the curd after it forms and strain off the 
 whev. 
 
 Milk diluted one-half with boilino; water mav he 
 acceptable. 
 
 BEEF TEA 
 
 Although the nutritive value of beef tea, meat 
 juice and animal broth is not as great as milk, it 
 can sometimes be retained when the latter caiinut, 
 aiid we are obliged to depend upon them for a time. 
 
 Beef tea should not be boiled, as that ]n'oce« 
 coagulates the albumen contained in the meat just 
 as heat does the white of an q^i^. 
 
 Chop one pound of juicy beef from the top ofilit? 
 
 1 1 
 
If$li 
 
 hei:f juice — chicken iujoth 
 
 80 
 
 rKiiiid very fine, or niiiiee it in a meat eliopper. 
 Cover it with one pint of cold water and l(»t it stand 
 i'or two hours, stirrin*^ it frequently. Put this over 
 the lii-e and let it remain until it steams, hut do not 
 let it hoil. After straininii: it ean he seasoned with 
 a little salt, or celery salt if hked. 
 
 BEEF JUICE 
 
 Have a pound of heef from the top of the round 
 cut ahout an inch thick. Divide this in strips and 
 hold them for a moment on a i>jridiron over a slow 
 fire to draw the ^ aice to the surface. Stiueeze the 
 strips in a lemon squeezer, or vegetahle press. Small 
 meat presses, costing about two dollars and a half, 
 are sold for the purpose and they greatly facilitate 
 the operation. A little salt may be added. If dis- 
 liked raw, the beef juice niay be heated by standing 
 the cup containing the portion to be taken in boiling 
 water. 
 
 CHICKEN BROTH 
 
 Some persons can take this who dislike the taste 
 of heef tea. Cut a fowl into neat pieces. Have 
 the hones broken and cover the whoh' with cold 
 water. Boil slowly for three hours, strain, add a 
 little salt, and when cold skim if nccessarv. A me- 
 (liuni-sized fowl should make about a pint and a 
 half of broth. The meat is verv irood creamed. 
 
90 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 OATMEAL GRUEL 
 
 Gruel made with water and given hot is sonic- 
 times relislied when milk cannot be borne. Allow 
 one tablespoon fill of oatmeal to a pint of cold water 
 and boil for one hour. Season with salt. If it 
 proves too tiiick it can be reduced to the desired con- 
 sistency with boiling water. 
 
 OYSTER BROTH 
 
 Cut a teacupful of oysters into small pieces, cover 
 them with cold water and let them simmer gentlv 
 for ten minutes. Add a little salt, strain them and 
 skim if necessary. 
 
 GUM ARABIC WATER 
 
 This is very bland and soothing and a spoonful 
 at a time may be retained after prolonged naus( a. 
 Dissolve half an ounce of gum arabic in half a pint 
 of boiling water; it has to stand for a little while. 
 Flavor with lemon juice and a very little sugar, if 
 this is asked for. Give ice cold. 
 
 ALBUMINIZED WATER 
 
 This must be the chief reliance in extreme nausea 
 when the stomacsh persistently rejects food. Put the 
 white of an egg in a self-sealing glass jar with halt' 
 a pint of very cold water. Shake until they arc 
 
KOUMISS 
 
 91 
 
 a. 
 
 'a 
 
 tlioroutjjlily ama]<j:arnatc(l. Salt, loinon Juice, or 
 siicar mav be added, but in a severe ease it is best 
 to i::ive only the albiitninized water ice cold. 
 
 KOUMISS 
 
 This is especially valuable when ordinary milk 
 cannot be digested, and persons have lived upon it 
 exclusively for many days. The original koumiss 
 was made in the East from fermented mares' milk, 
 hut the homemade seems to answer every purpose 
 and is often much liked. It can be procured from 
 s(Mne druggists, but is much more cheaply made at 
 lutmo. 
 
 Dissolve the third of an yeast cake in a little 
 warm water, or take the third of a cupful of liquid 
 yoast. Stir it into one quart of milk as warm as 
 when it comes from the cow. Add one tablespoon- 
 I'lil of sugar and fill bottles three-quarters full of the 
 mixture. Stand them in a warm place, about 68° 
 Fahrenheit, to rise like bread. At the end of twelve 
 hours cork the bottles ti(>;htlv, tie down the corks 
 with string, unless the bottles have patent fastenings, 
 and lay them on the side in ice, or in a cool place, to 
 stop the fermentation. Uncork very carefully as it 
 is apt to fly. 
 

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 33 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
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 (716) 872-4503 
 
 
 
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 92 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 EFFECT OF FOOD 
 
 Diet is a matter of groat importance to the ex- 
 jKictaiit mother. It is very desirable that she sliould 
 be in good condition, with a store of reserve strength, 
 wlien her time of trial comes. This she cannot have 
 if for many months her digestion has been out of 
 order, her food not properly assimilated, and her 
 tissues are debilitated for want of nourishment. 
 
 Much can be done by a well chosen diet to relieve 
 the constipation which is almost always one of the 
 accompaniments of this condition. 
 
 The effect of semi-starvation upon the child is 
 most painful. It cannot be plinn]) and well nour- 
 ished if the mother has been unable to take sufficient 
 food to supply the demands of her own system, nuich 
 less to have a surplus for the growing frame that 
 needs such a variety of constituents to brin^j it to 
 perfection. These considerations should make her 
 regard her food as of supreme importance, to be at- 
 tended to as a matter of duty both to herself and 
 her child. 
 
 LONGINGS 
 
 It was once thought that longings for a special 
 article of food, if not gratified immediately, would 
 surely be attended with evil consequences to the child. 
 Thev are only indications that the system is clamor- 
 ing for some material that the coveted food is rich 
 
LONGINGS 
 
 93 
 
 in. If it can be obtained at reasonable trouble and 
 expense it is as well to get it, or something as nearly 
 like it as can be procured. If this is not possible 
 no alarm need be felt; if the mind is resolutely 
 tinned away from it, no harm will follow. 
 
 When the diet is hygienic and regulated by com- 
 mon sense, these longings are seldom ielt. Very 
 often they are for fresh vegetables, or some kind of 
 fruit, and when these are eaten in abundance they 
 are less likely to occur. 
 
 Sometimes, however, they are for slate pencils, 
 chalk, vinegar or pickles. When this is the case the 
 doctor should be consulted, as some form of iron, or 
 dilute acid, is probably required. 
 
 Unselfish women are too apt to think that their 
 special likes and dislikes are matters of very little 
 importance and to put them aside as too trivial to l)e 
 attended to. They think it of small moment 
 w liether they eat a sufficient (piantity of food, or not. 
 If every other member of the household is satisfied, 
 their waning appetite is of no consecpience. 
 
 They imagine the unpleasant feelings of nausea 
 and indigestion are incident to their condition and 
 so patiently go without food because their disincli- 
 nation for it is so great they cannot take it. 
 
 Such must remember that there is another life 
 depending upon them and make the ellbrt for it 
 
94 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 iliey would not take the trouble to for themselves 
 alone. 
 
 Eating is a means, not an end, and never more so 
 than during this time of waiting, which is also a 
 time of preparation and development. 
 
CHAPTER VI 
 
 BATHS 
 
 CARE OF THE BODY 
 
 The early Greeks, who had strong and beautiful 
 bodies, were particularly careful and punctilious in 
 their care of them. They were bathed, rubbed, and 
 oiled, in fact groomed with a care that is now some- 
 times exercised with valuable horses, but very sel- 
 (loni with the human form divine. 
 
 The expectant mother should strengthen her body 
 l)y every means in her power. It has a special and 
 most important task to perform and it is a part of 
 her duty to fit it for its work. 
 
 CAUTION IN BATHING 
 
 Delicate women can easily bathe too much and do 
 themselves more harm than good, exhausting their 
 nervous vitality and weakening instead of strengthen- 
 ing their muscles. 
 
 A bath that has done good is followed by a sense 
 
 (95) 
 
jsmf 
 
 96 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 of exhilaration and refreshment. The skin is warm 
 and tingling, the blood seems to flow more rapid Iv 
 and one feels stronger and brighter. When, instead 
 of this, there is ehilliness and fatigue, a feeling of 
 languor and depre.^sion instead of buoyancy, the 
 form of bathing that has caused it should be dis- 
 continued. Hot baths, rci)eated too often, have 
 a tendency to bring on a miscarriage. 
 
 FRICTION 
 
 A full bath each day, especially if it is a plunge 
 bath, is too much for some persons. Such will find 
 great comfort in thorough friction, rubbing the body 
 briskly from head to foot with a hair mitten, or one 
 made of coarse Turkish toweling. This helps to 
 open the pores of the skin, removing from the sur- 
 face the impurities brought to it with the perspi- 
 ration, as well as particles of dried skin, which is 
 constantly being renewed, rolling up and coming oil". 
 Dry friction brings the blood to the surface and ben- 
 efits the skin, stinnilating the sweat glands and 
 oil inlands to do their duty. 
 
 A bath should never be taken immediately after a 
 meal. The blood is drawn to the digestive organs to 
 assist the processes taking place there and cannot be 
 diverted to the surface witliout danger. At least two 
 hours should elapse between a full meal and a bath. 
 
riX'NGK HATH — SP<)N(;i-: HATH — COLD BATHS U" 
 
 .\r:uiv persons who camiot hear a full hath every 
 (lav, liinl no inconvenienee if thev bathe one-half the 
 htnlv one day anJ tlie other the next. 
 
 PLUNGE BATH 
 
 Goitingj into a bath full of water should be done 
 slowlv and ir<?iitlv, so that tiiere may be no violent 
 shock. If the water is eold the faee and neek 
 siioiild be wetted first. While in the bath the body 
 should be rubV)ed with a cloth, or the hand, and the 
 stay should be short. Only those who have been 
 previously accustomed to it should take a cold 
 phuii^e bath. If the water is warm the bath is en- 
 ervating if 'prolonged beyond a few minutes. Either 
 n hot or cold bath should be followed by quick 
 nibbing of the whole surface. 
 
 SPONGE BATH 
 
 A cold, or very cool, sponge bath, taken at short 
 intervals, is one of the best preventives of taking 
 cold that can be adopted. If the skin is in a state 
 of activity and toughened by cold and friction, it is not 
 susceptible to every change of the atmosphere and 
 colds are rare. 
 
 COLD BATHS 
 
 The perr>on unfamiliar with cold sponge baths and 
 wishing to try them can come to them by degrees by 
 
■?5" 
 
 98 
 
 PRKPAHATION FOR MOTIIKUIIOOD 
 
 bcj^inning with tepid water and using it a little colder 
 each dav. It is well to stand in a small tub with 
 the feet covered with warm water at first. If tiie 
 haih and rubbing are not ibllowed by swift react ion, 
 a glow and feeling of warmth, the use of the coKl 
 water should be discontinued. 
 
 A handful of coarse salt may be added to tlic 
 water, as this has a stimulating effect on the skin and 
 so is said to be strengthening. This should be tri( d 
 when baths seem to disagree with the bather instead 
 of benefiting her, before discontinuing them alto- 
 gether. 
 
 A cold bath should never be taken when one is 
 heated, or very tired. For the latter reason the 
 morning is a better time for it than the evening. 
 
 WARM BATH 
 
 The surface of the skin is covered by the termina- 
 tions of innumerable nerves. It is impossible in 
 stick the point of a pin where a tingle of pain will 
 not reveal the i)resence of a nerve. 
 
 AA'hen tired and overstrung at night a warm bath 
 will sometimes relax the skin and bring a sense of 
 soothing calm that may induce sleep. From the 
 fact that they are relaxing, warm baths should be 
 used with caution. The tepid sponge bath is the 
 safest for constant use. 
 
SITZ BATH 
 
 99 
 
 SITZ B.VTII 
 
 Many physicians consider this form of batli of es- 
 pecial vahie to tlie expectant mother. The abdomen 
 and adjacent parts are principally jdlected by it and 
 tlioiiirht to be particularly benelited. The water 
 .■.jionid be about 90 deo;rees Fahrenlieit. A tin tub 
 (»f a peculiar shape, hi<^h behind and sloping low in 
 i'n)nt, is the most convenient thing to take it in ; it 
 comes for the purpose and is called a ^itz bath. If 
 this cannot be had, any tub large enough to sit in can 
 he made to answer the purpose. 
 
 The best time to take the bath is before going to 
 bed, when it need not interfere with the morning 
 sjionge bath. 
 
 lv(^move the clothing and fasten a blanket round 
 the shoulders so that it will fall over the tub when 
 the person is seated in it. Have as much water in the 
 tub as it will hold without overflowin"- when the 
 bather sits down in it. The bath should last about 
 fifteen minutes and a little hot water be added if it 
 grows uncomfortably cold. 
 
 Do not be deterred by the trouble from taking it, 
 l)ou:in its use earlvand continue itthrouirh the whole 
 ])ori()d. It is said to assist in relieving nausea and 
 lonstipation. When several means are tried for the 
 same end it is always difficult to apportion the credit 
 
100 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 justly and to say cxa(;tly which has liad the largest 
 share in l)rin<j:in<r aSout th(^ result. 
 
 If a woman oIk'vs the laws of health durinu: this 
 time, it mav be safelv said that her confinement will 
 be more easy than if she had disregarded them, be- 
 cause she will come to it in better condition. 
 
 FOOT HATHS 
 
 A warm foot bath just before going to bed will 
 sometimes dispose to sleep by drawing the blood to 
 the extremities. The feet should be immersed in a 
 deep tub, or j)ail, the water reaching halfway to the 
 knees. When more stinudation is needed, as when 
 th'ere is a coKl coming on, two tablespoon fu Is of 
 mustard can be added. 
 
 COLD FOOT BATH 
 
 When there is suffering from cold feet, as is often 
 the case when the circulation is not good, they should 
 be bathed at night in cold water. Hold one foot 
 over the basin and squeeze the water over it from a 
 cloth until it is thoroujjhlv wetted. Rub vifi^orouslv 
 with a dry towel and repeat the process with tln^ 
 other foot. If persisted in for a week or two, eat h 
 night, a cure may be effected. 
 
P'OOT Oli SP()N(iP: HATH IX liKD 
 
 lul 
 
 FOOT BATH IN HHl) 
 
 This can bo <ji;iv(Mi without dillicuhv if nooossarv. 
 A warm foot bath will soTJictinu's allay nervous v\- 
 citcnuMit and irritation and aid in l)ringin<^ sleep 
 which would not corao without it. 
 
 Provide a yard square of India-rubber (iloth, or 
 table oil cloth, to protect the bed. Turn back the 
 clothes from the foot of the bed, spread the rubber 
 over the sheet and place the tub on it. The j)atient 
 lies on her back with the legs drawn up and the 
 kiK^es bent. Stand the tub in a convenient position 
 aiul j)ut the feet in, th(j knees being still bent. . 
 Cover tub and all with a blanket. 
 
 SPONGK BATH IX BED 
 
 For the first three days after confinement a full 
 bathing is not required if the mother had been 
 hathed just before it took place. She should re.-t 
 and be disturbed as little as possible except for the 
 al)-ohitely necessary ministrations. 
 
 The parts needing it can be kept delicately clean 
 hy wiping them with a cloth wrung out of warm 
 water each time the napkin is changed, or water is 
 passed. 
 
 Mauds and face of course may be washed morning 
 and evening. 
 
 While cleanliness is all important ia the lying-in 
 
102 
 
 lM{i:i'Ai:ATl(>N FOU MOTllEHllOOD 
 
 I 
 
 room, more important tluiii any one other siiiixlc 
 tliinu::, Imtliiiiuj must not bo oveidone. Should it 
 l)e t'ouiul, us is unfortunately sometimes the ciim', 
 that the pei'son has been neglected, the soil must lir 
 removed, as dirt is a distinct st)uree of daniri r. 
 This can bt; done by bathing a part of the body at 
 one time and continuing the process at intervals 
 until the whole is done. 
 
 Usually the fourth day is soon enough for the first 
 full bath. A tablespounful of alcohol in the water 
 is desirable. 
 
 Have ready water, towels, wash cloth, soap and 
 clean, warmed clothing by the bedside. Two extra 
 blankets are needed. The room should be warm, 
 the thermometer not lower than 72° Fahrenheit. 
 
 Double one blanket and spread it on one side of 
 the bed over the under sheet. Under shelter of the 
 bed clothes di*aw the patient on it, not permitting her 
 to sit up. Double the other ' hiuket and lay it over 
 her, outside the uj)per bed clothes. Draw thc-e 
 awav from underneath it, leavino; her covered witli 
 it alone. If this seems too little add a down com- 
 forter, or a thick shawl, or woolen lap rug. Remove 
 her night dress, being very careful not to uncover 
 her while doing it. Uufasten and take off the 
 binder. Holding the wash cloth, moist but not 
 dripping, in one hand, pass it under the blanket and 
 
 .1 1 
 
THK liABY S FIRST HATH 
 
 10; J 
 
 liatlic tli(( upper half of tlio body. Dry with a 
 \v;iiiiu'<l towel, kept iiiidei' tlie blanket iiiul not wlth- 
 (Iniuii, unless to substitute a fresli one, until the 
 i):iili is (lone. Turn the person gently on one side 
 Mini hatlu? the back ; when this is (b*v, do the thiLr;hs 
 aixl le^s, and last the feet. Not inoi'e than ten 
 minutes need b(^ spent in the actual washinu;;, each 
 ])art beintz; dried betbre another is wetted. (^ui''k 
 (lr\ in*: and no exposure is the secret of ujivinL"" a 
 sjxmge bath in bed, without at the sa..ie time j^iving 
 cold. 
 
 ^^ut on a fresh binder and tiie clean, warm cloth- 
 ins::, which after being well heated by a fire should 
 he folded in a blanket to keep it warm. jNlove the 
 patient to the other side of the bed, replace the 
 upper clothes, draw out the blankets and the opera- 
 tion is finislied. 
 
 i''c 
 
 THE BARYS FIRST BATH 
 
 Sofnetimes the condition of the mother who ab- 
 sorbs the attention of the nurse, or the premature 
 arrival of the babv causes its first bath to be left to 
 inexperienced hands. 
 
 Contrary to the usual habit the first washing 
 should be a sponge bath given between the folds of 
 a blanket. A new-born baby has been accustomed 
 to an even temperature of about 98 degrees. Eveu 
 
"Pi 
 
 104 
 
 PRE ARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 if it is plunged into a tub of water of the same Inat 
 there is a certain amount of exposure inseparah!*' 
 from putting it in and taking it out which may !h" 
 responsible for the bronchial diseases that afflict and 
 sometimes carry off little babies. 
 
 A soft knit blanket should be provided for the 
 bath, a little sweet oil, fresh lard, unsalted butter, or 
 any substance of an oily nature, a soft towel aiid 
 wash rag and a piece of a fine old handkerchief. 
 The water should be 100 degrees to begin with, as 
 it very soon cools. If inexperience is likely to pro- 
 long the bath there should be a pitcher of hot water 
 to replenish the basin. 
 
 With a piece of the handkerchief wash the eyes 
 carefully and dry them with the remainder. Takiiii,^ 
 a little of the oil, or fat on two fingers pass the haii'l 
 under the blanket and rub the whole body witli it, 
 putting plenty in the creases about the neck, arms 
 and thighs. Some babies are covered with a seba- 
 ceous substance that will not come off with water 
 alone. Others are comparatively free from it, but 
 the oilinsr does no harm. 
 
 Squeeze the cloth comparatively dry and put on a 
 little good white soap. Bathe quickly all that can 
 be reached as the child lies on its back, and dry with 
 soft pats of the towel. The skin is too delicate to 
 
LOCAL BATHS 
 
 105 
 
 bear rubbing. Be careful that the head is supported 
 and does not hang down over the knee. 
 
 Turn the baby over on its face, supporting the 
 head with one hand and j)utting the other firmly 
 under the body. It can be rolled over by taking 
 lidll of the outer side of the blanket and rolling it 
 inwards. Many persons prefer this method of 
 moving a baby and it assures the nervous that there 
 i> no danger of dropping it. Finish the bath as 
 quiekly as possible. 
 
 Have the sleeves of the little shirt and slips fitted 
 lotrether so that they will go on as one garment, and 
 after adjusting the band tliey can be drawn over the 
 feet first and the arms put in without difficulty. 
 W rap the baby warmly and lay it down to sleep. 
 
 LOCAL BATHS 
 
 The slightest disagreeable odor about mother or 
 rliild .siiows that there is a lack of cleanliness which 
 t)iii;ht to be immediately remedied, or the most dis- 
 astrous consequences may follow. 
 
 As has already been said, there is no difiiculty in 
 keeping the mother clean nor need a quantity of 
 water be used to do so. A few gentle strokes with 
 a soft cloth w/ung out of warm water will remove 
 every trace of soil each time the napkin is changed. 
 
 If stitches have been taken with wire, a sponge is 
 
■5SP 
 
 lOG 
 
 TJiEPAUATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 less likely than a cloth to catch in them. Tho 
 greatest care must be taken of sponge and cloth, or 
 they will become sonrccs of infection. They must 
 be thoroughly washed after each time of using, hunu: 
 outside the window in the open air and boiled oinv 
 a day. A pinch of washing soda in the boiliiii:; 
 water will prevent the sponge from becoming slim v. 
 
 This seems a small matter, but neglect may im- 
 peril, if not destroy life. 
 
 The nipples should be bathed with tepid water, in 
 which a pinch of borax has been dissolved, each 
 time the baby finishes nursing. They should he 
 gently drawn out with the fingers that the water 
 may penetrate every crevice. If any application is 
 used it must be washed off before the babv nurses 
 and re-applied after the final washing. This is one 
 of the surest means of preventing sore nipples. 
 
 EYE BATHS 
 
 The first attention to be paid the new-born infant 
 is to wipe its eyes with a soft piece of handkerchief. 
 If this is neglected, a speck of mucus lodging on 
 the delicate lining membrane of the lids might cause 
 serious harm. 
 
 The eyes should be carefully watched, and if there 
 is the slightest trace of discharge on eyelids, or 
 lashes, they should be washed several times a day 
 
EYE BATHS 
 
 107 
 
 with tepid boiled water until tlie doctor can be con- 
 sulted. 
 
 Unless the secretion is frequcMitly removed by 
 l);itliin<^ the lids the child's sight nuiy be injured, or 
 l(.st. Tlie cloth used in the process should be burned 
 and only small ])ieces of old cloth employed, as a 
 liny particle of the discharge might infect the eyes 
 I »f' mother or nurse. 
 
 When tlie doctor orders cold applications little 
 s<jiiares of linen may be laid on a lump of ice, ap- 
 plied to the eyes as needed and burned after one ap- 
 plication. 
 
i 
 
 i 
 
 i 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 / 
 ! 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 EXERCISE 
 
 THE MUSCLES 
 
 The rausclos that have to take part in the act of 
 expelling the child from the uterns mnst be trained 
 and brondit into a condition to do their work. 
 ^Inscles that are not exercised become soft and flabby ; 
 they are not capable of prolonged and vigorous 
 effort. 
 
 The reason that exercise tires so many women is 
 that they are not accustomed to take it systematically. 
 A certain set of muscles called upon suddenly to 
 undergo the strain of unwonted use resent it and 
 feel sore and tired. If thev were exercised dailv in 
 the same way they would not grumble any nioic 
 than our fingers do when we call upon them lor 
 their usual duties. 
 
 It is all important to the expectant mother tliiit 
 every muscle should be in good order able to per- 
 form its proper work with ease. 
 (108) 
 
WALKING 
 
 109 
 
 If she were told tliat by spending fifteen minutes 
 a (lav in some simple observance, she could greatly 
 l('ss(Mi the fatigue of her labor and minimize its pain 
 would she not gladly do so ? Judicious exercise will 
 surelv do this. It must be steadily persisted in, as 
 it is the daily repetition of the same act that strength- 
 ens and develops any part of the body. 
 
 Women suffering from some forms of uterine dis- 
 placement are unable to walk. Such should be 
 under the care of a physician, and exercise, as well as 
 other means of alleviation must be prescribed by 
 
 him. 
 
 WALKINU 
 
 Unless this is the case, or there is some special 
 reason to the contrary, walking is a valuable exer- 
 cise and within the reach of all. It may be so done 
 as to render it perfectly useless for j)ractical pur- 
 |M)ses and it may be so used as to make it an efficient 
 aid in the d(^velopment that is needed. 
 
 ^^()st women in moderate circumstances take a 
 lii'eat deal of exercise in doing the work of their 
 households. Unless it is too heavy, as washing, 
 scrubbing, etc., overtaxing the strength, it is bene- 
 ticial, calling many muscles into play unconsciously 
 to the owner. 
 
 Those who do not take muc^h exercise in the house 
 should spend from half an hour to an hour a day in 
 
no 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 :m 
 
 walking in the open air. Tiiis walk should not be 
 an aimless saunter but a brisk constitutional, taken 
 
 itl 
 
 bieet 
 
 Willi an ob]eei m view 
 
 A 
 
 correct jxisition is very important. 
 
 Th 
 
 shoulders should be held back, thus exjianding the 
 chest and giving the lungs free play, the arms eaniid 
 easily at the sides, the lower part of the body thrown 
 a little forward and tlie weight allowed to fall on 
 the ball of the foot as it touches the ground. Tliis 
 carriage can be acquired by a little practice and it is 
 well worth the trouble, as it diminishes the fatigue 
 which is always complained of by those who are un- 
 accustomed to walk properly. 
 
 Vigorous steps in which tiie foot is lifted well 
 from the ground and firmly set down again, though 
 without jarring the l^ody, strengthen the muscles at 
 the sides of the waist. 
 
 STAIRS 
 
 Going up and down stairs, usually considered an 
 exertion peculiarly injurious to women, may hv 
 made to serve the same purpose, developing these 
 muscles. Tlie dress must be ]>erfectly loose and easv, 
 with no constraining bands^ or pressure anywluir. 
 particularly about the waist. The })rogress shouKl 
 not be too ra])id, nor the journey repeated too ofleii 
 at first. 
 
., BREATHINCJ 
 
 111 
 
 Tliis exercise also benefits the muscles of the ah- 
 (Imnen, which it is desirable to have in good condi- 
 tion. ])lakie, in his adiniral)le little book ''How 
 to (ict Strong," says, " P^very stej) forward moves 
 ili( 111. and the higher and more energetic the step the 
 iimrc they have to do." " The strong, high step tilts 
 the body slightly back and gives these muscles so 
 niiK'h to do that they soon grow good at it and 
 shapely and powerful accordingly." 
 
 In going up and down stairs we have "the 
 strong, high step" in perfection. 
 
 A healthy man never com|>lains of any inconven- 
 ience in climbing stairs; in tact he more often than 
 not, runs up two steps at a time. While men are 
 sti'uno;er than we are, there is no reason whv a 
 woman who is properly dressed should not l)e able 
 to mount stairs with as much ease as he can. I can 
 tl'^tity from personal experience that the absence of 
 corsets and correct habits of breathing deprive the 
 ascent of all its terrors. 
 
 In going up and down stairs keep the mouth 
 closed to ensure breathing through the nose, hold 
 the shoulders back to expand the chest and do not 
 carry a heavy weight in the hands. 
 
 BREATHING 
 
 It is strange that when the whole ha man race has 
 
112 
 
 TRRPARATIOX FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 to brcallio to livo, and that every member oi" It 
 hrcatiics at least sixteen times in a miiuite iVom 
 the moment of birth to that of death, any one should 
 have to be tanght how to perform this neees-aiv 
 })roeess properly. 
 
 Nature intends that the abdominal muscles shall 
 take part in the aet of respiration. This is im|)(i->i- 
 ble when the waist is held firmlv in the unvieldiiiir 
 grasp of a corset. Even when it is not worn too tiulit 
 — and who ever admitted that hers was — proper ex- 
 pansion of the ribs is prevented and the breath must 
 come from the upper ])art of the chest. 
 
 Watch the breathing of a woman who w(ars 
 unduly tight clothing, whether she is encased in a 
 corset, or not. The bosom rises and falls with each 
 breath ; the muscles below the waist line do not 
 move, they cannot. The lower part of the lungs is 
 never properly filled, nor emptied. 
 
 The expectant mother does not breathe for herself 
 alone. She has to inhale a sufficient amount of 
 oxyg(»n to purify the blood of her child as well as 
 her own, and she needs every inch of lung surface at 
 her conunand to make adequate provision for both. 
 
 If she does not alreadv do so it is her dutv to 
 learn how to use her lungs in the most effective 
 manner. 
 
 It is difficult to overcome bad habits. Even 
 
 mm 
 
BREATH I NO 
 
 113 
 
 laving aside corsets and doing away with tight bands 
 about the waist will not iminodiatolv revohitionizc 
 the faulty method of years. Tiie muscles are weak 
 from inaction. The kings must be trained to do 
 their duty. 
 
 Sitting in an easy position in a comfortable 
 chair, with the head supported, draw a long breath 
 and hold it until the expiration becomes a necessity. 
 Exhale slowly and repeat the process seven or eight 
 times. 
 
 Close the month and inhale through the nose, ex- 
 {K'lling the air by the same channel. This can be 
 (lone alternately as rapidly and as slowly as possible. 
 Repeat it in different positions, reclining in the chair, 
 sitting erect with the arms folded behind the back, 
 standing with the arms extended to their full length 
 and the hands clasped behind. 
 
 Sitting upright, hold the arms parallel with the 
 shoulders, bend them at the elbows and tap quickly 
 every |)art of the chest that can be reached with the 
 tin ire rs. 
 
 When walking or standing, practice taking deep 
 iiilialations and holding the breath as long as possi- 
 hle. This is an excellent method of warming 
 oneself when chilly. A few deep breaths drawing 
 
 in an extra amount of oxygen sets the blood dancing, 
 
 8 
 
114 
 
 PllEl'A RATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 and with the improved circulation there is an 
 immediate sensation of warmth. 
 
 If one has habitually breathed through the month 
 there is a feeling of suffocation when the attempt is 
 made to close it and use the nasal passages lor 
 the admission of air. Unless there is some obstruc- 
 tion of the nose this feeling is soon overcome. 
 
 Nature intends that the air sliall be warnicil 
 by j)assing through this circuitous route before it 
 reaches the delicate tissues of the linigs, Breiitliing 
 through the mouth permits a rush of cold air where 
 she never meant it to come. Ihe habit of brcathiiiL:; 
 through the nose can be acquired with compara- 
 tively little trouble, if the passages are unobstructed, 
 and it is very important to the health of the luiios. 
 
 Violent exercise like riding on horseback, playiiii,^ 
 tennis, dancing, bicycle riding, etc., had better l)e 
 discontinued at this time. 
 
 DRIVING 
 
 Driving in a carriage can scarcely be classed as 
 exercise, and yet when a woman is unable to walk 
 she can in this way obtain fresh air and chaiii>o 
 of scene without much fatigue, and the result is 
 beneficial. 
 
 SITTING 
 
 Nothing is more injurious than long sitting in 
 
STANDING — PHYSIC A I. lOXEKClSE 
 
 115 
 
 one position bonding over a writing table or a sewing 
 machine. The use of a niaehino witli a foot-treadle 
 should be interdicted. In some eases, by removing 
 the l>and, the maeiiine can be turned by liaiul, thus 
 uuikiiig sewing upon it possible without injury 
 to the worker. 
 
 STANDING 
 
 Prolonged standing is also injurious. Women 
 who have to do their own ironing will find great re- 
 lief in using a high chair and sitting while they are 
 thus occupied. The feet must be comfortably sup- 
 ported on a foot stool. 
 
 l)y iiaving a chair of the proper height dishes 
 can l)c washed, bread kneaded and manv other 
 domestic operations conducted while sitting which 
 are usually done in a standing position. By the 
 exercise of a little ingemiity much unnecessary 
 weariness can be avoided. 
 
 PHYSICAL EXERCISE 
 
 A celebrated physician has said, '^One might 
 hesitate to prescribe gymnasium exercise for the 
 pregnant ; yet I recall one patient habituated from 
 carlv childhood to t^vmnastic exercise, who continued 
 licr training during nearly the whol^ of her ges- 
 tation, omitting only the heavier work, and she had 
 
IIG 
 
 PREI'AUATION FOR MOTIIEIIIIOOD 
 
 a most rapid and easy labor and an unoventful cou- 
 valosonee." 
 
 Those whoaroaconstojni'd to reirnlar physical exrr- 
 ciso may continno it, those who are nnaceiistomcd to 
 it shonld eommenee it, ehoosing snitahle exercises 
 that stren^tJKMi withont strainini^ the muscles. 
 
 A few simple ones for improving the capacity of 
 the lungs have been mentioned. These shonld In- 
 assiduously practiced, for the power of taking and 
 holding a long, deep breath is of 'immense ad- 
 vantage during the last stage of labor. 
 
 To develop the muscdes at the sides of the waist, 
 besides the exercise obtained from the high steps in 
 going up stairs, try the following simple one. Stand 
 erect with limbs together, head held well up, el tin. 
 drawn in a little and shoulders thrown back. liaise 
 the left arm as far as possible above the head, bend- 
 ing the body sideways in the opposite direclioii 
 as far as can be done without lifting the Irft 
 foot from the floor. Repeat with the right arm 
 and continue usiuff each arm .alternately, for two or 
 three minutes. 
 
 Stand as straight as possible and bend the body 
 backward and forward as far as can be done with- 
 out raising the feet from the ground. 
 
 Kneeling on the floor with the knees apart and 
 gently swaying the body in different directions? 
 
GARDENING — PRECAUTIONS — MASSAGE 117 
 
 hackwurd, forward, and sideways helps to stroiigtlien 
 the uuisc'los of the perineum. 
 
 Thv- best time for these exercises is just before tlic 
 iiiIiMay rest, or at night before going to bed. The 
 (h'css should be removed and the underclothing l)e 
 sulliciently loose to offer no restraint. 
 
 GAKDENINO 
 
 (lurdenin^ is a delightful occupation for those 
 will) are fond of it when it is possible. Bending 
 over as in weeding strengthens the muscles of the 
 small of the back, and being in the open air is 
 always beneficial. 
 
 PRECAUTIONS 
 
 There is one precaution that must not be neglected. 
 No violent exercise, nor indeed bodily exercise of any 
 kind, should be taken at the time that v/ould 
 have been the menstrual })eriods under ordinary 
 conditions. This rule must be implicitly observed. 
 Its neglect may cause the loss of the child's life 
 and serious iniurv to the mother. 
 
 With this exception regular gentle exercise during 
 j)rot^nancy is one of the most certain means of ensur- 
 iiisi; good health to both mother and child. 
 
 MASSAGE 
 
 When active exercise has to be omitted, a course of 
 
118 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 massage treatment is advisable, that the museles may 
 be kept in good eondition. 
 
 This consists of rubbing, kneading, rolling, press- 
 ing and nKiiiipulating each muscle separately, it 
 must be done l)y a j)rof'essronal masseuse and niidcr 
 the direction of a physician. 
 
 When the expectant mother is obliged to remain 
 in bed from some physical disability for months 
 at a time, as is sometimes the case, this means of kccj)- 
 ing up her vigor should not be neglected. 
 
 It is very agreeable to most persons, and those 
 who have once undergone the treatment are usually 
 anxious to repeat the experience. 
 
 When the services of a masseuse cannot be had 
 the want may be in a measure supplied by amateur 
 rubbing and, if tiie doctor permits them, a regular 
 course of exercise in bed. 
 
 EXERCISE IN BED 
 
 Lying on the back and alternately bending the 
 knees and extending the legs is a good exercise. 
 The knees may be bent and the legs moved fnun 
 si<le to side as far as possible eacii way. 
 
 Pushing with the feet against the foot-boaid 
 of the bed or the hands of another person, who 
 pushes back again, is of use. 
 
 Pushing with the hands in the same way helps 
 
EXERCISE IN BED 
 
 119 
 
 to exercise some of the iimscles of the arms. 
 Propped with pillows, the arms can be raised and 
 tiie head of the bedstead grasped, or, lyint^ down, the 
 bodv can be drawn np by tlie hands, if there is no 
 reason why the movement should be prohibited. 
 
 Deep breathiiii^ can be practiced without difficulty 
 in any case, as this involves very little exertion and 
 it is of incalculable benefit in expanding tlie chest 
 ami increasing the capacity of the lungs. 
 
 When a woman is convinced that firm muscles, 
 ca{)able of expanding and contracting vigorously in 
 the efforts which she must put forth, will be of great 
 advantage to her in the hour of need, she will spare 
 no pains to cultivate them. 
 
 It is lia})py for her if the preparation has been 
 hoi]i;un long before, in her girlhood, and she has al- 
 ready a well developed body. AVhen this is not the 
 case she must try to remedv the ill effects of neyjlect 
 and bring herself into as good a condition as possi- 
 ble in the time allowed her. 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
 
 REST 
 
 NECESSITY OF REST 
 
 The importance of avoiding exertion at the time 
 that would have been the menstrual period has al- 
 ready been mentioned. It cannot be too often reit- 
 erated. If, as sometimes happens, the expectant 
 mother does not know the exact season when tin' 
 discharge might have been expected, she must l)e 
 doubly careful to heed any indications that might 
 lead her to suppose it is approaching. 
 
 Feelings of languor and weariness should l>o 
 yielded to, not fought against, and be met with ad- 
 ditional rest. A hearing-down sensation, or pain, 
 even if it is not acute, should be the signal for stay- 
 ing in bed two or three days. It is misplaced forti- 
 tude to keep on the feet and try to do the daily work 
 under these circumstances. 
 
 A woman should remember that she is entitled to 
 care and cherishing during these mouths of waiting. 
 (120) 
 
REST DURING THP: DAY 
 
 121 
 
 I 
 
 le time 
 
 lias ul- 
 
 en reit- 
 pectant 
 
 leii the 
 list l)e 
 might 
 
 )iil(l ho 
 
 ith aa- 
 
 )r pain, 
 
 or stay- 
 
 (1 f'ortl- 
 
 Usually those about her are very ready to give it ; if 
 
 uiiiuij)[)ily this is not so, she must redouble her care 
 
 of luTseir. She has to think not only of herself but 
 
 of her child. 
 
 REST DURING THE DAY 
 
 'Mduy women believe it is a positive waste (»f 
 tmie to lie down during the day. As has already 
 JH'cM ^aid this is a fallacy. The gain to brain and 
 lu rves more than compensates for the loss sustained 
 hv spending one of the working hours in sleep. 
 
 The expectant mother should make a point of 
 taking off her dress, putting on a loose jacket and 
 King on her bed, or a couch, for an hour in the 
 middle of the day before or preferably after dinner 
 or lunch. She should lie still with eyes closed even 
 if she does not sleep. 
 
 At first it will require an effort. The impulse is 
 to read, or to occupy oneself in some way, if only in 
 counting the patterns of the wall paper. We are 
 ci'catures of habit, and after a few days this desire, if 
 not yielded to, lessens and one is content to lie still. 
 
 It is important to have the room darkened, as the 
 al)scnce of light in itself rests the weary brain and 
 renders sleep more probable. This is best effected 
 bv means of dark linen blinds, which can be rolled 
 up out of sight when not in use. 
 
 If plenty of exercise is taken there is no fear of 
 
■SP" 
 
 122 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 the noonday nap interfering with the night's rest. 
 Indeed it is more likely to promote it, as over fatigue 
 is one of the causes of sleeplessness and this is pre- 
 vented by the timely rest. 
 
 RELAXATION 
 
 There is an art in resting which is only beginning 
 to be understood. Perfect relaxation is in itself 
 rest. Swaying back and forth in a rocking cha-r 
 with nuiscles tense and nerves on edge is not resting. 
 Throwing oneself back in a comfortable easy chair 
 with every part as limp as possible, feet resting easily 
 on the ground, arms lying loosely in the lap, fingers 
 unclasped, and head supported, comes nearer the 
 ideal position. 
 
 If several times in a busy morning five minutes 
 is taken for absolute rest with eyes shut, and ears 
 as far as j)ossible closed to outside sounds, the good 
 effect will be perceptible in the freshness with which 
 one will return to the tasks that were beginning to 
 seem a burden. 
 
 WASTE OF POWER 
 
 We are all apt to put too much energy into our 
 every day work, using a steam hammer to crack a 
 nut. The expectant mother camiot do this with im- 
 punity ; she must husband her resources, she has tu 
 live for two. 
 
OUT DOOR REST p^., 
 
 ■-•|>riso!l to find l; r '".^.^--f'...! it,vi]| be 
 
 J'li.vsieal self control is almost n, • 
 ""•"tal, and boti, can bp o , . ""l""-ta"t as 
 
 OUT DOOR REST 
 
 "" a ""'ck ni.r „„,,„,' , T^'"' '«^**''^'«- Lying 
 
 '■"^'■'<- -■" a '^.ri'o,:: 7: •:;■•-' t -^^"^^"^"^ - 
 
 '■"i f-'-ns of rec-eatior ta t I " T "''"»^'"- 
 '"■'■'■^sible to everyone '">«^>-f'"ateIy are not 
 
 :.-™'ttrr''r:rnr^''''- 
 
 •l'--, may be made restf, " 'J"^'^^"-- '<> tUe 
 '"""■"" is yielded to .„; l , "''"''''■ ^^ "'<" 
 
 "■I'on the whole frll i « 7 , " ''"''' ««'-"o"- 
 
 ^''•"'"'•«t jolt, tl e Wd ''.'■'"'>'."»-«^«' to resist the 
 
 J ,tl>eJaad earned stiffly and the mind 
 
124 
 
 PREPA RATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 koj)t on the alert to see that the tension of the h(j(lv 
 is nut relaxed, there is little rest to be obtained I'ruiii 
 it. 
 
 CHANGE OF OCCUPATION 
 
 Change of oceu])ation is a certain kind of rest, 
 eallinji; into action a different set of faculties and 
 muscles. This, however, is not enough for the ex- 
 pectant mother, nor should she be satisfied with less 
 than an hour a day and several shorter intervals of 
 absolute rest to recruit and refresh her. 
 
 SLEEP 
 
 Quiet, profound sleej) is very necessary for the 
 health of body and mind at this time as well as at 
 every other. It is not always to be had for the 
 asking, and sometimes the very effort to compose 
 oneself seems only to drive it further awav. 
 
 The doctor can ])rescribe medicine which will 
 soothe the excited nerves and induce sleep, but it is 
 not well to depend upon these, and all the domestic 
 soporifics should be exhausted before he is a])peal((l 
 to. 
 
 MEANS OF INDUCING SLEEP 
 
 A warm bath just before going to bed is with 
 some persons an effectual means of bringing sleep. 
 
 Brisk rubbing of the feet, either dry or with cold 
 water, stimulates the extremities and equalizes the 
 
MEANS OF INDUCING .SLEEP 
 
 125 
 
 clrt'ulution, thus relieving the pressure of blood in 
 tlic brain which renders sleep difficult, or impossible. 
 
 in natural sleep the heart beats more slowly than 
 when one is awake, consequently the blood circulates 
 less rapidly, there is less })ressure on tlu; nerve cen- 
 tres and the machine runs at the lowest rate of 
 sjx'cd, giving all the parts time to rest. 
 
 J 11 using means to promote sleep every effort 
 should be made to attract the blood to other parts 
 of the body that the brain may be as little stimu- 
 lated as possible. 
 
 Sometimes a rubber hot water bag at the feet and 
 an ice bag at tlie back of tlie neck will have the de- 
 sired effect. If a rubber ice bag cannot be had a 
 towel wrung out of ice water tightly folded and cov- 
 ered with a ])iece of India rubber cloth, or rolled in 
 table oil cloth, may be used as a substitute. 
 
 A light supper just before going to bed is advisa- 
 lile. The digestive organs are set in motion and a 
 eertain amount of blood diverted to them in the 
 process of digestion. 
 
 A glass of hot milk is highly recommended, and 
 with some persons is an unfailing antidote to sleep- 
 l(Hsness. It should be taken as hot as it can be 
 sij)ped. A third lime water may be added to it if 
 it cannot be borne alone. 
 
 Kxercise in the open air promotes sleep and a 
 
126 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 healthy fatigue almost ensures its coming. Over 
 fatigue may drive '^ away and any excitement, anx- 
 iety, or distress of mind is sure to do so. 
 
 There are a few mental exercises that may l)e 
 tried beside the time honored one of counting sheep 
 leaping over a hedge, or running through a gap. 
 One of these is counting steadily, always beginning; 
 with one, or rather returning to it as one, two ; one, 
 two, three ; one, two, three, four ; etc. It is very 
 monotonous and one does sometimes drop asleep 
 under its influence. 
 
 POSITION 
 
 It may be that the expectant motlier cannot find 
 a position in which she can rest comfortably. Ly- 
 ing sideways witli a j)illow pUiced under the abdo- 
 men to support the weight, relieves the pressure and 
 gives ease. 
 
 In special cases a bandage may have to be worn 
 at night as well as during the day. 
 
 BED COVERING 
 
 The bed covering should be light. A weight of 
 bed clothes is oppressive and tiring even if it is not 
 felt as a burden at the time. A down comforter is 
 almost indispensable in winter. If it is not to 1)P 
 had large newspapers spread between the blankets 
 
MOIiNlNd SLFKF' — NrfJIlT I-KHITS 
 
 12: 
 
 (»(»iiil)ino warmth uiu! lijriitnoss. The pajuT is al- 
 most impervious to air and as it is })reveiiting the es- 
 cape of the heat <z;enerate(l hy the body that makes 
 one warm, they answer the purpose admirably. 
 
 MORNING SLEEP 
 
 Sometimes a restless night is followed by a desire 
 to sleep in the morning. This shoidd be encouraged 
 and the bedroom darkened by means of linen blinds. 
 
 Nothing is so restful to brain and nerves as dark- 
 ness, and wh(Mi there is difficulty in sleeping light 
 should be rioidlv excluded. OlhMi a rav of morn- 
 ing sunlight wakens the slec^per, who would have 
 slumbered profoundly for some time longer had the 
 room been dark. 
 
 NIGHT LIGHTS 
 
 niiruino; a niirht lio-ht is a bad habit, only defen- 
 sihlo where there are children who are apt to wake 
 suddenly a!id must be attended to in haste. Even 
 tiien a candle can be lighted in an instant if matches 
 aiv at hand, without the delay necessary to remove 
 a lau){) shade. 
 
 When there is a young baby many mothers feel a 
 nervous anxiety at being without a light burning in 
 the room, lest something should happen to the help- 
 less little being which the mother's watchful eye 
 
Jl>8 
 
 PltKPAIlATION Foil MOTIIKIMIOOT) 
 
 niioht lijive seoii and prevented liad tliere been lioht 
 to liave revealed it. 
 
 Patent night lights, little wicks floating in oil, 
 and other devices, can he obtained. I'hey have the 
 advantage of consuming very little oxygen. \\ li< n 
 it is ne(;essary to use kerosene a small lamp of the 
 kind known as a Tom Thumb lamp should be pio- 
 eured. It uses very little oil and need not beturind 
 down. A large lamp uidess the wiek is kept at llic 
 full height almost invariably smells unpleasantly. 
 
 It is dangerous to lower gas beyond a certain 
 point as a temporary cessation of the supply puts 
 out the light and when the flow of gas is resumed it 
 pours unchecked into the room, sometimes with fiUal 
 results. The sleepers may be suffocated before any- 
 one is roused to a sense of the danger. A bain 's 
 life might easily be sacrificed in this way. 
 
 RED TIME 
 
 The hour of going to bed nnist be regulated to a 
 great extent by the usual custom in this respect. It 
 is an old saying that one hour of sleep before mid- 
 night is worth two after. I^ike the old proverbs, 
 which are the " wisdom of many and the wit of 
 one," this probably has a substratum of truth that 
 has been proved by the experience of ages. The 
 earlier the time of retiring to rest the less tired one 
 
VENTILATION 
 
 120 
 
 is likely to be, and sleep taken when the body is not 
 over fatigued is more refreshing than when it over- 
 j)()\vers one exhausted and wearied by the strain of 
 lonir continued wakefulness. 
 
 We are such creatures of habit that the verv fact 
 of undressing and lying down predisposes us to 
 sluiiiber if we usually fall asleep as soon as we are 
 in bed. 
 
 Even when the eyes will not close at once there 
 is relief in the chaufje of attitude and in the freedom 
 from the thraldom of clothes, however easy and 
 well-fitting, that is in itself restful. When possi- 
 ble, early hours are a distinct advantage to the ex- 
 {)ectant mother. 
 
 VENTILATION 
 
 It is not of much use to acquire, or possess, cor- 
 rect habits of breathing unless there is an ample 
 sii|)ply of pure air to be inhaled. 
 
 Life cannot be sustained without a certain amount 
 ol' oxygen, and the expectant mother has to take in 
 not only enough for herself but for her child. 
 
 The oxygen is abstracted from the air and used 
 ill the body, carbonic acid gas being thrown off from 
 the lungs. This renders the air unfit to be breathed 
 again. 
 
 Nor is this the only element that poisons the air. 
 9 
 
130 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTIIERHOOl) 
 
 I! 
 
 A watery vapor, carrying with it iinpuritiLS from 
 the body, animal matter which has already servi d 
 its purpose, is also exhaled from the lungs. A cer- 
 tain amount of waste escapes through the pores of 
 the skin so that, even if there is no other source of 
 contamination, the presence of a person in a clostd 
 room s[)eedily renders the air in it unfit for use. 
 
 The oxygon lias to be diminished to a very small 
 amount, about one-third of that present in pure aii', 
 before a difli(!ulty in breathing is experienced. No 
 Avarning is given in this way that not enough is 
 being received to meet the demands of the system. 
 The air breathed, particularly at night, may contain 
 an entirely inadequate quantity without the con- 
 sumer being so unpleasantly conscious of it as to 
 make an effort to obtain a proper supply. 
 
 The excess of carbonic acid gas is more easily 
 recognized. It is this that gives a close smell to the 
 air in a room that has been occupied by one or more 
 persons and not properly ventilated. 
 
 A good test is to cltne the door of the bed 
 room on leaving it in the morning, stand by an 
 open Avindow for a few moments and then return to 
 the room. If fresh air has not been admitted 
 during the night one is instantly struck by the dis- 
 agreeable odor and there is a .sense of oppression as 
 one tries to inhale the polluted atmosphere. 
 
HEAT 
 
 131 
 
 Tho absence of an abundant supi)ly of oxyj^en, 
 the pi'cscnco of an overplus of carbonic acid ^as 
 and of j)()isonous exhalations from the body in the 
 air that has to bo breathed and rebreathed by 
 iiiit'ortunate human beings is necessarily injurious to 
 hcahh. 
 
 I fit is not as immediately fatal asairdefded with 
 ilhiiniiiating gas, or the choke damp that lingers in 
 (li-iised wells, it undermines the powers of the body 
 hy slow degrees. It renders it less able; to repel 
 disease and ready to fall a victim to what it would 
 easily have resiste<l if in full vigor. 
 
 HEAT 
 
 There is little difficulty in getting plenty of fresh 
 air to breathe during the day. Many women spend 
 the time that they are in the house in winter in hot 
 rooms from which the pure out door air is as care- 
 fully excluded as if it were ether or chloroform 
 warranted to produce asphyxia if taken in too large 
 quantities. 
 
 Cold is the great bugbear and warmth the deity 
 to which health must be sacrificed. Those who 
 bathe regularly, and keep the skin in a state of 
 activity by vigorous friction do not take cold 
 readily^ 
 
132 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 PURE AIR 
 
 Many of the modern systems of heating provide 
 for a constant supply of pure, warm air. An open 
 fire carries awav the air that has been used l)v 
 its upward draught. As our dwellings are fortu- 
 nately not air tight its place is supplied by out d(»()r 
 air, which rushes in through cracks and crevices to 
 fill the vacuum. 
 
 We cannot all furnish our liomes exactly as we 
 should like to do, and many of us have to make the 
 best of the conditions under which we live, as it 
 is out of our power to make a radical change in 
 them. 
 
 To one living in a cold climate in a house heated 
 by stoves the problem of adequate ventilation is a 
 difficult one. It must be met and solved if the 
 family is to be kept in the best measure of health 
 attainable. 
 
 Changing the air several times in the day In' 
 opening the window, or the fly pane in the double 
 window, when the room is vacant, is perhaps the 
 most feasible plan. Bedrooms should be aired fo' a 
 couple of hours every morning, unless the ther- 
 mometer shows a portentously low record. 
 
 When the weather is mild enough to peiinit 
 of the outside air being admitted in a steady strenni 
 without lowering the temperature of tlie sitting 
 
WAYS OP VENTILATING 
 
 133 
 
 room below 6o°y that is, enabling it to be ke[)t at 
 this ])oint by means of artificial heat within, the 
 diiiiciilty is materially lessened. 
 
 WAYS OF VENTILATING 
 
 There are two ways in which an open window 
 can be guarded so as to prevent the danger of 
 draughts. This is a very real danger and should 
 not be neglected in the desire to keep the air in 
 a fit condition for breathing. To feel a current 
 of cold air stealing down the back is an unpleasant 
 experience and to a delicate person may be a danger- 
 ous one. 
 
 To obviate this a piece of board about four 
 inches deep and the width of the window may 
 be placed beneath the lower sash. The air enters 
 vliere the two sashes are separated and is di- 
 rected upward. 
 
 The upper sash can be lowered about the same 
 distance and the apeiture covered with a strip 
 of flannel pinned tightly acn'oss to t' -; window 
 frame on each side. The flannel can he lacked on 
 a light frame made to slip into the opening. 
 
 Both these devices are valuable for use at night 
 in the bedroom. 
 
 Sometimes a window can be opened in a hall, 
 
134 
 
 PRKI'ARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 or an adjoining room, and the air admitted from 
 that into the one occupied, being warmed previously. 
 
 In summer a screen in front of the window per- 
 mits the free entrance of air yet prevents a draught. 
 
 It is always difficult to ventilate properly a small 
 room with only one window. The bed is aj/t to 
 stand near it, and opening directly upon it the avoid- 
 ance of a draught is almost impossible. Covering 
 the opening with flannel and closing the door lessens 
 the danger. 
 
 Except in very warm weather it is always weli to 
 keep the door shut unless it is necessary to close the 
 window. Then when there is a purer air in the pas- 
 sage, or connecting room, it may be left open to 
 admit it. 
 
 il ^ 
 
 If i 
 
 SOURCES OF CONTAMINATION 
 
 The greatest care should be taken to remove from 
 the bedroom every possible source of contamination 
 to the air. Vessels should be emptied, water that 
 has been used in washing removed and no refuse of 
 any kind allowed to remain within its walls. 
 
 An artificial light is a consumer of oxygen, and 
 this is one of the arguments against burning one 
 at night. When possible it should at least stand 
 outside the bedroom door. 
 
 When the room is close and it is impossible to 
 
 m 
 
m 
 
 TEMPERATURE 
 
 135 
 
 open window and door to cause a free circulation to 
 froshoii it, the air may be set in motion by moving 
 a lar^e palm-leaf fan briskly through it. If the 
 door is opened into a freshly aired hall some of the 
 pure air will enter the room by this means. 
 
 TEMPERATURE 
 
 The feelings should not be permitted to be the 
 only test of the temperature of a room. A thermome- 
 ter .should hang there and the degrees of heat be 
 reirulated bv its indications. 68° Fahrenheit is warm 
 enoiitrh for a sittino* room and from 60° to 65° for a 
 bedroom. 50° is sufficiently warm for sleeping. 
 Rest is more refreshing when taken in a compara- 
 tively cool atmosphere. A uight's repose in a 
 hot room always causes a feeling of languor on 
 awakening. 
 
CHAPTER IX 
 
 CLOTHING 
 
 Dress ij nerally an important subject in the 
 estimation of ^/omen. Our garments are so mucli 
 more complex than those of the sterner sex that 
 naturally they require more consideration than men 
 accord to theirs. 
 
 Whether this is at the root of the vanity with 
 which we are credited, or not we all have the 
 feminine desire to please and wish to look our best 
 under all circumstances. Dress must be fitting and 
 approi)riate, or this natural and laudable wish can- 
 not be fulfilled. 
 
 PRINCIPLES 
 
 There is a deeper reason why the expectant 
 mother should pay especial attention to her clothinp^. 
 The welfare of her child, no less than her own, is 
 involved. She can injure its development and im- 
 pair her own health by dressing impro])erly, and slie 
 can benefit both by attention to a few simple princi- 
 ples. 
 
 (136) 
 
RESULT OF PRESSURE 
 
 137 
 
 Avoid pressure, particuliirly constriction of the 
 waist, or breasts. 
 
 Suspend clothing from the shoulders, not from the 
 waist. 
 
 Do not wear garters around the legs. 
 
 Tiiese are not mere arbitrary rules; tiiere is a 
 reason for every prohibition. The thoughtful woman 
 will recognize their necessity. 
 
 She who has all her life dressed according to the 
 dictates of fashion, or from simple thoughtlessness 
 followed the example of those about her, may not be 
 readily convinced that any change is needed. 
 
 RESULT OF PRESSURE 
 
 The walls of the abdomen are soft and yielding. 
 IVlow the ribs in front, there is nothing to prevent 
 the delicate organs within from being scpieezed out 
 of shai)e by persistent, long continued pressure from 
 without. 
 
 A familiar illustration will serve to show that 
 this has actually wrought great mischief. One 
 variety of malformation of the liver is know^i as 
 th(^ "corset liver" because it is dee^)ly indented i;y 
 the pressure which is maintained by even moderate 
 ti^ht lacing. 
 
 The vital organs are arranged in the abdomen 
 with wonderful nicety. Each occupies its own 
 
138 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 place, with space to perform its own function with- 
 out interfering with its neighbors. 
 
 What must be the effect of thrusting into this 
 delicate adjustment the disturbing influence of pres- 
 sure? The parts are squeezed out of their proper 
 relations to each other, the circulation is interfend 
 with, the pelvic bones are distorted and the ma- 
 chinery, so complicated and yet so perfectly adjusted 
 to do its work, cannot run smoothly. 
 
 Nothing but the marvellous power of adaptation 
 which the human body possesses prevents the dis- 
 tortions to which it is subjected from destroying 
 life itseii. Crippled, it can still live on, but at what 
 a cost of suffering to the victim, very often not 
 attributed to the true cause. 
 
 One reads with hope of gymnasiums for women, 
 of tennis grounds and rowing clubs, whence tight 
 garments of any kind must be excluded. On the 
 next page are spread forth the advertisements of 
 corset makers in such number and variety as 
 make it evident that they must be largely patron- 
 ized or they could not afford to call attention at 
 such length to their wares. 
 
 If the expectant mother has always dressed sensi- 
 bly, wearing a soft well-fitting waist instead of a 
 stiff* unyielding corset, and avoided heavy skirts, she 
 need make little alteration in her dress. 
 
RESULT OF PRESSURE 
 
 1:^9 
 
 Should she be in bondage to less hygienic under- 
 wear nothing remains but to make a cliange as 
 soon as possible. Pressure, always bad in its 
 eiTccts, is doubly dangerous now. 
 
 The enlarging uterus must exert a certain amount 
 of pressure upon the surrounding organs. This 
 conies so gradually, as in all the operations of nature, 
 that they insensibly adjust themselves to it and are 
 not ])ermanently injured by it. 
 
 There is temporary inconvenience even then, as is 
 shown by the desire to pass water more frequently 
 than usual, caused by pressure upon the bladder, 
 and difficulty in breathing, due ^o upward pressure 
 on the diaphra^^.n, lessening the capacity of the 
 chest, and rendering it difficult for the lungs to 
 expand freely. 
 
 Tight bands about the waist force the internal 
 organs downward toward the pelvis, already fully 
 oeeupied with its own new burden. As the uterus 
 gradually rises into the abdomen its upward ])rogress 
 is hindered by the obstacle from without. There is 
 no room for expansion and yet it must expand. The 
 most sensible course seems to be to remove tlie 
 hands. 
 
 Piessure continued for manv vears mav have dis- 
 torted the bones of the pelvis, altering its shape and 
 diminishing its capacity. The weight of heavy 
 
140 
 
 I'llEPAUATIOX FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 skirts (Iraggiiifr on the lower part of the flexil)!" 
 spine may have bent it inwards. 
 
 For this there is now no help. The only thin^ 
 to be (lone is to give nature free sway, untrammell(<l 
 by restrictions from without, and trust to her tu 
 remedy the faulty conditions as far as possible. 
 
 This emphasizes what lias been said before, that 
 the preparation for motherhood should begin in 
 early girliiood. If mothers realized their responsi- 
 bility in this matter, would not they see that atlca>t 
 their daughters were not through their own folly 
 rendered less capal)le than nature made them of 
 becoming mothers with safety to themselves and 
 their children ? 
 
 SHOES 
 
 The expectant mother should begin at the founda- 
 tion and wear comfortable shoes broad enough to 
 allow the foot, and especially the toes, free 
 ])lay. It is difficult to "'alk properly when the foot 
 is cramped. Weight is thrown where it does not 
 belong, the muscles are imperfectly exercised and the 
 whole body suffers. 
 
 Do we not often hear women sav, "I would walk 
 more if my feet did not hurt me so much." " I 
 suffer so from corns I dread to put my feet to 
 the ground." 
 
STOCKINGS — STOCKING SUPPORTERS 
 
 141 
 
 STOCKINGS 
 
 The stockings should l)e warm in winter, well 
 tittiiig, and always long enougli to cover the knees. 
 They must be kept up by straps at the sides. 
 
 STOCKING SUPPORTERS 
 
 Tlie best stocking supporters are strips of wide 
 elastic with a buttonhole in each end, like those used 
 for children. These can be fastened at one end to a 
 button sown on the outside of the stocking and at 
 tlie other to a button on the waist. Thev do not tear 
 
 ft' 
 
 holes in the stockings as the metal-tipped supporters 
 are apt to do. The button holes and the buttons on 
 the stockings should be stayed with pieces of cotton 
 to prevent their pulling out. 
 
 Garters worn around the leg must be drawn close 
 to keep the stockings in place. They thus become 
 tiuht ligatures, interfering with the circulation and 
 [preventing the free return of the blood through the 
 veins from the feet and legs. 
 
 The pressure on the trunks of the great blood 
 vessels in the abdomen by the expansion of the 
 uterus renders this a difficult matter under any cir- 
 cumstances. If it is not effectually accomplished 
 varicose, or enlarged veins, are the result, and these 
 are dangerous from their liability to rupture. 
 
'mm 
 
 142 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 Freedom from restraint is important everywhere. 
 Even in a point a.s far distant from tiie pelvis as the 
 knee it cannot be neglected with impunity. Attliis 
 time *'if one member suffers all the members suifer 
 with it '^ is especially true. 
 
 BED SOCKS 
 
 If the feet are cold at night a pair of loosely 
 knitted, or crocheted, bed socks will be found a 
 great comfort. 
 
 UNDERWEAR 
 
 The underwear should be as light as possible. In 
 winter a Jersey union suit, combining shirt and 
 drawers in one, can be worn. They are warm and 
 not bulky. 
 
 If the shirt is worn alone it is sometimes found 
 convenient to o[)en it down the front, face each side 
 and add buttons and button holes. 
 
 This does away with the difficulty of putting it 
 on ahd taking it otf, which is sometimes very trying. 
 
 Worry should be spared in every way possible, 
 and it is by attention to little things that recur con- 
 stantly that this can most easily be effected. 
 
 If preferred the drawers can be obtained separ- 
 ately and buttoned on the waist. Do not fasten 
 any of the underclothing by bands around the 
 waist. 
 
WAISTS 
 
 1.43 
 
 Some women like a cliemise over the shirt, and 
 there is no objection to this garment. 
 
 WAISTS 
 
 The hest waist is the equipoise. It gives ample 
 room for tiie breasts and lurnisiies some support for 
 tlicm. There is no steel in front and the lacing 
 at the back makes it possible to adjust it to the 
 figure as it enlarges. The price is about two dollars 
 and a half, making it more expensive than the 
 ordinary corset. 
 
 If a cheaper waist is desired it is best to make 
 one. I do not know of a perfect pattern, but a 
 ^ood waist can be made by modifying an ordinary 
 ])attorn published by any firm that deals in paper 
 patterns. 
 
 Instead of closing the upper part of the front 
 seams over the breasts, work evelet holes on each 
 side and lace them across. The lacings can be regu- 
 lated to give support while avoiding pressure. 
 
 Two waists should be provided, so that they can 
 be frequently w^ashed. They are made of dr' l-ag 
 or any other thick material that is liked. 
 
 A corset cover is not needed and it is better 
 to dispense with one, as unless made with lacings it 
 is sure to be too tight at some time. 
 
144 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 SKIRTS 
 
 Two light skirts are all that arc necessary and 
 these can have hntton holes in the bands and be 
 fastened to the bnttons on the waist. 
 
 MATERNITY DRESSES 
 
 The ontside dress is the most important part 
 of the costnme as far as ai)pearances go, and ind* cd 
 in other respects as well. li' this is drawn tightly 
 about the form, all that is gained by having loose 
 undendothing is lost. Pressure, wherever app]i((l, 
 is to be scrupulously avoided. 
 
 It is impossil)le under the circumstances to |^ ^- 
 serve the graceful lines of the figure. Anyatt( 
 to do so is labor thrown away. Tight fitting 
 garments only bring into prominence what it is de- 
 sired to hide. Loose, softly flowing draperies are 
 much more effectual in concealing the form. Tliese 
 give an impression of ease and fitness, which is 
 far more pleasing to the eye than tlie display of 
 outlines which in the nature of the case cannot 
 be beautiful. 
 
 A maternity dress should be made with long 
 jacket fronts and a full vest falling well below 
 the waist line. This vest can fasten down the 
 middle, the joining being concealed by the fulness. 
 
MATKIiXITV DliESSES. 
 
 145 
 
 There should not be a tii^ht fittiii;^ lining l>e- 
 iK'Uth it. At the under arm seauis, where it joins 
 ih< linini^ of the dress, broad pieees of elastic about 
 six inches long should be inserted. 
 
 These are hidden by the jacket fronts and yet 
 give the necessary elasticity at the waist. 
 
 The soft, full vest gives .sufficient room for the 
 breasts, care being taken to make it full enough 
 to do so in the first instance. 
 
 If it is desired the linini»: can extend under 
 the vest and be laced up the front instead of fastened 
 with hooks and eyes. This permits of its being en- 
 lai'Lied as required. 
 
 A blazer with a full vest makes a good waist for 
 a maternity dress. The vest and collar are in one, 
 separate from the blazer. The vest is held in place 
 around the waist by a band of elastic. 
 
 The long skirt of the blazer is particularly be- 
 coming. A shirt waist, made with a softly gathered 
 {'nil front, may be worn instead of a vest if it is 
 liked better. 
 
 The dress can be cut in princess fashion at the 
 haek, waist and skirt in one. In front provision 
 must be made for the lengthening that is necessary 
 as time goes on, or else the skirt will be lifted from 
 the floor at the bottom and poke out awkwardly at 
 the foot. 
 10 
 
146 
 
 rUEPAIlATlON FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 This can be accomplished by having the front 
 breadths gathered on an elastic band attached to the 
 sides of the waist at the bottom of the nnder arm 
 seams. About four inches of the material should be 
 turned down when the dress is made and the skirt 
 fastened to the band as in an ordinary dress. The 
 extra material can be let down as needed. The 
 bottom of the vest falling over this part of the skirt 
 conceals the marks of the stitches if there is a trace 
 of them. 
 
 The skirt can be made separate from the waist. 
 In this case a piece of elastic must be inserted aemss 
 the front of the waist band, which must be amply 
 large. 
 
 Shoulder straps must be fastened to the baiul. 
 The easiest way to adjust these is to sew them on the 
 band at the back, bring them over the shoulders 
 and fasten them to the band in front v/ith safety 
 pins. They should be about two inches broad. 
 
 It is important to have the skirt of light material 
 and without lining, as weight is especially to be 
 avoided. 
 
 There is no difficulty in doing this in summer, and 
 even in winter the choice of light woolens renders it 
 an easy matter to find a suitable fabric. 
 
 An extra petticoat can be buttoned on the under 
 waist if desired. Two soft light skirts are much 
 
WRAPPERS — OUT DOOR GARMENTS 
 
 147 
 
 warmer than one heavy one. Air is a non-conductor 
 and that entangled between them serves to keep in 
 the warmtii. 
 
 WRAPPERS 
 
 A Mother Hubbard wrapper with a lorg full skirt 
 falling from a yoke is the most effectual disguise, 
 1)11^ this is not suitable to wear outside the bedroom, 
 except in the morning. 
 
 A loose wrapper is an indispensable adjunct to the 
 toilet. Cotton ones make cool morning dresses in 
 summer. The back can be confined by two straps 
 coming from the side seams and crossing behind, oi 
 he jj^athered into a band, but tlie fronts should be al- 
 lowed to hang straia;ht and loose without a belt. 
 
 OUT DOOR GARMENTS 
 
 As exercise in the open air is so important to the 
 expectant mother, the out door garments require con- 
 sideration. 
 
 The maturity dross that has been described is 
 nuide a w^alking length and looks very well in the 
 street. 
 
 The shape of the outside wrap must be governeil 
 to some extent by the prevailing fashion. Anything 
 deviating very widely from it would only call at- 
 tention to the wearer by making her conspicuous and 
 attract the notice she wishes to avoid. 
 
148 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 I) "■ 
 
 A hag full cloak, gathered into a yoke, with slits 
 to put the arms through, well at the side to allow- 
 plenty of fulness in front, is the most elfectii.'il 
 shield when it can he worn. 
 
 A tight fitting jacket is inadmissible. A variety 
 of the dolman wrap, with full frontsand the peculiar 
 half sleeve that gives this fo.-.i its name, is very 
 suitable. 
 
 Wraps should always be long, reai'hing to the 
 knees, and fasten down the front. 
 
 An ulster with loose fronts answers the purpose, 
 but cannot be worn on all occasions. 
 
 In choosing an out door garment the restriction 
 as to bands about the waist must be observed. In a 
 half fitting garment the tight back is often held in 
 place by a waist strap, and such must be rejected. 
 
 Cloaks reaching belon' the knees impede free motion 
 to a certain extent and render walking more tiring. 
 
 A muffin winter is a useful auxiliarv. Theoiilv 
 objection to it is that its use re(piires the hands to 
 be carried stifHy in front and the arms bent. Tlie 
 best position for them in walking is hanging easily 
 at the side, free to swav a little with the movements 
 of the body. 
 
 Fur is always becominir, when it can be worn, as aw 
 soft, flufly nuislins and hice in summer. Anythinir 
 tliat breaks the severity of outline is advantageoi's 
 
COLOR — NIGHT DRESS 
 
 149 
 
 COLOR 
 
 It should be remembered tliat black, or dark col- 
 ored, iiuiterials decrease the apparent size, while 
 white, bright tints and striking shades in a dress 
 have the opposite effect. 
 
 The expectant mother is proud of the distinction 
 that is coming to her, and of the great gift in store 
 for her. She should not be foolishly sensitive as to 
 the temporary alteration in her appearance, yet she 
 does not wish to emphasize it needlessly. Tliis she 
 can avoid by a little attention to the details of her 
 attire. 
 
 NIGHT DRES3 
 
 As more than one-third of our time is spent in 
 bed the night dress demands a little attention. 
 
 In winter one of Shaker or outing flannel will be 
 found a great comfort. The com[)arative warmth 
 of the material prevents the slightest chill from the 
 cold sheets on getting into bed. It also affords pro- 
 tection for the moment before the dressing gown is 
 slij)ped on, if the wearer has to get up at night. 
 
 It is also a saving in laundry work, as the soft 
 fabric is easily washed and requires no starching. 
 
 Should these not be worn, it is well to have a bed 
 jacket of the same material, or of flannel to wear 
 over the night dress. 
 
150 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 Delicate persons of a nervous temperament should 
 husband the lieat of tlie body, preventing its escape 
 by sufficient clothing. Its produ(;tion is a tax on 
 the nervous energy which should be made as light 
 as possible. 
 
 These extra jackets are advisable even in summer, 
 except in intensely hot weather. 
 
CHAPTER X 
 
 THE BABY^S WARDROBE 
 
 To the young mother the wardrobe that is to be 
 pr('j)ared for the new comer is a matter of much more 
 serious consideration than her own. 
 
 Those who are about to become mothers not for 
 the first time usually have a certain number of baby 
 clothes laid by, if not a complete outfit. At least 
 they have some experience and a good idea of what 
 will be required. 
 
 They have, too, an oj)portunity to remedy mis- 
 takes in the past and can supplemerit thedeficMcncies 
 tlioy painfully remember in their earlier prepara- 
 tions. 
 
 The young expectant mother has no such resources. 
 Very often she has the vaguest possible idea of what 
 will be needed, is far from her mother or an ex- 
 perienced friend, and does not like to make her 
 w^ants known, nor to ask for the advice she requires. 
 
 She may take comfort in the knowledge that ama- 
 teur advice on this point is often misleading. By 
 
 (loi) 
 
152 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 using her own common sense and modifying the di- 
 rections given here according to her circumstances 
 and requirements, she will have a more satisfactory 
 supply of useful apparel for her baby than if she 
 had tried to harmonize the conflicting usages of 
 different advisers. 
 
 Fashion has made many changes in the garb 
 of the modern baby and for once her dictates are (u 
 the side of health and comfort. Warmth ami 
 freedom are the two essentials in latter dav bal)v 
 clothes, and the young mother loses nothing but 
 gains much by not following older customs. 
 
 The chilly linen shirt, trimmed with thread lace, 
 but with no protection for neck and arms, has been 
 superseded by the high-necked long-sleeved Jersey, 
 elastic yet close fitting. 
 
 The tight bands are gone. The long skills, 
 encumbering the tiny atom of humanity with tli( ir 
 weight and stiffness, have followed them and luxuri- 
 ous ease is the result. 
 
 Baby things must be made with extreme neatness 
 or they do not look well. If the mother can fashion 
 the dainty little garments herself and knows how to 
 purchase the materials judiciously, it is cheaper to 
 make than to buy them. 
 
 When a seamstress has to be employed the ready- 
 made clothing is the less expensive. 
 
PATTERNS — S A MPLES 
 
 153 
 
 PATTERNS 
 
 The accurate paper patterns that can be obtained 
 make the task a comparatively easy one even for the 
 novice, provided she can sew neatly either by hand 
 or on the sewing machine. 
 
 Tlie exact qnantity of material required is stated 
 ami also the amount of embroiderv, or whatever 
 triinniing is used. 
 
 These patterns have, as a rule, one fault, the 
 skirts are too long. Thirty inches from neck to 
 h(Mn is an ample length for slips and dresses, under- 
 skirts being two inches shorter. 
 
 In cutting out skirts a fold should be taken in 
 the middle of the length of the pattern, shortening 
 tlicui as much as is necessary. Tliis avoids making 
 them too narrow around the bottom, as would be the 
 case were it simply cut off. The sides of the 
 pattern can be folded under to the proper slope. 
 
 The label on the pattern states the kind of 
 material that is suitable for the garment to be 
 made by it, so that even the inexperienced cannot 
 go far astray in her choice. 
 
 The Gertrude patterns, and other good ones, can be 
 obtained from the Butterick Publishing Company, 
 in New York City. 
 
 SAMPLES 
 
 A written request to any large dry goods firm 
 
154 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 will bring a selection of samples in as many dif- 
 ferent materials as is desired, and from these it 
 is easy to make a selection. 
 
 Parcels under four pounds in weight can be son! 
 by mail, so that distance from the groat shopping 
 centres, or inaccessibility to express companies is no 
 longer a serious drawback to procuring as good 
 an outfit as can be obtained in a large city. 
 
 READY MADE CLOTHING 
 
 When it is desired to purchase the clothing ready 
 made it is best to send for a catalogue to a large firm 
 that deals in baby clothes. 
 
 There is a great variety of style and price and 
 from this garments can be chosen of any degree of 
 luxuriousness. The simpler ones are often more 
 dainty than the elaborate ones. Simplicity is (s- 
 specially to be sought in the baby's belongings. 
 The absence of ornament is compensated for by the 
 fineness of the material and the neatness of the 
 work. 
 
 It is best to select separately the things that 
 are needed. Many articles not really required arc 
 included in the layette furnished at the shops, while 
 there is a paucity of some of the more necessary 
 ones. 
 
 It is sometimes possible to make the undercloth- 
 
NUxMBEK OF GARMENTS 
 
 155 
 
 inir, or some of the pluiiicr garments, at liome, even 
 when the dresses have to be [)urehas('(l. Yokes and 
 sleeves ean be bought ready made and it is not 
 a (hffieult matter to add the skirt to eomplete the 
 dress. 
 
 It is well to begin work on the outfit in good 
 time. The later months may bring a disinelination 
 or inability to work. 
 
 Aceident sometimes hastens the birth, then it is a 
 great satisfaction to know that everything is ready 
 and all the preparations completed. 
 
 Working on the sewing machine is not a very 
 beneficial form of exercise for the expectant mother 
 and as little of it as possible should be done with a 
 treadle ma(;hine. Hand work is infinitely prefer- 
 able, if it is neatly sewed. It always commands an 
 extra price in ready made garments. 
 
 NUMBER OF GARMENTS 
 
 The facilities for having washing and ironing 
 done when it is desired make some difference in the 
 amount of clothing it is necessary to provide. Those 
 who have this labor performed at home and are sure 
 of being able to obtain clean garments whenever 
 they are required do not need as large a stock 
 as those who must depend upon a distant laundress. 
 
 To be stinted in baby clothes means that it is 
 
156 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 almost i 111 possible to koop the baby fresli and swoot. 
 Kvervtliiiii!; .should be sacrificed to this. Wlicn 
 the means are small the saviiiiir should be e[F(!cted in 
 the quality of the material or in the absence of 
 trimminn;;, not in the number of pirments ])rovid(d. 
 
 The following list is based upon the suppositi(»n 
 that the clothes can be returned from the laiuidiv 
 punctually once a week. 
 
 It ma\ be added to at will, but should not be much 
 curtailed, unless the facilities for washing and iron- 
 ing are exceptionally good, or the need of economy 
 is very urgent. 
 
 CLOTHING 
 
 3 bands 
 
 4 shirts 
 
 6 petticoats 
 48 napkir^ 
 6 night slips 
 8 dresses 
 
 2 wrappers 
 12 pair socks 
 
 3 blankets 
 2 cloaks 
 
 2 hoods 
 
 18 bibs 
 
 ! i 
 
 Bands. When linen shirts were worn, bands 
 were an important part of the wardrobe, afford! nir 
 warmth and protection to tlu^ abdomen. They were 
 usually pinned too tight and did harm in that way. 
 It is no more necessary to bandage a young baby 
 than a young colt. 
 
 It is true there are weak points in the abdominal 
 
CLOTHING 
 
 157 
 
 walls, but tlie unyielding bandage, as it is usually 
 applied, forces the intestines down against these 
 when the child cries and actually increases the dan- 
 ger of rupture, which it was meant to guard against. 
 
 Now that the use of the soft, warm Jersey shirt 
 is almost univer.-al, the band is only required for 
 a few days to keep the dressing in place and 
 care should be taken not to put it on too tightly. 
 
 Three strips of soft flannel about live inches wide, 
 by twenty-four long, torn off and not finished in 
 any way are all that is needed. 
 
 They can be sewed on if desired, but small safety 
 pins answer very well practically to fasten them and 
 are much less trouble. They should be put in 
 at the side so the baby will not be compelled to lie 
 on them. 
 
 In leaving off the bands a strip should be torn 
 off every day, not to make the change too sudden. 
 
 r^}\\\'U. As a shirt has to be worn at night 
 as well as durin<>: the dav, four will be found none 
 too many. The ribbed cashmere, Saxony or Jersey, 
 liiii'h necked, long sleeved and opening down the 
 front are the best. They cost from forty-five to 
 seventy-five cents each. As the first small ones are 
 soon outgrown the less expensive quality answers 
 very well. 
 
 If it is desired to make them, the Butterick shirt 
 
158 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 pattern No. 7004 is a very good one. Cotton and 
 wool, or silk and wool flannel, slionld be nscd. as it 
 shrinks mncli less in wasliing than the all wool 
 material. The seams should be laid flat and the 
 edges eatstitehed. If* desired, the neek, sleeves 
 and bottom of the shirt can be bound with flaunt 1 
 binding, which washes better than ribbon. 
 
 A skilful knitter can knit little shirts that arc 
 very prrit^ and dainty and answer the purpose 
 admirably. A baby ribbon of pink or blue should 
 be run in at the neck and wrists. 
 
 After putting on the shirt it should be fastened 
 with a safety pin to the napkin in front to prevent 
 its riding up. 
 
 Some mothers prefer a flannel slip instead of 
 a shirt. This can be made by the night slip i)attern, 
 cutting it a little narrower and lower in the neck. 
 
 The disadvantage of this garment is that if it 
 accidently gets wet the baby nuist be undress((l 
 to remove it. This accident is not likely to luij)- 
 pen with a short shirt. It does not cling as closely 
 and hence is not as warm as a cashmere shirt. 
 
 In dressing the baby it is convenient to 'it tli 
 sleeves of the different garments in one .icrand 
 
 so put them on as one article. In i case the 
 shirt may be fastened behind. The bal)y s idom 
 objects to lying face downwards while its clothes are 
 
SSj * 
 
 CLOTHING 
 
 159 
 
 luMUii^tiecl and it saves niiich truuble to get them all 
 oil with one motion. 
 
 A baby dislikes, anil very reasonably, beinj^ 
 turned and twisted abont while it is being dressed 
 uiul often gets cross and cries before the operation is 
 completed. 
 
 Pcfdcoats. A sleeveless flannel slip is preferable 
 to :i petticoat nntil the baby is three or four months 
 old. It gives more freedom to the body than a 
 regular petticoat, as it is impossible to draw it tight 
 around the waist. 
 
 As it takes the place of the old-fashioned pinning 
 i)lanket, or harrow coat, it is well to have the 
 l)ottom turned up and loosely buttoned for added 
 warmth to the little feet. Care should be taken not 
 to have it too tight to impede their motion. It 
 should be thirty-three inches long from neck to 
 liem. This allows four inches to turn up. This is 
 the length when finished and does not in(dude 
 the hem before it is turned, which must be allowed 
 for. 
 
 It can be made from the night slip pattern, omit- 
 ting the sleeves and cutting it lower in the neck. 
 The arm holes and neck can be bound with flannel 
 binding and the seams laid flat and catstitched. 
 Ridges at the seams should be avoided in a baby's 
 
 Cloti .Qg. 
 
U]0 
 
 PREPAKATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 If a regular petticoat is preferred, the Butterick 
 pattern 7801 is a good one to use. It lias a slit 
 on one side of tlie waist through which one end ot' 
 the waistl)and sh'ps, permitting it to be drawn 
 around and tied in front. Pins vshould not he 
 put in a baby's clotliing when it can be avoid* d. 
 There are straps over the siioulders, though this i.s not 
 of so much importance in the skirts of a tiny babv 
 who spends most of its time lying down. If it is 
 desired to use pinning blankets for the first two 
 months they can be made by pattern number 7801, 
 which has a waist with slit in the side and shoulder 
 straps. 
 
 The petticoats should be made of flannel if an- 
 other slip is not worn. The "waist should be of tlio 
 same material, or of outing flannel, for the winter 
 l)abv. In summer Lonsdale muslin mav be used {or 
 this purpose. 
 
 Silk and wool flannel costs from sixty-five cents 
 to a dollar a yard. The more expensive quality is 
 beautifully fine and can be used for a cloak, or 
 wrapper. The cotton and wool flannel can \)v 
 ))urchased for about thirty-five cents a yard, and is 
 equally serviceable for underclothes. The only 
 advantage of the former is its added daintiness. 
 
 If it is desired to have the petticoats especially 
 ornamental, flannel can be purchased by the yard 
 
 
CLOTHING 
 
 161 
 
 with a broad hem on one side surmounted by a row 
 of hemstitching, or a delicate vine of leaves and 
 flowers, or shamrocks, or polha dots, done in silk, 
 forming a pretty border. The length of the gar- 
 ment is cut from the width of the material. 
 
 They are very pretty at first, but lose their fresh- 
 ness after repeated washing. 
 
 There is an art in washing the bal)y's flannel be- 
 lonu'inii^s which it is well for the voung mother to 
 know if she has to do it herself, or direct the work, 
 and wishes them to keep their beauty. 
 
 Dissolve a few shavings of Ivory soap in warm 
 water, not too hot, wash the articles in this, pressing 
 and rubbing them gently, but not wringing them to 
 pull them out of shape. 
 
 Rinse them in water of the same temperature, 
 neither hotter nor colder. Shake them until par- 
 tially dry and complete the process by hanging them 
 in the sun, or near the fire, that it may be a rapid 
 un(>. Iron them imniediately. 
 
 Using water of the same temperature and dry- 
 in<i; quickly are the secrets of success. 
 
 (Jarments that are knitted or crocheted wring in a 
 towel. Press them into the proper shape, laying 
 them flat on a folded towel or napkin, pin them so 
 they cannot slu'ink and lay them over the regis- 
 ter, or in a warm place, to dry quickly. 
 11 
 
U)2 
 
 PRKPA RATION FOR MOTIIERMOOD 
 
 If a little bluiiiir is adtled to the last water it 
 gives theni a bluish tinge and prevents iheii lookinir 
 yellow. 
 
 If it is wished to make a long underskirt to wear 
 with the christening dress, or festival robe, with 
 which most babies are provided, this same pattciii 
 can be used. 
 
 Cambric or lawn, hemstitched^ jr tucked on one 
 side, can be procured and saves much trouble. A 
 narrow edge of embroidery can be added at tlio 
 bottom if desired, but the simpler trimming is i.i 
 better taste. 
 
 NapJdns. The best rriaterial for the napkins of a 
 young baby is an old linen table cloth or table nap- 
 kins; this linen is soft and absorbent- Not everv 
 one is fortunate enough to have a store of old house 
 linen on hand to meet this requirement, and per- 
 haps the next best is linen diaper, which is sold l»y 
 the piece at varying prices from $1.10 upwaxis. 
 That costing a dollar and a quarter is a good quality 
 for the purpose. Each piece contains about \vu 
 yards. 
 
 It must be soaked for two days and wa-lmi 
 several times until every particle of stiffness is 
 removed and it as soft as an old pocket handker- 
 chief. 
 
 Cotton diaper is less expensiv^ .ind has the iid- 
 
CLOTHING 
 
 183 
 
 vantage of being thicker. It should be treated in 
 the same way. 
 
 Pads have done away with one of the former 
 ohjoc'tions to the linen diaper, that it was too 
 thin to be useful, as they absorb much of the 
 mol.sture. 
 
 Stockinet, such as undershirts are made from, is 
 an excellent material for this use. Unfortunately 
 it is difficult to purchase it at retail. No doubt 
 if it were more often inquired for it would be kept 
 on sale, at least in some of the larger store.^. A 
 good quality, about a yard wide, costs thirty-five 
 cents a yard. It is soft and absorbent, but does not 
 wear as well as a firmer fabric. Old undershirts 
 could be utilized when they are to be had. 
 
 Ready-made stockinet napkins can be procured at 
 the large establishments where baby clothes are 
 sold. Care must be taken not to confound them 
 with stockinet diaper, which have a coating of rub- 
 ber on one side, fatal to the tender skin. 
 
 Canton flannel, cotton flannel or swansdown, as it 
 is called indifferently, is another good material, with 
 the requisite qualities. Though it is rather thick 
 and clumsy for the first nai)kins it answers ad- 
 tnirablv for the laro;er ones that will be needed 
 later on. 
 
 It can be procured in different grades and at vari- 
 
164 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 Oils prices. That costing seven cents a yard is bet- 
 ter than the more ex])ensive, as it is not so apt to get 
 hard in washinir. 
 
 Eighteen-inch squares are large enough for the first 
 napkins and twenty-five inclies for the second size. 
 If it is decided to make only the larger ones tluv 
 can he folded twice while the baby is little. It is 
 well to make two dozen of the smaller size and tliiee 
 of the larger. When only the latter are providid, 
 four dozen is sufficient. 
 
 In putting on the na})kins, if one is found inade- 
 quate it can be supplemented with another pinned 
 around the hips but not drawn up in front. 
 
 To the inexperienced it sounds droll to speuk of 
 a pattern for napkins, but impi'ovements have Decn 
 introduced i' to this part of the baby's attire as wdl 
 as into every other. 
 
 An elliptical piece is cut from the centre of eaeli, 
 rendering it equally effective and much less clumsy. 
 
 Fold the eighteen-inch square to a triangle, this 
 measures across the folded part twenty-five inelies. 
 Lay a plait in it so that it only measures twenty 
 inches. Let this gradually ta])er down until tliereis 
 no fold \vhen the 'points are reached. Taking a 
 needle and thread baste along this seam, slipping the 
 hand underneath the fold not to catch the under 
 part with the needle. When the middle is reaeli^d 
 
CLOTHING 
 
 165 
 
 turn the triangle gently over and continue the bast- 
 iiio- down the other side to the oj)p()site j)oint. 
 Spread the square on the table and cut out the fold. 
 The piece removed will be shaped tlius Q, and can be 
 Used as a pattern to cut the others by. 
 
 Stitch the seam neatly. When the napkin is 
 made double the seams can be inside. Otherwise 
 they can be folded inside when it is put on. 
 
 This is a specially desirable pattern for the larger 
 napkins, as they, being thicker, are more clumsy than 
 the smaller ones. 
 
 A square of thick flannel cut in this way can be 
 uj^ed as an extra protection at night, or when addi- 
 tional security fi'om the moisture penetrating to the 
 surface is required during the day. The point need 
 nut be drawn uj) between the legs. 
 
 It is not necessary to change a baby at night alter 
 it is fed for the last time. If the covering is 
 thick enough to absorb the wet so that the clothing 
 will not become (hunp, no harm is done. In fact, a 
 hahy taken from a warm crib and inducted into f'old 
 napkins in a cool atmosphere is much more likely 
 to take cold than one let alone. 
 
 There will be no chaling it' the skin is sound and 
 whole. Should it thrcaiuii neolcct have become 
 I'hated, cover the abraded surface with a piece of soft 
 
mmsBmammmmmmmmmm 
 
 166 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 linen rag spread with cold cream, vaseline, or mut- 
 ton tallow, so that tlie wet cannot penetrate to it. 
 
 Rubber diapers nev.'r should be used. The 
 dampness, unable to escape, acts upon the tender 
 skin as a poultice, making it sore in a very short 
 time. Those of oiled silk, oiled muslin, oi* any 
 impervious material, have the same effect. They 
 may save a little trouble in the beginning, but they 
 cause a thousand times more in the end tlian is 
 involved in changing all the clothing, were tluit 
 necessary as a cousequence of not using them. 
 
 A napkin may be used twice, but it is bettir 
 not to use it more than once without its being 
 washed. When the moisture evaporates a solid de- 
 posit is left behind, invisible to the naked eye, 
 but irritating to the delicate skin of a baby. 
 
 If. put on a second time they should uot Ix 
 dried before using in the room where the baby is. 
 The open air is the safest j)lace in fine weather. 
 and if possible they should be hung where the 
 sun will shine on them. When brought in they 
 must be warmed before using. 
 
 PADS 
 
 These will not prevent the napkin from becoming 
 wet, but they will j)revent its being unpleasantly 
 soiled and they relieve the washing of its most disa- 
 
NIGHT SLIPS 
 
 167 
 
 ITlUt- 
 il. 
 
 Tlic 
 endcr 
 
 r any 
 They 
 t they 
 ban is 
 ■e that 
 
 l^ctter 
 1 beiiui 
 plid ih- 
 id eve, 
 
 not he 
 
 )al)y i-. 
 
 Ivcatlici'. 
 
 •re the 
 
 lin tlu'V 
 
 icomiiig 
 ?asaiuly 
 )St ilisu- 
 
 greeable feature. When removed they are folded 
 together and put in the fire. 
 
 Tliey are six inches square and are best made of 
 clieese cloth, that has been washed to remove the 
 harshness, and a laver of thick absorbent cotton. 
 When this is not to be had, one or two thicknesses of 
 soft, old cotton mav be laid between the cheese cloth 
 covers, or even a square of soft, un printed paper. 
 An old pocket handkerchief answers very well for 
 the outside covering. One of ordinary size will 
 cover two pads. 
 
 It is only necessary that the side placed next 
 the baby should be soft, the other may be left un- 
 C(/vercd if there is a scarcity of material. An un- 
 liniited number may be made, as they are useful for 
 a lonn; time. 
 
 When they can be obtained, pieces of old cotton, 
 or linen, can be folded square and used as ])ads. If 
 they are only wet, not soiled, they can be washed and 
 iistnl again. If the laundry bill has to be kept down, 
 it is cheaper to burn them. 
 
 NIGHT SUPS 
 
 These may be used as night dresses also during the 
 first month. A young baby spends so nuich of its 
 time in sleep the simplest dress is the best. 
 
 The little shirt, flannel slip and (•and)ric slip are 
 
168 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 ^vorn at niglit as in the day. It is not necossarv 
 (luring the first four weeks to undress the baby in 
 the evening, unless there is some speeial reason for 
 doing so. 
 
 It is well to turn it over on the lap, pass the warm 
 hand gently under the loose clothing and rub tlic 
 back and abdomen. 
 
 The night slips may be made of Lonsdide muslin 
 costing; about sixteen cents a vard. It is well to 
 have them jierfectly plain, without a yoke ; a good 
 pattern is the Butterick one for an infant's night 
 gown, number 4902. 
 
 In winter, or in a cold climate, the night slips can 
 be made of Shaker or outing flannel by the same 
 pattern, and turned up at the bottom and buttouid 
 to keep the feet warm. This object is perhaps more 
 easilv effected bv runniu"; a di-awiuii' strino- in the 
 hem and tying the lower part of the night gown like 
 a bag. 
 
 These sli])s are more suitable for use after tl 
 baby is three months old than for a very youn^- 
 child. The flannel under slip, or petticoat, keej)s 
 the feet warm until it is discarded. 
 
 !(' 
 
 DRESSES 
 
 There are so many ])retty patterns for a babv's 
 dresses that the only difficulty is to choose between 
 
DRESSES 
 
 169 
 
 tiieni. The Butterick slip pattern number 7(S0o has 
 a roiiiid yoke and is a 8ini})le and pretty one. A 
 pattern tor a yoke of a different shape with sleeves, 
 niinil)er 7049, ean be obtained for ten eents. Wit!i 
 these as guides the ingenious needlewoman ean vary 
 the shape of the yokes at will. They may be round, 
 pointed, or square, joined plainly to the skirt, or 
 I'dircd with a narrow ruffle of embroidery. 
 
 The yoke may be made with clusters of narrow 
 tucks and feather stitched between them, or with 
 hands of insertion separated by tucks, or tucked 
 without any other ornament. 
 
 It is well to remember not to put even a narrow 
 ediic of Hamburg around the throat as it is apt to 
 scratch the tender skin. An edging of lace can be 
 siihhtituted for it. 
 
 'fncking can be bought by the yard and the yoke 
 (lit from it. Machine-made feather stitching, narrow 
 hraid with a design to represent feather stitching 
 woven on it, can be purchased by the piece. 
 
 As has been mentioned, ready made yokes with 
 sleeves can be obtained and the skirts added to them. 
 
 Nainsook muslin, costing from twenty-five to 
 seventy-five cents a yard, Victoria lawn and Lons- 
 dale cambric of fine quality, from twenty eents to 
 twenty-five cents a yard, are the favorite materials 
 lor babies' dresses. 
 
170 
 
 I'REPA RATION F()U MOTHERHOOD 
 
 The two former can be had witli a deep hem- 
 stitched hem on one side of the material. This makes 
 a pretty finish to the bottom of the skirt. A narrow 
 band of thick embroidery, h'aves and a vine in satin 
 stitch, may be worked above it if desired, or a chistcr 
 of tiny tucks added. Deep (►pen work embroidery is 
 no hunger considered necessary as a trimming for the 
 skirt. 
 
 Valenciennes is the lace tliat has long been appro- 
 priated to babies. The real is expensive if much is 
 used. A fine Torchon wears very well. 
 
 When a mother has to do her own work aixl 
 must husband her strength she will find it a great 
 saving to have the little dresses of Shaker or outiiiu; 
 flannel. They are much more easy to wash tiian 
 the cambric ones, re(piire no starching and hence can 
 be ironed with a third of the i)ains that must be ex- 
 pended to make the others look well. 
 
 They are not quite as dainty as the pure white 
 folds, but they can be made very pretty with tucks 
 and feather stitching done in cream wasliing silk, 
 and the gain to the overtasked mother is very 
 great. 
 
 The best dress may be of cream cashmere as this 
 Avashes well. No one who has not tried the effect 
 can imagine how pretty a cashmere yoke is, made 
 with clusters of narrow tucks with a feather stitch- 
 
DRESSES 
 
 171 
 
 'wvj: (lone in oroaiii silk hotwccii tlicm. Tt almost 
 reconciles one to the loss of delicate nmslin. The 
 sleevi'S can be laced with the material and shirred 
 at the wrist. 
 
 W hen it ean be afforded a handsome robe is 
 usually provided, to be worn only on state oecasions. 
 
 Sucli are sometimes handed down tor several gen- 
 erations. I know of one that has served for two 
 and is being earefnlly preserved for a third, while 
 no doubt there are others much older. The young 
 mother does not know that hers mav not be betjin- 
 ning a long career of usefulness and so wants to have 
 it as dainty as her means will permit. 
 
 Fineness of material and delicacy of embroid- 
 ering and general workmanship should be songlit 
 for rather than an overabundance of coarser eni- 
 hi'oidery. 
 
 If the expectant mother is a skilful needlewoman 
 she will like to make it herself; if not, it had better 
 he ]Mirchased. The skirt should be ten inches longer 
 than the ordinary dresses, as the weiixht will not be 
 injurious for the short time it is worn. 
 
 A long lawn under skirt should be provided to go 
 with it. 
 
 The young mother who inherits a family heirloom 
 of this nature usually finds that it is made with low 
 neck and short sleeves. She is afraid of her baby 
 
172 
 
 IMIKPA RATION FOn MOTHERHOOD 
 
 tjilviiig cold wlion airay<'(l in it for tlio cliristcnin^'^ 
 or some ceremonial occasion. This can he avoid- <! 
 hy pnttini; on one of the evervdav (h'esses, with a 
 ])retty yoke and sleeves, under tlie state rohe, to lu(4< 
 like a <ijnimj)e. 
 
 In these precious ji^arments the slip is sometinio 
 of silk and the overdress of lace. 
 
 ! \ 
 
 STUDS 
 
 When makino; the ordinary dresses it is well to 
 remember that it is prettier to close the back with 
 studs than with buttons. They can be obtained in 
 every variety of design, from jewelled ones far be- 
 yond the reach of the ordinary purse to ivory ones 
 costiiific only a few cents. 
 
 Three are necessary and they are safer when liid<td 
 together \yith a slender chain. Uidess the settinu; 
 is a tiny turquoise, or ])earl, jewels seem inappro- 
 priate for a baby. The little gold, or silver, hearts 
 are a favorite design. The f )rmer cost about tlncc 
 dollars and a half a set. 
 
 Studs of course involve a double number of but- 
 ton holes. Those who dislike making them \\'\\\ 
 prefer the little gold, or silver, safety pins that an- 
 swer the purpose ecpially well. These also are united 
 by a chain. Plain silver ones can be had for t^\o 
 dollars a set. They look like small bib pins, not 
 
 II 1 
 
WRAPPEliS 
 
 173 
 
 ordinary safety pins, though these -too are for sale 
 ill silver and gold. A doting relative sometimes 
 ^rives one to fasten the napkin, but it is not a whit 
 more useful than the humbler nickle-plated one. 
 
 WRAPPERS 
 
 These are an indispensable addition to the baby's 
 wardrobe. They are made either perfeetly plain, or 
 wiih a little yoke. The Butterick pattern number 
 4()7() answers for the first, and number 7231 for the 
 second. 
 
 The material may be silk and wool flannel, opera 
 flannel, although this shrinks when washed, Seotch 
 llannel, and outing or Shaker flannel. The latter 
 nuikes very useful garments. Cashmere is pretty, 
 hut not as warm as the other fabries. 
 
 The yokes may be tucked and feather stitched, or 
 j)lain with rows of feather stitching, done in washing 
 silk. 
 
 When made without a vokc the fronts can be 
 tucked for about four inches from the neck, or 
 tiinimed with pointed bands of the material, alt(?r- 
 nately three and four inches in length, extending 
 I'l'om the neck downwards, each band being feather 
 stitched. 
 
 It may be a help to the inexperienced to know 
 thut the material should be tucked first, then the 
 
174 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 pattern laid on it and cut out. This applies to yoke- 
 
 as \\ 
 
 ell. 
 
 The wrappers may be tied in front with libboii, 
 or fastened with buttons and button holes. The 
 latter is more sensible, as ribbons sulfer in daily u^c. 
 
 The sleeves should be shirred at tiie wrist. It is 
 a pretty addition if ribbon is used for the front to tie 
 a band an ineh wide around the shirrinii;, the bow 
 with short ends bein<r on the outside. This is 
 
 W 
 
 d wh 
 
 iled, 1( 
 
 the sle( 
 
 •eniov 
 ffcctlv finished without it. 
 
 Wraj>pers are useful to slip on in early niorniiiu' 
 when the night slip is removed, or to put over it in 
 cool weather. Babies are so susceptible to cold th;it 
 they have to be guarded against it, not by kcepiiii: 
 them shut up in hot rooms, but by clothing ti.eiii 
 properly and letting them have })lenty of fresh air. 
 
 SOCKS 
 
 These are a disputed good for little babies. They 
 keep the feet warm, whicli is an important gain, l)iil 
 they are apt to get wet and have to be tied raiht r 
 closely to prevent them from being kicked oil'. 
 Tlie} have to be worn as soon as the flainiel slip is 
 no longer kept closed at the bottom, so it is as W( 11 
 to begin vvith them. 
 
 They can be knitted or crocheted of white zephyi\ 
 
 til 
 
BT.AXKF.TS 
 
 175 
 
 and j^touter ones of Gerinantowii wool. TIic little 
 shoe ]>art of the foot may he of pink, hlue, pale 
 vellow, or crimson. Purple is the color of irrjef, al- 
 though it is also the royal shach^, and is not a[)pro- 
 priate for a baby's belongings. 
 
 '1 
 
 inv shoes 
 
 to be used iiistoad of socks, mav li 
 
 {•isMonecl of stockinet — the b(\st part of ohl, fine 
 uiulerwear answers very well for the ])urpose — 
 tlaniiel, jersey flannel, or eiderdown tlannel. They 
 
 or feather stitched, in 
 ith 
 
 an he daintilv embroidered, 
 
 tl 
 
 le same, or a contrastniii" coh>r, with washuiir si 
 
 The JMitterick jiattern number 4257 shows how to 
 cut tliem in two wavs. 
 
 At least a dozen pairs of socks are neeossary, as 
 they soil quickly and wear out with marvellous rap- 
 i(hty under the ceaseless movemcMits of the litth^ feet. 
 
 Crocheted or knitted socks can be })urchascd for 
 
 twcntv-fiv 
 
 c'tus a j)an 
 
 but 
 
 cost nuu 
 
 •h 1 
 
 ess wnen 
 
 th(y are mn<.^3 at home. Very elaborate ones are 
 sold fl)r I..25. 
 
 BLANKETS 
 
 These are neeessarv to wrai) around the babv 
 while it is little. At least some protection of the 
 kind is required. 
 
 S>ft white knitted shawls mav be used, but thev 
 are more clumsy and not as easib washed. I once 
 
176 
 
 PUKPAllATION FOK MOTHERHOOD 
 
 saw some very soft fine white Shetland shawls, 
 with a thread of silk woven with the wool, whi( h 
 were exaetly the thint^ for a baby, but they are dilli- 
 onlt to proeure. 
 
 Very fine embroidered blankets of cream flanii. 1, 
 worked with s})rays of flower's and leaves in satin 
 stitch, can be had at the establishments where bahv 
 clothes are sold. They cost from §2.50 to §6.(l(). 
 It may be desirable to have one to be worn witli the 
 state dress, but simpler ones are more comfortable 
 and sensible for everyday wear. 
 
 A square of silk and wool flannel, with the ed. 
 scalloped and worked with washing silk, and jx r- 
 haps a dot in the centre of each scallop, mako a 
 dainty blanket sufficiently nice for best. 
 
 Cream, pink, or blue, eiderdown flannel witli a 
 two inch hem stitched in silk is useful and easily 
 washed. 
 
 A square of cotton and wool flannel with a Ikih 
 of the same deptli hemmed by hand, and having two, 
 or three, rows of chain stitch in silk to conceal the 
 hemming, answers v^ery well. 
 
 Flannel blankets, whether simj^le or elaborate in 
 their decorations, must yield the palm for comfort to 
 those knitted from (Tcrmantown wool. Cream 
 washes the best, but any color preferred may be 
 used. 
 
JACKETS 
 
 177 
 
 ■^ive skoins o 
 
 f tl 
 
 ie siiiiik' wool IS rcnuiro 
 
 C(l[l 
 
 1 
 
 aiKl ii 
 
 })iiir of rubber, or bone, needles a quarter of an ineli 
 ill diameter. 
 
 Set U]) 128 stitehes, knit three stitelies plain and 
 tliive ribbed, or purled, across the lii'st needle; turn 
 the work and beginning with three plain stitches re- 
 peat as in the first row. Always begin the row 
 
 witli three plai 
 
 a 
 
 stitcl 
 
 les. 
 
 Tl 
 
 us gives a pretty 
 
 crinkled effect, but any pattern or fancy stitch pre- 
 ferred mav be used, or crochet substituted if knit- 
 ting is disliked. 
 
 The blanket should be a yard long and three- 
 quarters of a yard wide. Two are needed. A 
 pietty blanket with one end shirred into a hood can 
 Ix' tnade of any of the thinner materials mentioned. 
 It can be cut by the Butterick pattern nun)ber 8239. 
 It is ornamented w'ith a }x)W on top and at the back 
 of the liood, and is useful to i)ut on if the baby has 
 to l)e taken through long passages, or when it is 
 curried outside the door in summer. 
 
 JACKETS 
 
 Little worsted and flannel jackets, which used 
 
 tu he considered indispensable, have rather gone out 
 
 of fashion for babies. They are difficult to j)ut 
 
 oil, soil very quickly and their beauty is soon 
 
 spoiled by washing. 
 12 
 
178 
 
 prp:pauation for mothekhood 
 
 Tliey are still sold as a part of a babv's layette. 
 Flannel and cashniere ones cost from Sl.oO to 
 $9.50, the latter being very elaborately embroidered. 
 
 If it is desired to make two, or three, the Biit- 
 terick pattern number o974 ean be used to cut 
 them by; they are mueh less ex[)ensive when made 
 at home. 
 
 Worsted jackets, which cost from $1.15 to $1.1)0 
 when purchased ready made, are knitted or eroch{'t( »1 
 in shell stitch, or star stitch, from zephyr wool. This 
 may be white or any color preferred. Cream witli 
 a colored border looks well. With rows of baby 
 ribbon run above the border, or a single row of 
 wider ribbon, their daintiness is indisputa))le. Their 
 utility is questionable for the reasons given. 
 
 I* I 
 
 CLOAKS 
 
 The age at which a baby must first be tak<ii 
 out of doors must be tjoverned bv circumstances. 
 What would be a perfectly safe ])roceeding at mid- 
 summer might be very imj)rudent in the de})th 
 of winter. It is well to have the cloak and 
 hood ready beforehand, as there is always plenty 
 to occupy the mother's attention wdien she first gets 
 well without beginning immediately to think about 
 new garments. 
 
 Cream cashmere is the })rettiest and most service- 
 
CLOAKS 
 
 179 
 
 -ette. 
 [) U) 
 
 \\n\- 
 
 ) cut 
 
 llliulc 
 
 able material for the first cloak. China silk is used 
 in liummer and a heavv corded cream silk at any 
 season, but it does not seem as appropriate to the 
 tender little form as the sol'ter cashmere. 
 
 The ready made cashmere cloaks cost from $4.75 
 to Si 2.50. The simpler ones arc quite [)retty enough 
 even for a first l)aby. The pattern has a pointed, 
 tucked yoke, the sleeves have tucked cuffs, there 
 arc bows of ribbon on tlie shoulders, and it is tied 
 with the same in front. 
 
 A rather elaborate one of China silk costs $14.50 
 and a cream corded silk, with the waist tucked 
 and embroided in dots, $23.50. AVhen the cloaks 
 are embroidered by hand and trimmed with silk lace, 
 the price rapidly increases until $75.00 is reached. 
 
 Cashmere costs from seventv-five cents to one 
 dollar a yard, and about three yards are retpiirp<l 
 to make a cloak with a cape. It nuist be lined 
 with silesia and the cape faced, or lined, with silk. 
 When ribbon and silk for embroidery, or feather 
 stitching, is taken into acciHint, it will be seen 
 that there is little difference in cost between makiuii; 
 one at home and purchasing one of the less ex- 
 pensive ones. 
 
 It is true the material will probably be finer and, 
 it' the maker is a skilful needlewoman, the gar- 
 ment more neatlv finished. 
 
180 
 
 IMiKl'ARATlOX Foil MOTIIERIIOOD 
 
 If it is clecided to make one, it can be eut V)y the 
 Butterick pattern for a habv's first \ou<r cloak. The 
 cape is very pretty trimmed with three rows of 
 narrow cream ril)bon, either watered or plain, with 
 feather stitchino; in silk between each. The skirl is 
 usually left perfectly plain. Two or three rows 
 of dots worked in silk between the bands of rib- 
 bon look well, but are not as eiTective as the 
 feather stitchin<^. 
 
 An edging of white fur is a pretty addition in 
 winter. It can be bought by the yard very €hea])ly. 
 
 HOODS 
 
 The material of which the first little bonnet i- 
 made varies with the season of the year. In (■<>,>] 
 weather it may be of cashmere, to match the chtak 
 and edged with a border of white fur, or swans- 
 down. 
 
 In summer, silk, crepe de chine, i)lain faille Fraii- 
 (;ais or embroidered China silk, lace, nuislin and 
 silk nudl are used. 
 
 The silk caps are trimmed with full rosettes 
 of Valenciennes lace on top. The crepe de chine 
 may be embroidered in polka dots or trefoils, and 
 ornamented with rosettes of fine net, interminuhd 
 with narrow cream -colored baby ribbon. 
 
 The lace and muslin ones should have a linini, 
 
BIBS 
 
 181 
 
 V)v 
 
 the 
 
 k • 
 
 T le 
 
 OWS <it 
 
 ^S 
 
 wit 1 
 
 ski 
 
 rt is 
 
 c 
 
 rows 
 
 of 
 
 rll)- 
 
 as 
 
 ihe 
 
 lition in 
 chea}>ly, 
 
 on net 
 
 IS 
 
 In (• 
 
 It ) 
 
 he ('!< 
 
 <'M 
 
 • swans- 
 
 W Fr 
 
 aii- 
 
 -lin 
 
 UK 
 
 rose 
 
 Uv- 
 
 Ic c 
 
 line 
 
 ;)ils, 
 
 and 
 
 Imin 
 
 j]i{\ 
 
 la lining 
 
 of thin silk. Very pretty ones are made of rows 
 of \'ak^nciennes insertion, hiid over a silk fonndation 
 of the proper shape. 
 
 Those of silk mnll can be feather stitched and 
 have bands of drawn work down the sides and 
 across the gathered crown, with a pompon of the 
 
 nil 
 
 ai 
 
 id 
 
 lace on 
 
 top. 
 
 Caps of Swiss muslin can have clusters of hair 
 hilt' tucks and feather stitchino; if desired, the 
 la-e border being a plaiting of the muslin edged 
 ,vith Valenciennes. All the other cai)s have full 
 niches of lace around the face and all are tied with 
 ri!)l)on under the chin. 
 
 Tiie little hoods are difficult for an inexperienced 
 workwoman to make neatly. They cost from 
 ninety-five cents for a })kiin one of corded Swiss 
 innshn, with a border of the muslin edged with 
 imitation Valenciennes lace, to twelve doHars for 
 a real lace one. A daintv eml)roidered Cliina silk 
 one can be had for two dollars. This has a 
 rosette of fine net and bal)y ribbon, with loops of 
 wider ribbon and a narrow ruche all around it. 
 
 BIBS 
 
 Bibs are not recpiired until the child begins to 
 teethe, uidess, unfortunately, it throws up its food. 
 It is well to have them readv beforehand and 
 
182 
 
 PIUOPARATION Foil MOTIIEIUIOOD 
 
 soinetlmes it is convenient to liave one to J3ut on to 
 protect the cloak or the hest dress. 
 
 Thev are made of lawn or fine Lonsdale cambric, 
 with a thin laver of cotton hattino- between the 
 outside and the lining and quilted by hand, or on 
 the sewing machine, in diamonds, or any pattern 
 desired. 
 
 They can be trimmed with narrow Hamburg or 
 lace, or embroidered if it is wished. Sometimes 
 when they arc (piilted a sj)ace is left in the middle 
 or at the lower part and a simple design worked in 
 it, or the baby's initial or mono<z:ram. 
 
 Birdseye diaper makes strong serviceable h\h^. 
 They are madt; double but without the interlining oi' 
 batting and are not Cjuilted. 
 
 It is cheaper to make bibs than to buy them. 
 They may be purchased from seventeen cents to two 
 dollars and a half, beino: elaboratelv embroidered at 
 the latter price. The Butterick pattern number 
 748 can be used for them. It contains two models ; 
 one, the handkerchief bib, crossing behind, is a 
 variation of the regular shape we have been familiar 
 with since our own baby days. 
 
 About two dozen are needed, as when once in 
 use they liave to be changed frequently to koej) 
 them dry. Fortunately th(>v are easily washed. 
 
 Dainty bibs for out door wear can be made bv cut- 
 
BIB PINS 
 
 183 
 
 i\\][!; hemstitched handkcrehiofs in two diasconally, 
 workinii; the cut edge in button-hole stitch and 
 (Miil)i'()i(lerino: one point with forget-me-nots, daisies, 
 or tiny [)ink [lowers. 
 
 BIB PINS 
 
 They give a good excuse to display the bib 
 pin with its setting of pearl or tiircpioise to match 
 the studs. It may have the word " J^aby '^ on it in 
 m!-''<l letters, or the child's monogram, or initials 
 eiiuraved on it, or be a })lain bar of gold or silver, 
 satin finished and with a safety clasp. 
 
 Pearls, or tiny silver daisies, are pretty for a little 
 oil! whose .lame is Margaret, as the name means 
 both ])earl and daisy. 
 
 The child born in April may have a diamond 
 spark and the one in October an opal, as these arc 
 the birth stones for those months. Turquoise 
 pioperly belongs only to the December baby. The 
 Mrthday stones for the other months are: January, 
 uarnct; February, amethyst; March, bloodstone; 
 May, emerald ; June, agate; July, ruby; August, 
 sardonyx ; September, sapphire ; November, topaz. 
 
CHAPTER XI 
 
 THE BAIiYS BELONGINGS 
 
 THE BASKET 
 
 A BASKET to hold the toilet accessories is a neces- 
 sary ])art of the bahy's outfit. They are of diifercnt 
 shapes and sizes, and almost any basket that is 
 large enough may be fitted up to answer the purpose 
 verv nicelv. 
 
 They can be bought trimmed and ready for use, 
 but are much more expensive than those made at 
 home. 
 
 The simplest flat basket covered with Swiss mu^- 
 lin, over pink or blue silesia, costs $3.75, while 
 the same basket undecorated is fifty to seventy- 
 fiv^e cents. 
 
 A standard basket trimmed costs $9.50, un- 
 trimmed from $1.50 to $2.50. The trimming con- 
 sists of a lining of Swiss muslin over silesia, pockets 
 and pin cushions of lace and bows of ribbon tied 
 (184) 
 
TIIH HASKET 
 
 185 
 
 iffercnt 
 that is 
 )urpose 
 
 for uso, 
 ade at 
 
 wliile 
 [event V- 
 
 ►0, 
 
 \\u- 
 
 ^g 
 
 cou- 
 
 poc 
 
 ><('tS 
 
 )on 
 
 ti('( 
 
 oil the handles and where tlie legs of the stand 
 cross one another. 
 
 F/irge wicker hampers with a tray, trimmed with 
 (lotted Swiss muslin, cost fifteen dollars, and more 
 ('lal)oratelv decorated with lace and ribbon, twcntv- 
 five dollars. The hampers untrimmed can be ob- 
 tained for five dollars and a half. Hampers made 
 of palm leaf cost eight dollars. 
 
 The trimmed baskets are very pretty and dainty 
 looking, but the freshness of the muslin and lace 
 is >oon impaired by constant use, and they have 
 to be renewed at a time when the voun^ mother's 
 attention is sufficiently occupied already with the 
 iK'cessary care of her baby. 
 
 Ribbon is the most sensible ornament, as it can 
 be replaced with very little trouble, and looks well 
 for a long time. Choose a width to correspond 
 with the openings in the sides of the basket and 
 weave the ribbon in and out, adding a bow here 
 and there to conceal the joining and break the 
 monotony of the outline. 
 
 Hampers can have a broad ribbon crossing the 
 cover diagonally, with a bow at each end and the 
 same on the front. 
 
 The cover inside may be crossed from side to 
 side by a zigzag of ribbon, tacked at the points. 
 
 To line the tray make a plaiting a little wider 
 
IMAGE EVALUATION 
 TEST TARGET (MT-3) 
 
 ^ 
 
 1.0 
 
 I.I 
 
 *i^ lllllM IIIIIH 
 
 lilllM |||||22 
 
 m 1 2.0 
 
 mil 1.8 
 
 
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 23 WEST MAIN STREET 
 
 WEBSTER, NY. M580 
 
 (716) 872-4503 
 

 i/i 
 
 
186 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 i 
 
 than the depth of the tray. Tack this with a needk' 
 and thread around the edge, holding it above the 
 edge, wrong side out. Turn it down and tack it 
 on tiie bottom of the tray. Cut a piece of stiff card- 
 board the exact size of the bottom, cover it with a 
 layer of cotton batting split and thickly sprinkled 
 with violet, or other sachet powder. Press this in 
 place. Sew on the sides of the tray two pin 
 cushions, one round and one long, and two little 
 bags. 
 
 A flat basket may be lined in the same way, and 
 if desired a deep frill added outside with a full 
 ruche of the same around the top. A handle cross- 
 ing the top of the basket to lift it by is useful. 
 It can be tied with ribbon. 
 
 Besides Swiss muslin and lace, art muslin, silko- 
 lene, chintz, China and India silk can be used ior 
 lining and covering the baskets. It is well to 
 make a cover of the material to throw over the 
 open basket to keep out the dust. 
 
 If it is decided not to cover the basket with a 
 perishable material it can be gilded or painted 
 white and varnished, or red with lines of gold. 
 This is a good device to freshen a wicker basket 
 that has seen service before. 
 
 The pockets and cushions may be made of 
 delicate China silk or any material that is liked. 
 
CARRYING BASKET 
 
 187 
 
 Ril)bons are fastened to them, drawn through the 
 nieslies of the side of the basket and tied in bows on 
 the outside. 
 
 CONTENTS 
 
 The basket shoukl hold a little porcelain box of 
 pure vaseline, a powder box and puff, with pow- 
 dered French chalk scented with violet, or any 
 good powder, a half cake of ivory soap in a cellu- 
 loid or silver soap box, a soft baby brush, two little 
 wash cloths made of an old dinner napkin, which 
 are far more satisfactory than a sponge, and two 
 larger towels of the same kind of old linen. A 
 little powdered borax and a wide-mouthed bottle of 
 fuller's earth should be at hand, not necessarily in 
 the basket. 
 
 In one pocket should be a bunch of absorbent 
 cotton, in the other the middle of an old handkor- 
 ehief. One cushion is for large, the other for small 
 safety pins; common pins should not be put in 
 a baby's clothes. The clothes that will be recpiired 
 i'or the first dressing must be laid in it — a bjuul, a 
 shirt, a flannel, a plain night slip, a napkin, a 
 pair of socks and one of the Germantown blankets. 
 
 CARRYING BASKET 
 
 Sometimes a basket is provided to carry the baby 
 from room to room. This is about two feet and 
 
188 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 a lialf long, with handles. One can be purchase] 
 for $2.75 and ornamented to correspond with the 
 toilet basket. A down pillow is used as a bed. 
 
 Some one color should be chosen for the baby's 
 belongings and used wherever color is permissible. 
 Pink for a girl and blue for a boy is the establislud 
 usage. Pale green, yellow and crimson are all 
 pretty. 
 
 THE baby's clothes PRESS 
 
 A modern high bureau, or chiffonier, in dark or 
 light wood, with many shallow drawers, is the must 
 convenient receptacle for the baby^s wardroho. 
 There is usually a little closet at one side that holds 
 the bonnet without crushing. 
 
 A box or trunk with the sides concealed by a 
 deep frill of chintz, tlie top stuffed and covered 
 with tiie same, is a good place to keep the napkins. 
 
 SACHETS 
 
 Wherever the clothing is kept a number of 
 sweetly scented sachets should be provided to scatt< r 
 amongst it. One should be kept with the bibs and 
 a few tucked in the waists of the dresses. Sachet 
 powder can be bought by the ounce and little bans 
 are easily made. The j)owder is sprinkled on a pieec 
 of split cotton batting before being put in the bag. 
 
 L., 
 
THE baby's bed — BASSINETTES 
 
 189 
 
 :h the 
 
 I. 
 
 baby's 
 
 ssibl\ 
 jlislud 
 ire all 
 
 lark or 
 iie most 
 irdrubc. 
 it holds 
 
 ll)er of 
 
 A delicate aroma of violet, or heliotrope, enhances 
 the sweetness even of a sweet baby. Liquid per- 
 fumes are too decided in their odor to be uscvd about 
 a baby. Something more delicate and etheriai is re- 
 quired. 
 
 THE baby's BED — BASSINETTP:S 
 
 Wicker bassinettes, which are often chosen for 
 the baby's first bed, are very pretty and dainty 
 looking. They cost untrimraed from $6.75 to 
 S!M)0 and have a hood, or canopy, to protect the 
 h( ad. They can be lined with glazed muslin, or 
 silesia, of whatever color is chosen for the baby's 
 belongings, and covered with plain or dotted muslin, 
 laid smoothly over the lining or frilled on. Art 
 muslin, silkolene, China or any kind of fancy silk 
 can be used if preferred. A full ruche is ])ut 
 around the top to conceal the joining of the outside 
 flounce and the lining. The curtains are looped 
 hai'k with bands uf the material used or with ribbon. 
 Sometimes the canopy is omitted. 
 
 A large oval clothes basket makes a good sub- 
 stitute for a bassinette. It can be trimmed in a 
 similar manner and is less expensive. 
 
 A stand draped with the same mateiial can be 
 provided to hold the bassinette, or it can stand 
 on two chairs. It can be easily carried from room 
 to room, which sometimes is a couveuieuce, 
 
190 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 THE BED 
 
 A large pillow forms the bed. Over this is 
 spread a square of rubber cloth and then the sheet, 
 or a folded crib blanket. Another blanket and 
 a pretty light coverlet is all the covering needed. 
 
 PILLOWS 
 
 The pillow should be a small square one with a 
 dainty (^ovor. Two large hemstitched handkerchic fs 
 make a pretty one. Down is objectionable as makiiiir 
 the head too hot, unless the pillow is a very tiiiu one. 
 A soft hair one answers the purpose very well in sum- 
 mer. Feathers are not objectionable unless too soft. 
 
 CRIBS 
 
 Pretty as the bassinettes are their decorations soo.i 
 lose their freshness and a crib is a more sensible piu- 
 chase. 
 
 The white iron ones with embellishments of brass 
 are to be preferred, although there are many fasci- 
 nating styles in wood. They can be had with a curv<d 
 iron rod to support curtains, or a framework, or 
 canopy, from whicli they can be hung. They should 
 be looped well back to permit a free circulation ot 
 air but are useful as a protection from draughts. 
 
 CRADLES 
 
 There is a great difference of opinion as to whether 
 
PROTECTORS 
 
 191 
 
 this is 
 iie slu'ot, 
 iket and 
 reeled. 
 
 ne with a 
 Ikerchicis 
 asmakiiu^ 
 J tliin Olio. 
 ill in suni- 
 ss too solt. 
 
 itions sooii 
 iisible piir- 
 
 ii is permissible to rock a haby or not. At present 
 there are symptoms of reaction aojainst the cast-iron 
 ride of no rockers. While violent motion is of 
 course injurions, it is held tliat a gentle swaying will 
 sometimes quiet a restless baby and prevent its rous- 
 ing when otherwise it would waken. 
 
 When we consider that for so many generations it 
 was the universal custom, amongst English-speaking 
 people at least, to rock babies, it does not seem as if 
 it could be so very dangerous a practice as its oppo- 
 iieiits would have us suppose. 
 
 Sliakespeare^s brain was not injuriously affected 
 by the operation, nor the many geniuses from his 
 clay to the present who spent a large part of their 
 early existence in cradles. 
 
 Probably in this as in so many other things the 
 middle path is the safest. A baby should not be 
 accustomed to be rocked to sleep, nor perpetually 
 joixged when he is slumbering. Yet it may be well 
 not to put it out of one's power to give the gentle 
 touch that will soothe the restless sleeper to more 
 jirofound repose. Heredity, which is held accounta- 
 ble for so many strange things, may be responsible 
 for this touch being needed. 
 
 to whether 
 
 PROTECTORS 
 
 Whatever the bedstead may be, there is no ques- 
 
192 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERFIOOD 
 
 tioii that the fouiul'ition of the bod should bo a 
 woven wire mattress. Over this is laid a soft hair 
 mattress, and on this the protector. 
 
 Rubber cloth can be purchased for seventy-fi\<' 
 cents a yard, a yard wide. Two strips should Ix- 
 provided, that one may be hung in the sun and air 
 while the other is in use. Twice a week thev should 
 be sponged with a solution of carbolic acid in watt r, 
 i-60. This will prevent their smelling unpleasantly 
 if they are frequently wet. 
 
 A good protector to lay over the blanket, or 
 sheet, if one is used, is made of several thicknes^^cs 
 of newspaper folded and slipped into a cotton, or 
 flannel, cover kept for the purpose. They are easily 
 renewed, the paper being burned when damp and 
 the cover washed. Two should be provided. 
 
 
 gUiiL 
 
 
 
 
 
 : 
 
 1 
 
 ' 1 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 i 
 
 BLANKETS 
 
 A folded blanket laid over the rubber cloth is 
 better for a young baby than a sheet, as warniili 
 is all important to it. Eiderdown flannel makes 
 inexpensive blankets. The cut edges can be but- 
 tonholed with washing silk in long and short 
 stitches. The upper blanket can be bound with 
 ribbon if desired, but it does not wash well. 
 A pair of crib blankets is an economical pur- 
 chase. 
 
COVERLIDS — PILLOW CASES — HAMMOCKS 193 
 
 1)0 a 
 
 ft Iki'h' 
 
 ity-fivc 
 uld !>(' 
 iiul air 
 slioiiKl 
 11 water, 
 ^asanily 
 
 iket, or 
 cknes^-cs 
 otton, or 
 re easily 
 trap and 
 
 h nial< 
 
 COVERLIDS 
 
 An upper sheet is not needed, the blanket and a 
 light white quilt, or silk coverlet, or in winter a 
 dow n comforter, being all that is necessary. 
 
 Cotton batting covered with pink, blue, or cream 
 clu't'se cloth and caught here and there to secure it, 
 iiiakes a light and pretty comforter. 
 
 PILLOW CASES 
 
 The pillow should be a thin feather, or soil hair, 
 one, to avoid overheating the little head. If the 
 case is embroidered, the initials, or monogram, or 
 whatever the design may be, should be at one end 
 and not where the tender cheek rests. A cluster of 
 narrow tucks above a broad hem, hemstitched, or 
 not, is a pretty finish. 
 
 HAMMOCKS 
 
 "When space is a consideration, as it is to the 
 dwellers in flats, a hammock makes a convenient bed 
 for the baby. A small one occupies little space when 
 slung on two stout hooks and is easily put out of 
 the way when it is not occupied. A long pillow and 
 blanket is all the bedding required. 
 
 If there is a fear that the baby will fall out, it can 
 
 be fastened in with two broad bands tied around the 
 
 hummock. 
 13 
 
iniifii'i 
 
 194 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTIIERH(X)D 
 
 FOLDING BATH — TOILET APPARATUS 
 
 A folding bath tub can be procured, made ol' 
 rubber clotli stretched on a frame that can be foKKd 
 and put aside when not iu use. There is a iiaid 
 rubber faucet at the bottom to let off the water. At 
 one end are pockets of rubber cloth to hold the wash 
 cloth, soap, etc., and at the other a towel rack. 
 
 It costs $8.75 untrimmed, and $12.00 with pockits 
 and towel rack. With care one will last a long time, 
 but the slightest crack in the rubber coating renders 
 it useless as a bath tub, though it may still serve 
 the secondary purpose of a bassinette for the baby. 
 
 TIN TUB 
 
 An oval tin tub is the most durable bath tub. It 
 should be carefully dried after it is emptied. Wlitii 
 in course of time it leaks, a soldering iron will repair 
 the damage and give it a new lease of life. 
 
 TOILET SETS 
 
 Pretty decorated china toilet sets are sold for the 
 baby's use. They consist of a basin, either a plain 
 round one, or with a division in the middle. In the 
 latter one side is for hot, the other for cooler water, 
 or one side for scented water to finish the bath. Be- 
 side the basin there is a powder box and soap dish 
 to match it, and a pitcher. The set costs $3.75. 
 
 PI 
 
WASH STANDS — POWDEU ItOXES, ETC. 
 
 195 
 
 Sometimes the basin is set in a wicker stand with 
 a shelf below fur soap dish and powder box. This 
 costs $7.50 ; the stand alone, fonr dollars. 
 
 WASH STANDS 
 
 A more dnrablc receptacle is a little wash stand 
 of iron enamelled in white. This costs $1.75 ; with 
 i)asin, two pitchers, soap and powder boxes, ^<S.50. 
 An iron stand of the same shape can be had with 
 the basin and boxes, bnt withont the pitchers, for five 
 dollars. 
 
 POWDER BOXES 
 
 Powder boxes in plain China cost from fifty to 
 seventy-five cents; decorated, they are from eighty 
 cents to a dollar. Soap boxes to match cost from 
 seventy cents to $1.25. 
 
 COMBS 
 
 Tiny combs can be procured for ten cents; little 
 soft brushes, from twenty-five cents to a dollar. 
 
 LUXURIES 
 
 While the fanciful toilet sets are a pretty addition 
 to the furniture of the nursery, they are not at all in- 
 dispensable to the baby's comfort. He can be kept 
 daintily nice with no better apparatus than a 
 common hand basin and soap dish. 
 
 While every mother loves to surround her baby 
 
mmrram 
 
 196 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 with luxurious appointments, sl:^ need not be dis- 
 tressed if she cannot afford them. The baby will Itc 
 as happy without them, nor suffer in health (.r 
 temper because they are missing. 
 
 They have been described and the prices added so 
 that those who can possess them may have a guide 
 in tlie selection. 
 
 i 
 lii ' 
 
 ■ HI I 
 
CHAPTER XII 
 
 THE mother's ROM 
 
 ^ITUATIOl^i 
 
 When there is an opportunit) f'^r choice, a large 
 airy rooin should be selectetl ^v'itll a ^'Unny aspect in 
 winter and a cool, sliudy one iii summer. 
 
 it' there is plumbing in the house it should not 
 o[H'n into the bath room nor should there be a set 
 basin in the room. 
 
 When this is unavoidable, the door leading into 
 the bath room should be closed and the cracks care- 
 liilly stuffed with paper. If there is a set basin the 
 overflow holes should be stopped with moist plaster 
 (»f paris and the basin kept filled with water, to form 
 a water seal. The water must be changed ev^ery day 
 by the nurse. 
 
 Sewer gas is too dangerous an enemy to run the 
 risk of its admission intu this room which ought to 
 1)0 most carefully guarded against every possible 
 source of contamination. 
 
 (197) 
 
™w 
 
 Mii 
 
 198 
 
 PREPARATfON FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 THE WINDOWS 
 
 If the windows do not already opcMi from the top 
 tiiey should be arranged to do so. If both cannot 
 be altered the one farthest from the bed should be 
 changed. 
 
 When it is impossible to put in cords and pulleys, 
 the cleats may be removed from under the top sash, 
 and the frame kept in place by a short stick restinu^ 
 on the top of the lower sash. The width of the 
 opening can be regulated by the length of the stick. 
 
 Heavy curtains, or draperies, siiould be removed, 
 on account of their propensity for collecting dust. 
 Fresh muslin, or any washing material, is unobjec- 
 tionable. Sash curtains soften the liji'ht and mav he 
 used if desired. 
 
 If there are outside blinds, or awnings, dark lineji 
 shades are not indispensable, but they are always 
 convenient as they are so easily arranged and can be 
 adjusted without opening the window. 
 
 For the first few days the light must be subdued 
 for the sake of both mother and child. After that 
 it can be freely admitted, the baby's eyes being 
 shaded by a screen, or the crib canopy. They never 
 should be exposed directly to a bright light. 
 
 THE B^LOOR 
 
 Some authorities insist that the carpet must here- 
 
Lil',.tMii»lig 
 
 THE FLOOR 
 
 199 
 
 iiiovod from the floor of tlie Iviiiix-in room. This is 
 ijsiuilly inconvenient and often impossible. It is well 
 wlien the floor is bare, as it so freqnently is in modern 
 houses, as then it is more easily kept clean by being 
 <!j()ne over with a damp cluth. Many })erfect recov- 
 eries have been made in carpeted rooms, only the floor 
 needs a little more care to keep it in good order. 
 
 The carpet should be taken np a short time before 
 the confinement, thoroughly beaten and cleansed and 
 t;i('ked securel} in place again. H possible a large 
 square of carpel linen shotdd be tacked over it for the 
 bed to stand upon. This if firndy stretched makes a 
 smooth surface from which it is easv to remove dust. 
 
 Under the bed is one of the most certain hiding- 
 places for dust and requires more care from the 
 nurse than all the rest of the room put togethei*. 
 Bi'ing out of sight it is too frequently out of mind 
 and being so near the patient is a source of danger 
 that must never be forgotten. It shoidd be dusted 
 every day with a damp cloth, either held in the hand 
 or wrapped around a broom. 
 
 A carpet can be swept with a carpet sweeper to 
 prevent the dust from rising, unless the noise is an 
 ()i)jection. Otherwise it can be s])rinkled with bits 
 of dampened newspaper, or tea leaves to take up the 
 dust. 
 
 It is well to provide a piece of carpet or an old rug, 
 
aSSBBKB 
 
 wm 
 
 200 
 
 PREPARATIOX FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 that can be laid at the right side of the bed at the tinio 
 tlie baby is born. Very often it is not needed, but a 
 delicate carpet may be ruined for lack of it, or a stain 
 left on a plainer one that is difficult to get rid of. 
 
 A polished floor with rugs that can be removed 
 once a week to be shaken is probably the best. The 
 nurse must wear soft slippers as otherwise the noise 
 is distressing to a nervous patient. 
 
 THE BEDSTEAD 
 
 A low, wide bedstead is very objectionable. It is 
 difficult for the doctor to get at the patient to do his 
 duty properly, and it is almost impossible for tho 
 nurse to lift and move her afterwards without strain- 
 ing her back. 
 
 An iron bedstead of the width known as three- 
 quarters is the best. This is about tliree feet wide, 
 ])erhaps a few inches more rather than less. Hos- 
 pital beds are narrower than this, but less space gives 
 a person accustomed to a wide bed an uncomfortable 
 feeling of not being able to turn over without fear 
 of fulling out. The height to the top of the woven 
 wire mattress should be not less than twenty inches. 
 
 THE BED 
 
 A woven wire mattress is at once the most com- 
 fortable and the most sanitary foundation for the bed. 
 
 
aaa 
 
 THE BED 
 
 201 
 
 A fvcG current of air is admitted underneath it and 
 it cannot be otherwise than clean. 
 
 Over this shoukl be a hair mattress. If this has 
 been long in use it should be freshly made over, 
 with a new tick, for the occasion. It is well to 
 have a cover of unbleached cotton for it to save it 
 tVoni accidental stain. 
 
 Over this is spread a square of India-rubber cloth, 
 firmly pinned to the mattress at the corners with 
 safety pins. A second square should be provided 
 to make the pad on. If India-rubber cloth cannot 
 be afforded, white table oil cloth makes a good sub- 
 stitute. It is wider than the rubber cloth and costs 
 about twenty-five cents a yard, the other being 
 seventy-five cents for a yard wide. 
 
 Old sheets are softer and more pleasant to use 
 than new ones. A great number is not required as 
 [\\o. ])ads save them from being soiled. 
 
 I^lankets are the best covering, varying in number 
 according to the season of the year. Unless perfectly 
 new they should be sent to a (lycing establishment 
 and cleansed. It is unwise to wasn flue blankets at 
 home if it be possible to have them done by pro- 
 t'cs>i()nal cleaner. The cost is about one dollar a 
 pair for the process and they look almost like new 
 when well done. 
 
 A light white spread, not a heavy Marseilles quilt, 
 
202 
 
 PRLPA RATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 is the hest outer covering. When this cannot he 
 procured, a clean, white sheet is a good substitute. 
 
 If it is desired to use a down comforter in winter, 
 it sliould be hung in the sun and thoroughly aired 
 for several davs before beino; taken into use. 
 
 Tiie pillows should be treated in the same wav 
 and made over if the ticks are soiled, or thev have 
 been used for a long time without having been reno- 
 vated. 
 
 A good supply of pillow cases is required. Noth- 
 ing gives a more dainty look to a bed than fresh, 
 uncreased pillow cases and the coolness is always 
 welcome to the invalid. 
 
 THE COUCH 
 
 A comfortable couch, or low bed, should be pro- 
 vided for the nurse. If baby and mother do well 
 she will have many nights of almost undisturbed rc- 
 [)ose, and she will be better rested for the next day's 
 labors if this is taken on nn easy bed. 
 
 TABLES 
 
 There should be a small bedside table to hold 
 various little necessaries. No food should be per- 
 mitted to stand there for more than the moment that 
 it requires to arrange the bed table, or the time oc- 
 cupied by the convalescent in eating her meal. 
 
t' WM ■W'^WWWW 
 
 CHAIRS — SCREEN — ORNAMENTS 
 
 203 
 
 inot be 
 itute. 
 winter, 
 ly aired 
 
 I 
 
 me N\:iy 
 icy have 
 leu rciui- 
 
 , Ts (.th- 
 in fresli, 
 s always 
 
 Food, unless it is being eaten, is out of place in the 
 sick room. If a gloss of water stands there for a 
 short time it should be covered. 
 
 CHAIRS 
 
 A larger table is desirable, a comfortable easy 
 chair for the nurse to hold the baby in and one or 
 two others. Oue of these should be a firm chair, 
 not a rocking chair, for the doctor. 
 
 When he comes this should be placed at the right 
 side of the bed and so that he can sit facing his pa- 
 tient. 
 
 SCREEN 
 
 A screen is a very necessary addition to the fur- 
 nit mo of the room. It serves many purposes ; to 
 piotect mother, or baby, from light or draughts, to 
 stand before the door when it is wished to keep it 
 open for a short time, to screen the baby when it is 
 being dressed or put to sleep, or to shut off a corner 
 tVotn an unexpected visitor. 
 
 The furniture in the room should be wiped every 
 'lay \vith a damp cloth to remove the dust ; so it is 
 well not to have too much, that the nurse be not over- 
 taxed. 
 
 ORNAMENTS 
 
 While a few ornaments may be left to beautify 
 the apartment, it is best to put away the superabun- 
 
•TSfH 
 
 BpnnHH 
 
 204 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 (laiice of bric-a-brac which adorns, or eneiini- 
 b(M's, most bedrooms, nowadays. It is difficult to 
 keep it as free from dust as it should be kept, 
 and when it is crowded it is apt to meet wit!) 
 accidents which are distressing to the invalid and 
 erabarassing to the nurse. Pictures are never in 
 the way. 
 
 PLANTS 
 
 One or two growing plants in pots are preferable 
 to cut flowers. If the latter are admitted a little 
 salt should be added to the water, that being chaiiixed 
 every day. They should always be removed from 
 the room at night. 
 
 ill 
 
 
 SUBSTITUTE FOR COMMODE 
 
 A commode should be rigidly excluded from tlie 
 room. It is almost impossible to keep one suHi- 
 ciently clean to meet the exacting requirements of 
 the lying-in room. Even if the vessel is emptied as 
 soon as used the woodwork and surrounding parts 
 cannot but become impregnated with unseen parti- 
 cles which should find no lodtjment in this abode of 
 cleanliness. ' 
 
 One is unnecessary while the patient is confined to 
 bed. AVhen she can sit up, if she requires one, an 
 ordinary earthenware slop jar makes a good substi- 
 
'""■■'■'""■"■" -^ 
 
 THE baby's room — BED PADS. 
 
 205 
 
 tute. It can be covered, quickly removed and 
 tlionjuglily cleansed. 
 
 No waste of any kind should be permitted to re- 
 main in the room for longer than it takes to remove 
 it. Empty vessels and chamber conveniences should 
 bo scalded, dried and kept in the bath room. 
 
 THE baby's room 
 
 If possible the baby's belongings should have a 
 place in an adjoining apartment where it can be 
 washed and dressed out of the immediate ken of 
 its mother. It saves much friction if the baby 
 happens to be a fretful one and in any case is im- 
 portant during the first few days, when quiet is 
 essential. 
 
 THE mother's comfort 
 
 The young expectant mother is often as much 
 puzzled to know what preparations are requisite for 
 her own comfort as she is to know what her baby 
 will require for its needs. 
 
 BED PADS 
 
 These entirely prevent the bed from being soiled and 
 save much disagreeable washing as they can be rolled 
 up and burned. Two large ones are needed and it is 
 well to provide half a dozen smaller ones for subse- 
 quent use, as they materially reduce the laundry bill. 
 
 The foundation is 9, square yard of India rubber 
 
i^iinpii^ 
 
 206 
 
 pri<:paration for motherhood 
 
 cloth, or white table oil cloth. On this is placed 
 about a dozen tliicknesses of newspaper, over this a 
 thick layer of absorbent cotton and the whole covered 
 with cheese cloth tacked in place around the cdps. 
 After using, these stitches are cut, the foundaiKni 
 taken off and the pad burned. 
 
 The rubber cloth, or oil cloth, can be sponired 
 witii a clotli wrung out of carbolic acid and water, 
 1-60, and used again. 
 
 After the confinement the soiled pad is takiii 
 away by the nurse and the fresh one put in place 
 without disturbing the under sheet. 
 
 Absorbent cotton purchased from the druggist is 
 expensive, costing about seventy-five cents a pound, 
 The Absorbent Cotton Works at Walthara, jNIass., 
 furnish a cheaper quality, suitable for pads, at altoiit 
 thirty cents a pound and will send it by mail. Twu 
 pounds are sufficient for a pad. 
 
 It is well to place a sheet folded once across the 
 bed under the pad and extending from it to the loot 
 of the mattress. It should be firmly tucked under 
 at the sides and can be removed with the pad. It 
 prevents the accidental soiling of the under sheet 
 from a drop of blood or a finger mark. 
 
 PADS 
 
 Small pads for use instead of napkins should be 
 
BINDERS 
 
 207 
 
 is placed 
 ;er this a 
 le covered 
 he cdircs. 
 jundarum 
 
 I spo lilted 
 md water, 
 
 . is taken 
 b in place 
 
 provided. They can be burned and lessen one of 
 the irreat risks of infection. 
 
 Six dozen are needed. They can be purchased 
 ready made and cost about sixty cent^j a dozen, but 
 can be much more ciieaply prepared at home of ab- 
 sorbent cotton covered with cheese cloth. 
 
 Cut a ])iece of cheese cloth eight inches long by 
 two wide ; lay on this a thick ])ad of the cotton 
 seven inches long by nearly five inches wide. 
 Double the cheese cloth on this and baste the edges 
 together. Sew a strip of cheese cloth to each end of 
 the napkin to fasten it to the girdle, or binder. 
 Three pounds will make sixty good-sized pads. 
 
 After childbirth there is a bright red discharge 
 which lasts for three or four davs and amounts al- 
 together to two or three pints. This continues for 
 about two weeks, rapidly becoming paler, and after 
 that time gradually disappears. 
 
 BINDERS 
 
 It is best to provide five binders, as they some- 
 times get soiled and have to be frequently changed. 
 They are not necessary, some physicians discarding 
 them altogether, but they certainly add to the com- 
 fort of the mother, giving a sensation of support, 
 which is grateful to the relaxed abdominal walls, 
 not yet recovered from their overdistension. 
 
208 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTIIKRIIOOD 
 
 Make thorn of soft unbleached cotton whicli Ims 
 been waslied. They are out a yard and a (jnai t( i- 
 long by thirty inches wide, doubled so that tin v 
 will be fifteen inches wide when done and the educes 
 stitched or overhanded together. 
 
 It is well to have a couple of yards of the same cott-tn 
 at hand for breast bandages in case they are required. 
 
 NIGHT DRESSES 
 
 A short night dress, a pair of open drawers, with- 
 out starched frills, and a pa^r of white, or cream, 
 stockings should be provided to wear during tlic 
 actual confinement. The night gown can be niade 
 from an old one by cutting off the lower part jn-t 
 below the waist line. Unless short night dresses 
 are especially disliked they will be found a great 
 convenience durino; the first few davs, while the dis- 
 charge is profuse and the napkins have to be iVc- 
 quentlv chancred. After that the ordinarv dr(>ss 
 can be resumed. 
 
 UNDER SHIRTS 
 
 If under shirts are worn they should be open down 
 the front, faced and furnished with buttons and button 
 holes. It is difficult to change a tight undershirt 
 otherwise, and disturbs the invalid unnecessarily. 
 
 BED JACKETS 
 
 Pretty jackets of opera, Scotch, or Shaker flannel 
 
WKaPPEUS — SMIM'ERS 
 
 209 
 
 are preferable to luuler shirts. The back should be 
 
 cut twice as wide as usual iKtwcon the siioulders 
 
 jiud tiie extra fulness shirred in at the neck. This 
 
 extra width makes them easy to put on and take 
 
 oil'. One should be worn during the labor. 
 
 A small shawl, or blanket should be provided to 
 
 lay over the chest, when the bed clothes are turned 
 
 back. 
 
 WRAPPERS 
 
 At least one pretty wrapper to be worn during 
 convalescence should be provided. It can be called 
 a tea gown if preferred, as that seems to do away 
 with the flavor of invalidism which always clings to 
 the bed room wrapper. 
 
 It can be made of surah, China or Japanese silk, 
 crepon, cashmere, or fancy flannel, and be as i)lain, 
 or as elaborate, as taste and means will permit. 
 Only one thing is imperative, it should be fresh and 
 dainty looking, as befits the importance of the oc- 
 casion. 
 
 The train should be short, as the weight of a long 
 one is tiring to the weak back. It should open easily 
 in front to permit of the baby being nursed com- 
 ibrtably, if the mother is so happy as to be able to 
 perform this duty. 
 
 SLIPPEF*^ 
 
 Pretty slippers should be chosen to wear with it, 
 14 
 
210 
 
 PUHPAUATION Foil MOTHERHOOD 
 
 either matching it in color, or having some special 
 ornamentation. Old ones can be covered with vel- 
 vet by skilful fingers and decorated with rosettes, or 
 a twist of ribbon, or both, as desired. 
 
 
 NECESSARIES 
 
 Two or three extra clean sheets should be in the 
 room and a good supply of clean towels, at least a 
 dozen. 
 
 A small blanket, shawl, or large flannel petticoat 
 should be provided to wrap the baby in. A nest 
 should be made in an easy chair, with a pillow and 
 a blanket to receive it until it can be washed. 
 
 A pair of blunt scissors and a ball of soft white 
 wicking should be at hand to cut and tie the cord. 
 Some doctors prefer narrow tape. 
 
 Two dozen medium-sized safety pins should lie be- 
 side these to pin the binder. Gores are taken in aiul 
 pinned in place after it is on, to make it fit snugly. 
 
 A granite ware or wood pulp basin makes a good 
 receptacle for the placenta, which is cut in pieces by 
 the nurse and burned, or buried, after the doctor has 
 inspected it. 
 
 The baby is sometimes di[)ped into hot water im- 
 mediately after its arrival and it is w^ell to have a 
 tin foot tub, or pail, large enough to hold it in case 
 the physician wishes to do this. 
 
SYRINGES— HOT WATER HAG 
 
 211 
 
 Ice shoiikl always be on hand and a good supply 
 i)( hot water at the time of delivery. 
 
 SYRINGES 
 
 A fountain syrlno^o is indispensable. The Tyrian, 
 whieh can be converted into a hot water bai^ at 
 will, is a good kind to purchase. Many physicians 
 o'ler a douche to be given daily while the discharge 
 continues, and this cannot be done without a fountain 
 syringe. 
 
 A granite ware douche pan is a great convenience, 
 being much lighter than an earthen ware one and 
 not liable to be broken. 
 
 A good bulb syringe is needed if there is a ten- 
 dency to constipation. 
 
 HOT WATER BAG 
 
 The Tyrian fountain syringe can be used as a hot 
 water bag. Should another kind be chosen, a sepa- 
 rate hot water bag should be provided, if there is 
 not one already amongst the houseliold requisites. 
 A pint hot water bag for the baby is a great 
 comfort. 
 
 A fit of colic can sometimes be prevented, or cut 
 short, by rolling baby and warm bag together in a 
 blanket. Warmth is especially necessary to the 
 littk creature, 
 
^^^sisisn 
 
 212 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 BED PAN 
 
 A bed pan is also indispensable as for several 
 days the mother should not sit up in bed on any 
 pretext whatever. The most convenient kind is the 
 Eureka, a small earthen one. It can be much more 
 conveniently slipped in i)lace and removed than the 
 large, old-fashioned French one. 
 
 The nurse should warm it by filling it with hot 
 water and drying it before it is brought to the bod- 
 side. A flannel cover, something like a bag, may be 
 made to fit over it and makes it more comfortable to 
 use. A small square of rubber cloth should be pro- 
 vided to cover it when it is taken away and this 
 should be kept clean by frequent sponging with car- 
 bolic acid and water, 1-60. 
 
 BED TABLE 
 
 A bed table adds to the comfort of the convales- 
 cent when she can sit up in bed to take her meals. 
 The simplest form is a board about twenty-six inches 
 long, by fourteen wide, standing on four short legs, 
 about four inches long. A plain, homemade one 
 answers every purpose, although bed tables can be 
 bou2:ht nicelv finished and varnished. 
 
 When one is not to be had, a large pillow with a 
 tow^l spread over it makes a tolerable substitute. 
 
 Tables to stand at the side of the bed caa be 
 
WASn CLOTHES 
 
 213 
 
 vcral 
 I any 
 is tlio 
 more 
 m the 
 
 th hot 
 } bod- 
 lUiv hv 
 ible to 
 )e ])!'()- 
 id this 
 ith car- 
 
 h vales- 
 meals, 
 inches 
 't legs, 
 le one 
 3an be 
 
 taincd, that are made to serve as bed tables. In 
 these the point of support for the top is plaeed at 
 one end. A screw permits it to be raised and 
 lowered as desired. The top can be swung into 
 place in front of the invalid and turned back when 
 not in use. 
 
 WASH CLOTHS 
 
 Several wash cloths of soft Turkish towelling 
 siiould be provided, a bunch of absorbent cotton, a 
 roll of old cotton, or linen, as napkins, or parts of 
 a tablecloth, and ajar of vaseline separate from that 
 to be used for the baby. 
 
 If the nurse arrives in time she should be shown 
 wliere the different articles are kept. They should 
 I'C collected and arranged some time before there is a 
 probability of their being needed. There is alwavs 
 a possibility of their being required prematurely and 
 if tiiis should be the case their absence may occasion 
 serious hiconvenieuce. 
 
 [with a 
 
 lute. 
 
 Ibe 
 
rcssBaraai 
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 THE IDEAL 
 
 THE MENTAL STATE 
 
 0' I 
 
 The expectant mother who earnestly desires the 
 best good of her chikl, has other duties to perform 
 beside providing for its physical comfort and safety. 
 
 Its whole life will be biassed by the influences 
 which surround it during this formative period. 
 Temper and disposition are being fashioned as surely 
 as feet and hands, face and fingers. 
 
 While we cannot understand the mysteries of he- 
 redity, nor the part which even remote ancestors have 
 in the formation of that complex whole, the new-borii 
 cliikl, we do know that the mental state of the 
 mother has much to do with the temperament of her 
 oflspring. 
 
 A nervous, excitable woman, who refuses to at- 
 tempt to exercise self-control during this time, will 
 find her baby irritable and easily startled, if not crut^s 
 and peevish. 
 (214) 
 
PHYSICAL IMPRESSIONS 
 
 215 
 
 Calmness of mind, a refusal to be (Usturbed by 
 trifles, will bring its reward in a placid, good-tem- 
 pered baby. 
 
 From the first the mind should be filled as far as 
 possible with pleasant images. Interesting books 
 should be read, beautiful pictures, or natural scenery, 
 dwelt upon and everything that excites disagreeable 
 emotions put as far away as possible. 
 
 Many an expectant mother would refrain from an 
 outburst of temper, an angry retort, or a fit of 
 sulks, if she gave herself time to think, "This may 
 injure my baby.'* 
 
 The ideal should be kept constantly before the 
 iinao:ination. It is more easv to do so with the first 
 child, when love and tenderness surround the young 
 wile and she has few serious cares to disturb her. 
 By the time that the fourth, or fifth, comes, and the 
 other little children are constantlv domandinti; atten- 
 tion and wearying the overtaxed mother, she finds 
 the task a difficult one indeed. Yet justice to the 
 latest comer requires that it shall be at least at- 
 tempted. 
 
 PHYSICAL IMPRESSIONS 
 
 Physical impressions may be made u])on the 
 child at a very early period of its existence. I^ is 
 said that the deformities of cleft ])alate and hare lip 
 are impossible after the second month. 
 
^Bsam 
 
 maaai 
 
 liiiiiiiiiiniiiiisi 
 
 216 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 FEARS 
 
 Many mothers suffer mueh from the fear tliat 
 their children niav be defornud, or marked in sonic 
 way. It is never well to dwell upon these thinjxs. 
 AVhen they press for recognition, they should he 
 resolutely put away for pleasanter reflections. 
 
 It is a great comfort to know that though these 
 accidents do happen, they are comparatively lare aid 
 that most of them can be remedied, if treated h\ a 
 skilful surgeon early in the child's life. No time 
 should be lost in getting the best advice that can be 
 procured, if it should be needed. 
 
 Many children have unimportant marks in ]>laces 
 where they are of no consequence, as they are seldom 
 seen. 
 
 Another fear that haunts the large majority of 
 expectant mothers is, that they may not survive tli(> 
 ordeal through which they must pass. This canudt 
 be summarily dismissed, but in far the greater num- 
 ber of cases it is unfounded. 
 
 Childbirth is a natural process, not a disease, and 
 the proportion of safe deliveries is very large. 
 
 Since the introduction of antiseptics and the deli- 
 cate cleanliness which they have brought in their 
 train, the chance of unfavorable after complications 
 is materially diminished. Better nursing has helped 
 to swell the list of recoveries. 
 
SELF DENIAL 
 
 217 
 
 There is danger in every step of our daily life. 
 We cannot enter a carriage, nor take the shortest 
 journey by land, or sea, that we do not imperil our 
 lives. They are in the hand of a wise and loving 
 Fatlicr, who in His own good time will call, us 
 homo. That moment cannot be delaved, or has- 
 leued, by anything that we can do. If we are in 
 the path of duty we may safely leave the result to 
 Him. 
 
 The young expectant mother should close her 
 ears to- the stories that some of her acquaintances 
 will only be too ready to tell her. 
 
 Difficult confinements do occasionally occur ; they 
 are not likely to take place with those who have 
 lived in accordance with the laws of nature and 
 come to the trial well prepared physically. 
 
 Since the introduction of anesthetics there is no 
 need to drcad excessive pain. The physician always 
 carries ether, or chloroform, and will use it if the 
 noeessity arises. 
 
 To dwell on accidents which in all probability 
 will never happen, is as foolish as it would be to 
 sjHjil the pleasure of a voyage by the constant dread 
 of shipwreck. 
 
 SELF DENIAL 
 
 Dr. Charles M. Green, in an address read before 
 the Boston Society for Medical Improvement, em- 
 
218 
 
 PRP:PA RATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 phasizes a point that is often overlooked for the 
 preservation of mental tranquillity. Dr. Green is 
 an obstetric physician in large practice. He savs 
 in substance : 
 
 ^' To many women I believe coitus during prctr- 
 nancy is distasteful, to many even obnoxious, to al), 
 in my opinion, it is more or less injurious. Aside 
 from the mechanical disturbance of the uterus, the 
 pelvic vessels are injuriously congested, the nervous 
 system first excited then depressed and it is often a 
 cause of miscarriage, especially at a menstrual 
 epoch. So far as my knowledge of the animal crea- 
 tion goes, the pregnant female will fight if necessary 
 to protect herself. Certainly among enlightened 
 human beings, men who have at heart tlu^ welfare 
 of wife and children should be willing to forego this 
 indulgence during the time when the wife needs all 
 her vital powers for her own well-being, and thai of 
 her expected offspring. Many men and women 
 err through ignorance, and are grateful for advice on 
 this subject.'^ With delicate women it is said to be 
 a common cause of miscarriage. 
 
 
 HEREDITARY DISEASE 
 
 When there is an hereditary disease latent in the 
 family on either side, the expectant mother may very 
 properly give her attention to the best means of 
 
IIEllEDITAIiY DISEASE 
 
 219 
 
 counteracting it, and arresting its development in her 
 child. 
 
 Tiie modern tboory is that children in this case 
 are born with a predisposition towards the disease in 
 question. They a-e moresnsceptible to its influence 
 than others. If ::hey become inoculated with the 
 ircrni it falls on soil favorable to its growth, and they 
 are more likely to fall victims to it than they other- 
 wise would have been. 
 
 This weak point should be guarded and strength- 
 ened by every means in the mother's power. From 
 kilnhood, the child should be surrounded with all 
 the helps that mother-love can devise, and mother- 
 wisdom execute. 
 
 Pure air, proper })hysical exercise, suitable food 
 will upbuild weak lungs and enable them to resist 
 tlic inroads of the dread germ of tuberculosis. So 
 through the list of hereditary diseases. Competent 
 advice should be sought from the earliest years, and 
 the directions i2:iven be falthfullv followed. 
 
 ^Fany mothers have sad reason to dread that th^ir 
 children will bo born with an inherited taste for 
 alcohol and a tendency to indulge in it to excess. 
 It is a rcid danger when the father is a victim to 
 this habit. Yet d^snger does not always mean disaster, 
 and in no case does the old proverb, ^' forewarned is 
 forearmed," apply with stronger force than in this. 
 
Tsmm 
 
 e^ 
 
 220 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 l! I 
 
 After prolonged alcoholic excesses the tissues 
 become diseased and demand the stimulant to wliich 
 they liave become accustomed. Men in this con- 
 dition cannot transmit healthy tissue to their otl- 
 spring; they have not got it to give. What \vn- at 
 first a sin of the will, becomes a transgression ot the 
 bodv. 
 
 It is the mother's part to counteract this baleful 
 lieritage. By means of proper food, as her child 
 grows older, little meat, no condiments except salt, 
 plenty of fruit, vegetables, and the cereals, she may 
 hope to build up healthy tissue, which will have iiu 
 abnormal craving for stimulants. 
 
 Above all she must never permit alcohol to \w 
 tasted. When the child is of an age to be cajKt])l(' 
 of understanding it she should explain to him tin 
 reason for the prohibition in his case. He shduld 
 know that for him it is a subtle poison, as deadly, 
 if not as sudden in its effect, as strychnia, or arsenic. 
 
 If his will can be enlisted on the side of self-coii- 
 quest the battle is more than half won. 
 
 Mothers who have this dread enemy to fiirlit 
 should read Helen Campbell's little book, " Some 
 Passages in the Practice of Dr. Martha Scarbor- 
 ough. " It is published by Roberts Brothers, 
 Boston, and is full of comfort, encouragement, and 
 wise practical suggestions. 
 
OCCUPATION 
 
 221 
 
 tissues 
 
 wliicli 
 
 his cnll- 
 hcir iitV- 
 it wti- at 
 jn of I he 
 
 s baleful 
 
 ler cliil^l 
 
 cept suit, 
 
 she may 
 
 1 have no 
 
 ^lol to he 
 eajwhle 
 
 him till' 
 
 e sliouM 
 Us deadly. 
 
 r arsenic. 
 
 self-coii- 
 
 to fiudit 
 '' Some 
 Scarhor- 
 
 
 •others, 
 lent, and 
 
 God helps those who help themselves. If the 
 mother, through ignorance, or wilfulness, has given 
 to her children a father who may bequeath to them 
 this deadly inheritance, it is her duty to help them 
 to overcome it, and not to sit by with folded hands 
 and see them ruin themselves without making one 
 aile(iuate effort to save them. 
 
 They are few defects, physical or mental to which 
 the human race is subject that cannot be benefited 
 hy wise treatment, begun early and carried out with 
 unremitting perseverance. 
 
 OCCUPATION 
 
 There is nothing like constant occupation to keep 
 the mind tranquil and composed. A succession of 
 ahsorbing interests will do more to promote cheer- 
 fulness than anv other means that can be devised. 
 
 A woman is wrong to shut herself up from out- 
 side pleasures at this time. If she is properly dressed 
 there is no reason why for many months she should 
 not go to concerts, the theatre, or other public places 
 wiiere she finds agreeable diversion. 
 
 If she is obliged to stay within doors she should 
 occupy her leisure moments with light literature, 
 music, attending to house plants, if her fancy lies in 
 that direction, or whatever pleasant employment she 
 best likes. 
 
222 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 The crown of womanhood is coming to lier. She 
 should meet it with anticipations of the happiness 
 that will be hers when she enters into full possession 
 of her kingdom, not with forebodings which turn her 
 joy into sadness. 
 
 INFLUENCE ON SEX 
 
 The desire of the mother appears to have little in- 
 fluence upon the sex of the child. As has been al- 
 ready said this seems to depend upon some mysterious 
 law whose workings have not yet been discovered 
 and to be determined very early in its existence. 
 
 In a premature birth the sex can be distingui<lied 
 by the middle of the fourth month. 
 
 When the parents have sufficient resolution it is 
 better not to set the heart upon either a son or a 
 daughter. The disappointment is very hard to 
 bear, if it comes, especially to the mother in lur 
 weak state. At first, that is with the elder children. 
 it is a matter of less importance, but after several of 
 the same sex have appeared the desire for a change 
 is uro-ent and natural. 
 
 There being no known means of effecting it uitli 
 certainty, it is the part of wisdom to summon all the 
 philosophy that can be mustered and submit to the 
 inevitable with fortitude. There are always conv 
 j)ensations to those who look for them, 
 
INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY 
 
 223 
 
 INTELLECTUA L CA PACIT Y 
 
 How fur it is possible for a mother by conscious 
 mental effort to influence the intellectual capacity of 
 her child cannot be decided. Any strong bias on 
 lier part will probably be transmitted to it, just as a 
 stroiit!; physical impression is apt to be. 
 
 A mother who was alarmed not long before the 
 birth of her child by an outbreak of fire gave to it a 
 dread of flame and a dislike for the sudden shining 
 uf bright light which persisted through childhood at 
 least. 
 
 The mothers of great men have generally been re- 
 markable women. It is the characteristics of the 
 mother that are usually inherited most conspicuously 
 by ber boys. The sons of a genius seldom display 
 anv considerable share of the talents of the father. 
 
 INFLUENCE OF THE MOTHER 
 
 Even the physical peculiarities of the mother 
 descend more surely to the sons than the daughters, 
 wlidse tendency is to follow the paternal type. 
 
 Dental surgeons tell us that dauixhters have teeth 
 of the same order as those of the father, while 
 tlie teeth of the sons resemble those of the mother. 
 
 While we cannot lift the veil that shrouds the 
 mysteries of inherited tendencies, v/e do know that 
 the mother has much in her power. Peace of mind, 
 
224 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 purity, sweetness of temper, form an atmosj)lierc 
 favorable to the best mental development of the 
 tender being she is nourishing. 
 
 If unhappily the father is likely to have cotn- 
 mtinicated opposite qualities as his share of the in- 
 evitable hereditary birthright, she must only strive 
 the more earnestly to overcome them by the su- 
 perior force of her own stronger influence for good. 
 
 Even after birth, if the nursing mother is subjected 
 to strong excitement, auger, emotion, or fatigue, it 
 affects her milk injuriously and through that the 
 child is disturbed and injured. 
 
 Before birth, when the connection is so much 
 closer and more intimate, the power of influence is 
 proportionately stronger and more capable of work- 
 ing permanent results. It is a solemn thought that 
 a bias for good, or evil, is being given not to one 
 child only, but through it to others of succeeding 
 generations. 
 
 Is it not a isoole ambition to leave an impress for 
 good on the human race, to help to raise it by giv- 
 ing to it worthy sons and daughters? 
 
 Every mother desires a prosperous future for her 
 child. Let her endeavor as far as in her lies to 
 bring it into the world with such a temper and dis- 
 position, such tendencies and capabilities, as will 
 ensure for it success. 
 
INFU'ENCE OF THE MOTIIEK 
 
 225 
 
 Iftliore ri ever a time in ii woinan's life wlicn she 
 should strive to be (inseliisli, subordinating lier own 
 wishes and feelings to the good of another, it surely 
 i.-; ill these months of preparation. Her reward may 
 sccin slow in coming, but she will have it if she does 
 Ikm" duty faithfully. As certainly as the harvest 
 follows the seed time she will reap what she sows 
 now. The cares and anxieties, the temporary in- 
 convenience and suiTering will })ass away and be 
 furgotten, the fruit of her self-conquest will remain. 
 
 10 
 
mmim^ 
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 AILMENTS 
 
 Some women are fortunate enough to feel per- 
 fectly well during the whole period of pregnaiicv. 
 There are exceptionally lucky ones who say they 
 never feel better in their lives than at this tin^o, but 
 they are tlie exception rather than the rule. 
 
 No doubt if more attention were paid to the laws 
 of health, this desirable condition of affairs would 
 exist far more frequently than it does and be the rule, 
 not the exception. 
 
 Proper food and clothing, bathing and ventilation, 
 exorcise and rest from the first conduce to it and 
 make it possible. 
 
 SENSE OF WEIGHT 
 
 There is always a little discomfort after the third 
 month from the increasing size and sense of wei<]^iit. 
 This is best relieved, as has been already said, bv a 
 
 well-fitted bandage, which should fit snugly but nut 
 (226) 
 
MORNING SICKNESS 
 
 227 
 
 press tightly. It can be fastened with straps and 
 buckles, such as are sold for men's trouser straps, 
 admitting of its being adjusted comfortably and 
 loosened as desired. A good one can be made by 
 the Buttcrick pattern No. 3186. 
 
 The importance of rubbing the breasts and abdo- 
 invn with oil to facilitate the stretching of the skin 
 has already been mentioned. 
 
 MORNING SICKNESS 
 
 This unpleasant feeling is usually one of the early 
 signs of pregnancy. It generally ceases after the 
 third month, but may continue through the whole 
 period. 
 
 Although it is annoying and disagreeable it is not 
 danoerous, unless it interferes with tlie takin<»: and 
 r(>tain.ing of a sufficient amount of food. 
 
 It is all important that the expectant mother 
 should be able to take enough nouri 'unent to supjdy 
 the double demand upon her. She iiust be in good 
 condition for the effort that awaits her. 
 
 The nausea is often caused by the inability o. the 
 system to respond immediately to the fresh call upon 
 its resources. The mother cannot })roduce at once 
 enough blood for her own pt»^s and those of the 
 child. Her nerve C-iit^n-s ire starved and the 
 stomach, being a sensitive organ, rebels. She must 
 
228 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 try to coax it into submission and in time the body 
 will adjust itself to the new conditions. 
 
 It is best to cat a liglit supper before going to bod 
 as tlie long fast of the night is injurious. In tht 
 morning, before sitting up in bed, a warm drink 
 should be taken. A glass of hot milk with one- 
 quarter lime water, or instead of the latter, apolli- 
 iiaris, or vichy, is excellent. A cup of tei. wills a 
 soda biscuit, or a cup of cocoa, made with half luilk 
 and half water, is more acceptable to some persons. 
 There should be no haste in getting up, rise slowly 
 and dress leisurely. 
 
 An effervescing water, as soda water withont 
 syrup, will sometimes give relief. Soda mint tablets 
 taken when the nausea is first felt are effectual in 
 some cases. 
 
 A mustard paste over the stomach, left on until 
 the skin reddens, but not long enough to blister, may 
 assist in giving relief. Sometimes a day or two 
 spent in bed, lying quietly on the back, improves 
 the condition. 
 
 An ice bag applied to the back of the neck, ex- 
 tending as high as possible, and bits of ice allowed 
 to dissolve slowlv iu the moutii, mav control vomit - 
 
 may 
 
 iu<r. 
 
 If the stomach is out of order the do( tor should 
 be asked tt i/rescribe, as there aie many simple 
 
 W' 
 
 $ 
 
M*Mrt«IMHMMMH 
 
 MORNING SICKNESS 
 
 229 
 
 remedies that can be tried. This raav be the case 
 where there has been a previous tendency to indi- 
 gestion, or the sufferer is naturally inclined to what 
 — for want of a better word — we call '^ billiousness." 
 It is very important that the bowels should be reg- 
 ularly relieved. Any accumulation there reacts 
 unfavorably upon the stomach. 
 
 It is best to try to eat, even if the food is rejected 
 afterwards. Sometimes the nausea does not affect 
 tlieappetitCj at others it is intensified at the sight of 
 food. It is a good plan to eat a little at a time and 
 more often than usual, if it is found that in this way 
 there are fewer disagrceal)le sensations. The nausea 
 may be held in check by never permitting the 
 stomach to be quite empty during the waking 
 hours. It can rest while its tired owner is asleep. 
 
 If solid food cannot be borne, liquids must be 
 taken in small quantities; beef juice, beef tea, chicken 
 iu'oth, mutton bruth, clam or oyster broth, koumiss, 
 l)uttermilk if it is liked, all are usually more easily 
 retained than milk. When the latter is given it 
 should be diluted with lime water or vichy and is 
 often more acceptable heatetl than cold. It should 
 not he allowed to boil. It may also be peptonized. 
 
 When liquids pall, scraped beef may be tried. A 
 pivce of juicy steak is scraped fin?, every particle of 
 membrane being rejected. The meat is then rolled 
 
230 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 into tiny balls with powdered cracker crumbs and 
 eaten. It may be spread between very thin pieces 
 of bread to form a sandwich, or the balls mav be 
 held for an instant over very hot coals to brown the 
 outside. It can be seasoned vv-itii celery salt. 
 
 Sometimes plain hot water, as hot as it can he 
 sippt 1 W relieve the nausea for a time. 
 
 AVhen -t Is found that a change of food and the 
 home lemedies do not control it, the vomiting 
 should not be permitted to persist without taking 
 further measures to check it. The physician should 
 be consulted before the sufferer's strength is impaired. 
 
 INDIGESTION 
 
 There may be indigestion without nausea, al- 
 though this is uncommon when the diet is carefully 
 attended to and only digestible food is eaten. 
 
 There may be a disagreeable, burning sensation 
 in the stomach oi* an acid taste in the mouth. 
 
 Half a teaspoon ful of baking soda dissolved in 
 half a tumbler of water and taken slowly, a little at 
 a time, may relieve the condition. A glass of hot 
 water made pleasantly acid with lemon juice is often 
 eifectual. No sugar should be added to it and sugar 
 should be used very sparingly in the food, sweet 
 things being avoided entirely for a time. 
 
 If relief is not obtained, the doctor should be con- 
 
CONSTIPATION 
 
 231 
 
 suited. It is so necessary to tlie welfare of mother 
 and cliild that food should be properly digested and 
 assimilated that anything which interferes with the 
 proper i)erformance of these functions should be re- 
 moved as soon as possible. 
 
 Drinkin"^ very little fluid with the meals, a suflfi- 
 dent quantity to supply the wants of the system 
 being taken at other times, may be tried. The gas- 
 tric juice is thus left free to do its work, undiluted 
 by a quantity of liquid which interferes with its 
 efficiency. 
 
 Perfect rest for a time after eating may alleviate 
 the pangs of indigestion. All the powers of the 
 body can then be directed to the great business of 
 beginning the digestion of the food taken. If it is 
 })()ssible to sleep for an hour after dinner so much 
 the better. If not it is well to lie down and read an 
 anuising book that will not overtax the mind. At 
 no time should active exercise be taken immodiately 
 after eating. This rule should be observed with 
 especial care when the digestive organs are weak and 
 unequal to the work they have to do. 
 
 CONSTIPATION 
 
 This is one of the most annoying ailments the 
 expectant mother has to encounter. During the 
 latter mouths the proper action of the bowels is me- 
 
-'I,' 
 
 232 
 
 prp:paration for motherhood 
 
 i 1 
 
 chanically interfered with by the pressure upon 
 them from the enlarging body in the abdomen. 
 
 It is unwise to seek relief from laxative medicino, 
 for this onlv intensifies the evil. If the difficultv 
 has persisted for some time and there has been no 
 movement for five or six days, as sometimes hap- 
 pens with inexperienced persons, a tablespoonful of 
 castor oil is the safest remedy. When the intestine 
 is emptied, measures must be taken to prevent a re- 
 cur) <^nc„ of the condition. 
 
 Castor oil can be obtained put up in large cap- 
 sules. It is very nauseous and must be taken sci- 
 entifically if given pure, or it will not be retained. 
 
 AVhen it can be obtained, a piece of ice should be 
 held in the month for a minute previously, to par- 
 alyze the nerves of taste. The oil should be poured 
 in a wine glass of ice water, when it forms a ball and 
 the whole can be swallowed without much difficultv. 
 A little lemon juice or peppermint water helps to 
 remove lingering traces of the flavor. 
 
 When there is a chronically torpid condition of 
 the bowels, an enema is the best means of securing; a 
 daily evacuation. A bulb syringe is used and from 
 one pint to one quart of hot water. A little soap 
 may be added by passing a cake through the water 
 a few times. The temperature should not be un- 
 comfortably warm. 
 
CONSTIPATION 
 
 233 
 
 The larger the quantity taken and the longer it is 
 is retained the more copious the result will be. This 
 should be remembered in case of obstinate constipa- 
 tion. For constant use the amount of fluid should 
 be as small as possible, not to produce over disten- 
 siun of the bowel and subsequent torpidity. 
 
 A very small quantity of glycerine, two teaspoon- 
 fuls, is equally effectual in some cases. This has to 
 be administered with a little hard-rubber syringe 
 that comes for the purpose, as a bulb syringe will 
 not take up so minute a poition. 
 
 The glycerine is also stiffened with gelatine and 
 made into suppositories which can be purchased by 
 the box from any druggist. One is inserted into 
 rectum with the fingers and is followed in about 
 fifteen minutes by a movement. 
 
 Gluten suppositories are made by the Health 
 Food Company which act very well with some per- 
 sons. 
 
 Strict attention to the diet is one of the best means 
 of preventing constipation. 
 
 Plenty of fruit, fresh, or cooked, vegetab^^s, es- 
 pecially tomatoes, and the cereals, with little meat, 
 have a laxative effect. Stewed prunes are almost a 
 specific with many persons, particularly if molasses 
 is used with them instead of sugar. 
 
 A glass of hot or cold water immediately upon 
 
mm 
 
 234 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 rising is efficacious. Constipation is sometimes due 
 to the want of sufficient fluid in the intestine. 
 
 Two or tliree figs soaked in w^ater over night and 
 eaten before breakfast are not a disagreeable renudy. 
 An orange, taken at the same time in the morning, 
 may be substituted if preferred. 
 
 Fresh fruit eaten when the stomach is empty is 
 more apt to produce the desired effect than if taken 
 after a meaL 
 
 When medicine is taken, it should be of the sim- 
 plest kind. A glass of some laxative mineral water, 
 as Hunyadi Janos, drunk while dressing, is perhaps 
 the best. 
 
 Compound liquorice powder, which owes its effi- 
 cacy to the senna it contains, is a gentle aperient. 
 A teaspoonful may be taken at night mixed with 
 a little water. 
 
 It is very unwise to use patent pills, or medicine 
 of any kind w^hose ingredients are unkiKtwn. 
 Powerful drugs are unsuited to the case and will do 
 more harm than good. If some of the means men- 
 tioned do not give speedy and sufficient relief, the 
 advice of a physician is needed and should be ob- 
 tained. 
 
 Under no circumstances should the condition of 
 constipation be allowed to continue. The intestine 
 becomes filled with waste material wdiich deooni- 
 
PILES 
 
 235 
 
 posos where it lies and gives off an effluvia most in- 
 jurious to the system. A process of slow self 
 pdisoning is instituted, which must affect not only 
 the mother but the child. 
 
 Headache, neuralgic pains, and various disturb- 
 ances of the digestion are the direct result of a want 
 of regular and sufficient evacuations. 
 
 PILES 
 
 These are small tumors about the rectum and are 
 a frequent accompaniment of constipation, though 
 they do appear when the bowels are regular. They 
 are an enlargement of the tiny veins of the intestine, 
 due to pressure, either of an accumulation of waste 
 matter, which ought to be discharged, or of the en- 
 lar»»;ino^ uterus. 
 
 When they are within the passage, out of sight, 
 they are called internal piles. Tiiere presence is 
 known by streaks of blood appearing in the move- 
 ments, from one having ruptured as the mass pressed 
 upon it ; or by a slight burning, smarting pain after 
 a motion. 
 
 They are known as external piles when they ap- 
 pear as little bunches, varying in size, around the 
 opening of the rectum. If they become inflamed 
 they are very painful, otherwise they do not cause 
 much discomfort. When they are very large they 
 
236 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 are pressed upon in sitting and thus give pain. 
 They may increase to the size of an egg if inflamma- 
 tion sets in. Even then rest and treatment usually 
 speedily reduces them. 
 
 Wlien the tendency to them is first observed, a 
 well-fitting bandage should be worn to support tlic 
 weight in the abdomen. The suiferer should lie 
 down frequently during the day and the parts should 
 be bathed with very hot, or cold water, whichever 
 gives most relief. 
 
 If constipation is the cause, the bowels should be 
 regulated, a free movement being secured once a day. 
 
 The itching may be relieved by anointing them 
 with carbolized vaseline, which can be obtained 
 from a druggist. 
 
 When the piles bleed, a piece of cotton wool soaked 
 in extract of witch hazel may be gently pressed into 
 the rectum. Bathing them with it at other times 
 eases the pain. 
 
 An astringent ointment of nut galls is useful for 
 external piles. 
 
 If they continue in spite of home treatment, the 
 doctor should be informed, as they may need more 
 vigorous measures, that can only be undertaken by 
 a physician. 
 
 EDEMA 
 
 Sometimes other parts swell and are uncomforta- 
 
SWELLING OF THE LEGS 
 
 237 
 
 ble, seeming to contain fluid. Unless the enlarge- 
 nii'iit is very great, rest on tlie back and the appli- 
 cation of cold water will give relief. When this is 
 111 it effectual in reducing the swelling, the doctor 
 sliould be informed. 
 
 SWELLING OF THE LEGS 
 
 The pressure of the enlarged uterus on the trunks 
 of the great veins in the abdomen, which carry 
 hii(;k the blood from the legs on its way to the heart, 
 may cause the legs to swell. 
 
 Jf this swelling is slight, little attention need be 
 paid to it beyond keeping the feet raised on a chair 
 whenever there is an opportunity to sit down. If 
 it extends to the knees, or there is puffiness of the 
 lower eyelids, or a diminution in the quantity of 
 water passed, medical advice should be had. 
 
 Moderate exercise is not injurious unless the 
 swelling is excessive. Bathing the legs in cold water 
 and raising the feet on a pillow when lying down 
 help to subdue it. 
 
 Gentle rubbing of the legs upward ioi a few min- 
 utes several times during the day helps to improve 
 the circulation and reduce the swelling. 
 
 If the skin is tightly stretched and causes a dis- 
 agreeable tense feeling, it should be freely anointed 
 ^vith warm oil, the legs wrapped in flaunel aad 
 
238 
 
 PRFPA RATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 sli<»litly elevated, and the sufferer remain in bed fur 
 a time. 
 
 Tlie easiest way U) warm oil is to pour a little in 
 a eup and set theeup in hot water. Its iK'conios 
 warm enouj^h, as a hi^h dej^ree of heat eannot I)u 
 borne. In all eases of swellin<^ of the legs, or vari- 
 cose veins, an abdominal bandage should be worn to 
 support the uterus and relieve the pressure as mueli 
 as possible. 
 
 VARICOSE VEINS 
 
 This condition of the veins is not peculiar to 
 pregnancy. 
 
 Many p-^rsons seem to have a predis" ition tn 
 it, the veins becoming prominent wIk.. .er tlioy 
 stand, or walk, for any length of time without r\st. 
 
 The })ressure of the uterus on the great veins, pre- 
 venting the free return of the blood froi. the lower 
 limbs, increases this predisposition when it exists. 
 
 The veins, particularly those on tlu' inside ot the 
 legs and thighs, become ])rominent. The network 
 can be traced in discolored lines all over the surface 
 of the skin. When there is much distension the 
 the veins appear knotted, dark blue bunches showing 
 at intervals along their course. 
 
 Care is necessary, because the rupture of one of 
 these ])rotuberances would cause bleeding which 
 might be difficult to control. 
 
VARICOSE VKINS 
 
 239 
 
 At tho first symptom of varirose veins, tlio pntlrnt 
 sliniild lie down as often as possible and always sit 
 with the feet raised on a ehair. 
 
 A bias flannel bandage abont two and a half 
 inches wide and long enongh to reach from the 
 ankle above the knee, or to the top of the thigh if 
 uecessary, shonld be provided. 
 
 This is easily made at home by cutting bias strips 
 of the desired width and lapping them, so the joining 
 will lie flat, one edge on one side the bandage, the 
 other on the other, and basting them together until 
 the proper length is obtain< d. If it is not needed 
 above the knee, five yards will be sufficiently long ; 
 if to the top of the thigh, twelve yards will not be 
 too nnich. 
 
 It is best to bandage well above the weak ]>oint, 
 that the bandage may not slip down and leave it 
 unprotected. However high it may be carried, the 
 handage must begin at the toes to equalize the 
 pressure below the enlarged vein. 
 
 The heel need not be covered ; after leaving the 
 foot a turn of the bandage is carried over the ankle, 
 thence round the leg and so upward. 
 
 In applying the bandage it must not l)e drawn 
 too tightly, particularly about the foot and ankle, as 
 this would interfere with the circulation and make 
 the return of the blood through the veins still more 
 
mm 
 
 240 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 (iiHicult. li' subsequent swelling of the leg makes It 
 uneonifortabk- it must be loosened. Jt can !)e ro- 
 moved at night if desired, though it may be left in 
 place if the support is needed. It ^lust be put on 
 afresh before getting up in the morning. 
 
 An elastic stocking may be used instead. This 
 is made of stout elastic rubber and can be ordeicd 
 through a druggist, who will take the measures, or 
 give directions for self-measurement. This is im- 
 portant, as the stocking is of no use unless it fits 
 snugly. 
 
 It should not be worn at night. The constant 
 stretching injures the rubber aiul soon destroys its 
 elasticity. If it is not safe for the leg to be without 
 some support a flannel bandage can be substituted. 
 The stocking should be replaced before putting the 
 foot to the ground in the morning. 
 
 Should one be required after confinement, a smaller 
 one will probabl} have to be procured, as the leg 
 lessens in size aftei' the pressure is removed. 
 
 The close support of a stocking, or bandage, ren- 
 ders the liability of a vein rupturing very mueh 
 less. One or the other should always be worn as 
 soon as the prominence of the veins is noticed. It 
 is a very simple precaution, easily taken, and nnich 
 trouble may be avoided by attending to it in time. 
 
KUPTUKE OF A VEIN — SALIVATION 
 
 241 
 
 RUPTURE OF A VEIN 
 
 Should this accident occur, a piece of cotton folded 
 several times, until it is about three inches square, 
 aid, if possible, dij)ped into extract of ^vitch hazel, 
 should be tii^htly bound over the bleedin<^ point, 
 th(^ leg laid flat, not elevated, and the doctor sent for. 
 Spirits of turpentine may be used instead of witch 
 hazel, but firm pressure is more important than 
 either. A piece of ice pressed over the bandage 
 helps to check the bleeding. 
 
 Sometimes a vein ruptures under the skin and the 
 escaped blood forms a dark spot on the leg. Cloths 
 wrung out of ice water, witch hazel and water, or 
 alcohol and water, should be applied without pres- 
 sure and the leg kept at rcoC until the discoloration 
 has disappeared. 
 
 (Constipation is one of the causes of varicose veins, 
 the accumulated mass within the intestine causing 
 iiiiclue pressure. A dessertspoonful of Rochelle 
 salts should be taken as often as is necessary to re- 
 lieve it. 
 
 SALIVATION 
 
 There is sometimes an undue secretion of saliva 
 
 in the mouth which causes much inconvenience, as it 
 
 lias to be frequently gotten rid of. It is said that a 
 
 piece of dry, bitter orange peel kept in the mouth 
 16 
 
242 
 
 PREPARATIOX FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 helps to check it. A teaspoonful of spirits of tur- 
 pentine put in a pitcher of boiling water and the 
 steam inhaled is also recommended. The mouth 
 may be washed with a little tannic acid, or chlorate 
 of potash, dissolved in wo'^r, bnt this shonld l)o 
 sparingly used. Rorhelle salts is ^he best laxative 
 to use should one be required. 
 
 FAITsTNESS 
 
 A feeling of dizziness and faintness is common 
 during the earlier part of pregnancy and is often 
 marked at the time of quickening, or when the mo- 
 tion of the child is first felt. 
 
 It is best relieved by lying down with the head 
 low, without a pillow, admitting a current of fresh 
 air and if it continiics takiniij slowlv a \Narm drink. 
 Stimulant should not be resorted to, plain hot water, 
 hot weak tea, or coflee, hot lemonade, or clear soup, 
 bouillon being better and leaving no ill effect as 
 stimulant is apt to do. 
 
 Lying down as soon as the first sensation of diz- 
 ziness is felt will often prevent it from passing into 
 faintness. 
 
 DISCOLORATION OF THE SKIN 
 
 The stretching of the skin of the abdomen ind 
 breasts, particularly of the former, causes glisteninii; 
 white Hues to appear upon it. Sometimes they are 
 
LEUCORRHCEA 
 
 243 
 
 red or blue in color, turning white after confincniont, 
 when thev look like scars. Thev are of no special 
 importance and do not require treatment except as 
 they show that the skin is imder great tension and 
 s!u)u]d be lubricated by daily rubbing with oil. The 
 alnloiuinal bandage gives support and lessens the 
 discomfort. ' 
 
 Brown or yellow patches sometimes appear upon 
 the face and breasts. These remain until after the 
 confinement and then gradually fade away. 
 
 LEUrORRH(EA 
 
 There may be a discliarge from the vagina of a 
 thin watery liquid or of a thicker one, white or 
 vellow in color. This niav irritate the surroundin^: 
 parts and cause unpleasant itching. A douche 
 should be taken every morning of oiic hca{)ing 
 tcaspoonful of common salt in one pint of warm, not 
 hot, water. The fountain syringe should be used 
 and the bag hung only just high enough to j>ermit 
 the water to flow in the gentlest manner, force must 
 be carefully avoided. 
 
 When the irritation is very great, carbolized vase- 
 line may be applied to the external ])arts, or they 
 may be bathed in a solution of one teaspoonful of 
 ha king soda to half a pint of warm water. 
 
 If relief dops jiQt follow^ the doctor should be ap- 
 
I1 'I 
 
 244 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 plied to for advice, as the persistant irritation shows 
 that more radical treatment is necessary. 
 
 SLEEPLESSNESS 
 
 This has already been mentioned, but it may bo 
 as well to recapitulate here the simple measures 
 which may l)e tried for its relief. 
 
 A Wii^ht supper before i2;oino; to bed. This sets 
 the di<i^estive organs in motion and draws the blood 
 away from the brain. 
 
 Lyiui^ with the head raised on an extra pillow. 
 
 Applying a hot water bag to the feet and an ice 
 bag to the back of the neck. 
 
 Sponging the feet with cc>ld water f(jllowed by 
 rapid friction just before getting into bed. 
 
 Taking a warm bath, or soaking the feet in hot 
 water to which mustard has been added. 
 
 Drinking a glass of hot milk after going to bed. 
 
 Lying in a comfortable position with the abdomen 
 supported on a pillow. 
 
 Taking daily exercise in the open air. 
 
 Having the bedroom well ventilated. 
 
 Drinking no tea nor coffee in the evening. 
 
 As far as possible banishing unpleasant subjects 
 of thought and fixing the mind on some monotonous 
 form of motion. 
 
 It is suicidal to take drugs to induce sleep unless 
 
CONSULTING A PHYSICIAN 
 
 245 
 
 there is absolute necessity. The habit of depending 
 upon them is easily formed and most difficult to 
 shake off. 
 
 They never should be ventured on without com- 
 petent medical advice, nor tried until everything 
 else has failed. 
 
 Sometimes, when the night's rest is broken, suffi- 
 cient sleep can be obtained during the day to com- 
 pensate for the loss. 
 
 CONSULTING A PHYSICIAN 
 
 Although it is foolish to seek a physician for re- 
 lief from every slight ailment, the youn^ expectant 
 mother should remember that it is unwise to let one 
 persist for any length of time unrelieved. It is a 
 waste of the strength she is bound to husband for 
 the time of need. 
 
 Ailments that seem slight to her may indicate a 
 necessity for speedy treutment to the experienced 
 eye of her doctor. No harm is done by consulting 
 him and often much good. 
 
 Above all she should not })ermit herself to brood 
 over something which may be of no conseijueuce 
 ^vllatever. A few cheery words from the doctor 
 may dispel a phantom which has haunted her for 
 weeks, to the great detriment of nerves and spirits, 
 and which might as well have been laid earlier. 
 
, .1 J mmmmrmmm^^m 
 
 2I<) 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 If there is a real evil to be faced, the sooner it Is 
 met and dealt with the better. If it is only an im- 
 aginary evil that is troubling her peace, it cannot l.c 
 too speedily j)iit to flight. Health and comfort an- 
 too precious to be risked and ease of mind should 
 be as jealously guarded as strength of body. 
 
 i 
 
CHAPTER XV 
 
 MISCARRIAGE 
 
 If a child is born before it is possible for it to 
 live outside the uterus tlie accident is call'-d a mis- 
 carriage, or an abortion. If it takes place after the 
 sixth or seventh month, bnt before the full term 
 has elapsed, it is said to be a premature confinement. 
 
 It has been mentioned before, but it cannot be 
 too often reiterated if it makes the expectant mother 
 more careful, that a miscarriage is peculiarly 
 likely to happen at the time when the menstrual period 
 is due. If the slightest pain, or inconvenience, is 
 felt then, it is wisest to go to bed and lie on the back 
 as much as is possible for foui* days at least. 
 
 It is said to be most common during the first three 
 months of pregnancy, the danger lessening after the 
 fourth. 
 
 A miscarriage is looked upon by many women as 
 a very trifling matter, and sometimes, it is to be 
 feared, is even rejoiced over. 
 
 (247) 
 
f 
 
 
 ' 
 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 
 
 248 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 It always involves danger and may be more seri- 
 ous in its resnlts than a confinement. 
 
 It is not a natural process, as an ordinary labor is, 
 and causes more or less shock to the system. ^lany 
 uterine diseases are the result of neglected miscar- 
 riage and the patient needs special care after one lias 
 taken place to avert disagreeable consequences. 
 
 . f 
 
 CAUSES 
 
 There are various causes which contribute to a 
 miscarriage. It is not to be overlooked that discaj^e 
 in the father, or other circumstances connected with 
 him, may affect it. Alcoholism, exhausting chronic 
 disease, lead poisoning, working in sulphur and ex- 
 treme old age, or youth, are some of these. 
 
 If the mother takes too violent exercise, or very 
 hot baths, wears tight corsets, has a fall, or a severe 
 blow on the abdomen, suffers from an infections 
 disease, as scarlet fever, or some forms of chronic 
 disease, is sul»jected to extreme mental emotion, or 
 any prolonged strain, it is very apt to bring it on. 
 
 Women who work in tobacco are said to be pe- 
 culiarly liable to miscarry and excessive indulgence 
 in it by the father may have the same effect. 
 
 In some women it recurs regularly at about the 
 same time in each pregnancy. The predisposing 
 cause, whatever it may be, still exists, and if it can 
 
SYMPTOMS— TREATMENT 
 
 249 
 
 ho discovered may be removed. Sometimes com- 
 plete rest in bed for several months is prescribed, 
 in tiie hope of saving the child. 
 
 SYMPTOMS 
 
 The symptoms are a sense of weight in the abdo- 
 men, pain in the back, sensations of chilliness fol- 
 lowed by flashes of heat, the discharge from the 
 vagina increases and there is a feeling of languor and 
 general malaise. 
 
 During the first two months a miscarriage might 
 easily be mistaken for excessive menstrual flow. If 
 tlie period is delayed for two or three weeks and 
 then comes on as a slight hemorrhage it is probable 
 one has taken place. The embryo is so tiny it 
 might easily escape notice, unless a close watch was 
 kept for it. There are usually cU)ts of blood, any 
 one of which might conceal it. 
 
 A discharge of blood from the vagina, particularly 
 when it is accompanied with pain in the lower part 
 of the abdomen, is always suspicious. The pain is 
 due to the contraction of the uterus. It is of a 
 griping character and comes in paroxysms, ceasing 
 entirely and then returning at regular intervals. 
 
 TREATMENT 
 
 Eest in bed on the back is the first measure. The 
 
250 
 
 PIIEPAIIATION F'Oll MOTHERHOOD 
 
 patient slioukl remain tliere for a week after the 
 syni|)t()nis liav^e disaj)[)eare(l. 
 
 Hot drinks should not be ^iven and tlie eovciinc- 
 shoukl he light. If neeessary the eatlicter can lie 
 used and tlie bowels nuist be re<ji:nlated l)\ an encnui 
 or a gentle laxative. 
 
 The doetor should be sent for in every case. Then* 
 are quieting drugs whieh he can administer it 
 neeessary and he is needed to direet the after treal- 
 ment should the niisearriage take place. The rest 
 and quiet may prevent it. Strict attention should 
 be paid to the diet, no meat or indigestible food 
 being eaten. 
 
 If the uterus is determined to expel its contents, 
 the pains continue, the hemorrhage increases and 
 finally the mass comes away. 
 
 The danger is that a part of it may be retained, 
 the j)lacenta, or some of the membranes, remaining 
 behind. The doctor dt^sires to leave as much as possi- 
 ble to nature and will not interfere unless it is cer- 
 tain that interference is necessary. 
 
 Any solid matter that comes from the uterus 
 should be kept for his inspection. If there is long 
 to wait before he can see it, a little water may he 
 poured on it and a few drops of carbolic acid 
 added if it is required. The vessel containing the 
 
CONVALESCENCE 
 
 251 
 
 substance should be closely covered and kept at a 
 distance from t'ne patient's room. 
 
 Tlie pain usually ceases as soon as the uterus is 
 einj)ty. The discharge lessens, or stops entirely. 
 It is often present in small quantity for a few days, 
 at fu'st red and gradually losing color as after an 
 ordinary confuiement. 
 
 Should tlie discharge become offensive, or if there 
 is the slightest disagreeable odor perceptible about 
 tlie napkin, the doctor should be informed. A 
 small portion of the contents of the uterus may 
 have been retained and be decomposing, and this 
 will infect the patient if prompt measures are not 
 taken to prevent it. The return of the discharge 
 after once stopping is also an indication that treat- 
 ment is required, unless it is very slight and caused 
 by standing, or unusual exertion. 
 
 CONVALESCENCE 
 
 After a miscarriage, time is required for the uterus 
 to return to its normal condition, just as it is after a 
 confinement. Inflammation is apt to follow any im- 
 [)rudence in walking, or standing. Straining of the 
 ligaments that support the nterus is another danger 
 to be avoided. Pain in the back is one symptom 
 of this condition, and when it is present special care 
 should be exercised. The ounce of prevention is 
 
252 
 
 PKKPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 worth very much more than the pound of cure, for 
 in this instance if the prevention is neglected the 
 cure often is not possible. 
 
 The ])atient should not sit up in bed for several 
 days, nor get out of bed before the end of a wwk. 
 Walking should be resumed cautiously and discon- 
 tinued if it is followed by backache. 
 
 The doctor sometimes orders a douche of wairn 
 water. This is given with a fountain syringe wliirli 
 should be held only high enough to permit of a 
 gentle flow of water. A nozzle with a hole in the 
 point should not be used. The one proper for a 
 douche has holes in the sides. It is only necessatv 
 to wash out the vagina. It is not desirable, and in 
 some cases it is dangerous, for the water to enter ilic 
 uterus itself, which it might if thrown from the (mhI. 
 J( the discharge continues as a white, or yellow, 
 fluid, staining the napkin after losing its red color, 
 the doctor should be told of it. Some uterine affec- 
 tion may be indicated which could be relieved, oi' 
 cured, by prompt treatment and pro])er remedies. 
 
 Occasionally the breasts feel full and heavy and 
 may contain a little milk. Less liquid ^hould l)e 
 drunk than usual and the patient ' f^i on ligiitdiet, 
 bread, toast, farinaceous food, , custard blanc 
 
 mange, etc., no meat being given. 
 
 The breasts can be gently rubbed ^^ ith warm oil 
 
CONVALESCENCE 
 
 253 
 
 an,l if the weight is uiicoriifurtahle they can be siip- 
 ])..ite(l hy a bandage. The bowels must be kept 
 open by a mild laxative. 
 
 The danger to the mother in a miscarriage may 
 1h' very mnch lessened if it is kept steadily iir mind 
 that the same care and precautions are neccssaiy as 
 if the child had been born at full term. ^J^ime is re- 
 (|nired to rally from the shocik, to recover from the 
 loss of blood and to enable the uterus to return tu 
 its normal condition. The same perfect cleanliness 
 must be observed in her person and surroundings, 
 as she is susceptible to inflection from outside sources 
 and must be guarded against it. 
 
: i 
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 
 PREMATURE CONFINEMENT 
 
 If the child is born at any time before the end of 
 the nino months, when it is capable of living even 
 for a short time, the confinement is said to ho 
 premature. 
 
 During the sixth month it weighs about one poiuid 
 and does not usually live more than two weeks. 
 
 Durino; the seventh month its weit^ht increases to 
 three or four pounds, the nails are developed, and 
 with care it may live and thrive, if it comes into 
 the world at this time. 
 
 It must not be forgotten that the baby born prem- 
 aturely is j)hiced under great disadvantages. '1 lie 
 conditions that surround it are very dillerent from 
 those under which it shoidd have lived and grown 
 for at least two months longer. 
 
 It takes a long time for it to overcome i\\o>o. 
 It grows slowly and is often l)ackward in walkini;- 
 and talking. If there is any predisposition to heredi- 
 (254) 
 
SYMPTOMS — TREATMENT 
 
 255 
 
 tary disease it is apt to develop in tlie delicate fVa?ne. 
 The mother often cannot nnrse it hecanse her milk 
 doos not come, and this is an additional drawback 
 iiiul lessens the chance of existence for the poor little 
 thing. 
 
 This being so, everything that is possible should 
 bo done to prevent the confinement from taking 
 place prematurely. The expectant mother should 
 be on the watch for the symptoms, recognize thera 
 wlien they appear and do her best to combat them. 
 
 SYMPTOMS 
 
 There is sometimes a slight flow of blood from the 
 vaiiina as in an earlier miscarriac^e. Verv often 
 this is absent and the first indication of danger is 
 pain in the abdomen. Unless the attention has been 
 called to the possibility of its having a special sig- 
 nitit-ance, this may easily be attributed to colic. 
 
 The pain of colic is felt in different parts of the 
 abdomen, moving from one place to another with 
 each paroxysm. The other pain returns in one 
 place, and if the hands are laid over the spot the 
 uterus may be felt to harden as it contracts. 
 
 Icome th(>i'. 
 
 TREATMENT 
 
 The patient should go to hod immediately and 
 keep perfectly quiet, as in endeavoring to avert a 
 
256 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 threatened miscarriage. The doctor should be sent 
 for, as there are medicines he can use which niav 
 prevent the catastrophe, if it is not too late. 
 
 Should til is be impossible, the labor proceeds as 
 if at full term. 
 
 It is wise to make preparations for this and to 
 have everything in the room that may be needed. 
 
 The bed should be prote^jted and properly inade, 
 and all the details attended to if there is time to 
 do so. The nurse often cannot come at an unex- 
 pected summons and arrangements should be made 
 with some friend to take her place if necessary. 
 
 CARE OF THE BABY 
 
 This is a very much more difficult matter than if 
 the child had been ushered into the world at the 
 proper time. 
 
 Elaborate arrangements are required to keep it 
 alive, its feebleness rendering the task a very diffi- 
 cult one. 
 
 Warmth and proper food are the two essentials. 
 If these can be provided, the problem is well nigh 
 solved 3 if not, the flickering flame will die out. 
 
 CLOTHING 
 
 It is almost impossible and would be very unwise, 
 to attempt to dress such a frail little being as the 
 
WASHING — INCUBATORS 
 
 257 
 
 premature baby. Lamb's wool, which comes in 
 rolls like cotton batting, is the best material to wrap 
 it in. It should be so arranged that a thick pad 
 placed under the buttocks can be removed without 
 (li-turbing the wrap[)ings. If this material cannot 
 be had, cotton wool must be used with several layers 
 of flannel over it. 
 
 WASHING 
 
 No effort should be made to wash the child. It 
 should be rubbed with warm oil and this process re- 
 peated every day, only a part of the wool being re- 
 moved at one timo to permit the part covered to be 
 
 (lone. 
 
 INCUBATORS 
 
 In some large cities incubators can be obtained in 
 which the child is kept until it is .strong enough to 
 support existence without an extra supply of heat. 
 
 One cannot always be protiured when it is needed. 
 An incubator for chickens might be modified so 
 that it could be used, if one were to be had. 
 
 Dr. Worcester, in his book on maternity nursing, 
 describes an impromptu hot cradle which could easily 
 he arranged. 
 
 Two tin foot tubs are provided, one so much 
 smaller than t le other that only the handles rest on 
 the rim of the larger tub. The inner one is weighted 
 17 
 
 ^ 
 
258 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 with bricks so it will not float when water is poured 
 in the outer one. This is filled nearly to the brim 
 witii hot water and a lamp placed under the bottom 
 to maintain the temperature at 100° Fahrenheit. 
 The inner tub is lined with cotton wool, or thick 
 folds of flannel, and the baby, well wrapped and 
 covered, placed in it. 
 
 It Ghoidd only be removed from this nest when 
 absolutely necessary and disturbed as little as possi- 
 ble. 
 
 When no other way of keeping it warm is to be 
 had it must be surrounded by hot water bags, re- 
 plenished regularly every hour. 
 
 Thi^ care must be maintained until after the time 
 at which it would have been born had the full term 
 been completed. 
 
 FOOD 
 
 If the mother has milk it may be drawn from the 
 breast with a breast pump, warmed a very little and 
 given to the baby with a teaspoon, or a medicine 
 dropper, when it cannot draw it itself. 
 
 Should there be no milk, it is best to peptonize 
 cream food and try that. The lime water may be 
 omitted as the soda used in peptonizing renders the 
 milk sufficiently alkaline. The digestive organs 
 being not fully developed, peptonizing is especially 
 
GAVAGE 
 
 259 
 
 is poured 
 the brim 
 le bottom 
 ihrenhcit. 
 or thick 
 pped and 
 
 test when 
 J as possi- 
 
 i is to be 
 bags, re- 
 
 r the time 
 full term 
 
 from the 
 little and 
 medicine 
 
 peptonize 
 may be 
 ders the 
 organs 
 Bspecially 
 
 necessary, as in this process the milk is partially 
 predigested. 
 
 The child is often too feeble to suck and so can- 
 not obtain milk from the mother itself or use a 
 nursing bottle. 
 
 GAVAGE 
 
 The doctor sometimes tries forced feeding, or 
 gavage, and this method is said to have saved many 
 lives. The food goes directly into the stomacih and 
 any quantity that is prescribed can be easily admin- 
 istered. 
 
 The method is thus described in the " Care of 
 Children,'^ as it is used in feeding a sick child who re- 
 sists taking food : " The apparatus is a soft rubber 
 catheter with a double eye, a short glass tube to 
 connect the catheter with eighteen inches of rubber 
 tubing, and a small funnel. 
 
 " The child is laid on the back, the tongue held 
 down with a finger and the point of the catheter 
 passed down the throat keeping it well to the back 
 of the mouth." Three or four inches would be far 
 enough for so young a baby. 
 
 " The funnel is held high up to allow gas to es- 
 cape from the stomach and then the food })oared in." 
 
 For a premature baby, not more than a table- 
 spoonful should be given at once. 
 
 If the mouth is held open for a few ruuutes after 
 
fit! 
 
 260 
 
 PllEPA RATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 the catheter is withdrawn tlie child is less likely to 
 vomit. The stomach is washed out with plain boiled 
 water once a day. 
 
 After nsing, the tube must be thoroughly waslird 
 with a solution of baking soda in water, it being 
 poured through them again and again, and well 
 rinsed in clear warm wajer. About once in three 
 days the apparatus must be boiled. ^' A glass fun- 
 nel is tlie best to use, although a tin or hard rul)l)er 
 one will answer the purjwse if it is kept exquisitely 
 clean. Unless ])roperly attended to, the tubes be- 
 come a distinct source of danger." 
 
 The child should be fed every two hours and 
 after the first week the quantity of food is increased 
 gradually. 
 
 EXCESSIVE CARE 
 
 Many children born prematurely have been saved 
 by the care and devotion of their nurses. It is an 
 anxious task to watch over one and requires almost 
 the whole time and attention if it is to be accom- 
 plished successfully. 
 
 Such a child needs excessive care by night as well 
 as by day. The temperature must be kept up, as 
 cold is wi'U-nigh fatal, and food must be given at 
 intervals of about two hours, 
 
 'ill! 
 
EXCESSIVE CARE 
 
 261 
 
 The doctor may order a little stimulant, as a few 
 drops of wine and water, at regular intervals. 
 
 The head should be protected hv a light covering 
 of flannel and the hands kept under the coverlet as 
 much as possible. 
 
 The bed should be a soft feather pillow with a 
 very small square of rubber cloth laid under the 
 ljij)S. The best outer covering is a small down com- 
 forter. If the pillow is of down, care should be 
 taken that the babv's nose and mouth are not buried 
 in it by any involuntary movement. A case is on 
 record in which a stron^^, healthv babv, three months 
 old, was smothered in this wav. Everv precaution 
 111 list be taken with a tinv, delicate child whose hold 
 on life is so precarious at the best. 
 
 It ought to be kept in one large, well ventilated 
 rijom for several months and not exposed to the 
 danger of a change of temperature, which is always 
 a serious menace to such a frail being. 
 
CHAPTER XVII 
 
 LABOR 
 
 BEGINNING 
 
 As the end of the pregnancy approaches the abdo- 
 men decreases a little in size. This is caused partly 
 by the uterus beginning to contract to expel its con- 
 tents and partly by its sinking lower in the pelvis. 
 
 The breathing is less interfered with, but walking 
 is more difficult. 
 
 Tiie discharge from the vagina increases and wiien 
 it is tinged with blood the confinement is near. 
 
 It will probably take place at what would have 
 been the tenth menstrual period had there been no 
 pregnancy. Women who were habitually unwell 
 two, or three, days before the expiration of the usual 
 four weeks would probably be confined sooner than 
 those who were in the habit of waiting the full 
 time. 
 
 There are often slight attacks of pain which are 
 thought to mean no more than ordinary colic. 
 (202) 
 
STAGES 
 
 263 
 
 The labor usually lasts longer with a first child 
 than with the subsequent ones. The parts are more 
 unyielding, never having been stretched before, and 
 it takes longer to dilate them. 
 
 This may comfort the young expectant mother 
 who fears that skilled assistance may be slow in ar- 
 riving. The doctor almost always comes in time. 
 Should he not do so, the nurse, or anyone who lias 
 taken pains to inform herself what ought to be done, 
 can do all that is necessary until he comes. 
 
 A perfectly natural birth takes place without out- 
 side interference. Should there be any difficulty, the 
 process is very slow and there is plenty of time to 
 wait for the doctor. Only he can do what is then 
 needed. 
 
 It is said that labor usually commences between 
 nine and twelve o'clock at night and the birth takes 
 place between nine the next evening and the same 
 hour the following morning. 
 
 STAGES 
 
 Labor is divided into three stages : the opening of 
 the uterus, to permit its contents to pass out, the pas- 
 sage of the child and the expulsion of the after birth. 
 
 The young mother must not fancy that she is to 
 suifer severe pain all this time. 
 
 The pains during the first stage are something 
 
264 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 like colic, sharp while tiiov last, but only continuing 
 for a few mimitos, and witli long intervals of easo 
 between them. It sometimes occupies twelve hour-. 
 
 Durin*^ this time the patient may be j)artia!lv 
 dressed and move about her room if she wishes to 
 do so. 
 
 Slie should have light food, hot milk, cocoa, soup, 
 toast, bread or farinaceous food, but no meat. 
 
 She will have a desire to pass water and to have 
 a movement, but as this is occasioned by the pres- 
 sure of the child's head against the bladder and 
 rectum, yielding to it does not bring relief. 
 
 An enema of warm water ought to beadministen d 
 to empty the lower bowel. If she has not been 
 able to pass water for some time, the doctor should 
 be informed when he comes that such is the case. 
 
 She should not be ])ermitted to go to a water 
 closet, nor to strain in any way. 
 
 As in soni':; cases this stage is short in duration, 
 the bed should be made, the necessary articles 
 brought into the room and all the preparations com- 
 pleted. 
 
 The hair should be parted in the middle at the 
 back, firmly braided in two tails and tied so it will 
 not come unloosed. It is then no great matter ii' 
 it cannot be brushed or combed for several days. 
 
STAGES 
 
 2G5 
 
 It will be found smooth and untangled when it is 
 iiiij)laited. 
 
 The pains may be distinguished from those arising 
 from other causes, as irritation of the intestine, 
 eolie, or indiiiestion, bv their beo-inning in the back 
 nnd extending round to the abdomen, coming at 
 rcoular intervals and increasinii' in intensity. 
 
 By laying the hands on the abdomen as the pa- 
 tient lies on her back the uterus will be felt to harden 
 as it contracts during a pain, the hardness disappear- 
 ing as the pain passes off. This is a certain sign 
 that the pains are not false. They also recur about 
 the same place in the abdomen, while in colic the 
 pain shifts from jwint to point. 
 
 With a first child there are often false alarms, 
 but when the pains begin to come regularly and in- 
 crease in severity it is time to send ibr the doctor. 
 Kven then there is no great haste, as it will probably 
 be some time before his servic(\s are actually needed. 
 Still he ought to know that the labor has begun, as 
 he may have reasons for wishing to be on hand 
 early in the proceeding. 
 
 If the pains are very severe, as is sometimes the 
 case with a first child, owing to the mouth of the 
 uterus being tense and difficult to relax, the doctor 
 should be told of it, as he can prescribe something 
 that will give relief. 
 
266 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 The end of this part of the labor is usually marked 
 by the breaking of the anniiotie sae, or bag of 
 waters, in which the cliild has floated up to this 
 time. 
 
 This brings a rush of fluid for whieh the ])atieiit 
 should be j)repared by having on a couple of large 
 napkins and a folded sheet under her, if she is sitting, 
 or lying down. It is not at all alarming. Tiio 
 child has simply torn the thin membrane surround- 
 ing it that it may pass into the world. 
 
 When this does not occur naturally the doctor 
 ruptures the bag with his finger nail. 
 
 It may burst while the mother is still apparently 
 quite well and be the first indication that labor has 
 really begun. It is well to be prepared, towards the 
 end of the pregnancy, for this accident happening. 
 It would be very embarrassing if it took place out- 
 side the privacy of the bedroom and no pre])aration 
 had been made for even partially absorbing the 
 fluid. 
 
 After this has taken place the expectant mother 
 should no longer walk about, if the doctor is not 
 there, but go at once to bed. 
 
 The birth does not always follow rapidly, but it 
 often does so and if she is alone bed is the safest 
 place. The mouth of the uterus is usually expanded 
 by this time; the child might descend suddenly and 
 
 li, i'-'i 
 
STAGES 
 
 267 
 
 meet with some accident if* tlio mother were on lier 
 feet. 
 
 When the second stai!;e boo;ins the pains come 
 imu'li more fre(pientiy. Instead of being sharp and 
 cutting, like those of tlie first stage, there is a strong 
 inclination to bear down, and a desire to brace the 
 Icet and grasp something firmly with the hands to 
 assist in the etlbrt. 
 
 A sheet tied to the foot of the bed is a good thing 
 to pull on. Sometimes the nnrse's hands are held, 
 hut she mav have other things to attend to and can- 
 not always be near when she is wanted. 
 
 Some persons find a small well-stufTcd pillow to 
 place nnder the back a great comfort. There is 
 always pain in the back and firm snpport gives a 
 sensation of relief. 
 
 If the nnrse can be spared, she may press against 
 tiie back at the weak i)oint with her hands. When 
 this pressure is made early in the labor it should be 
 well down, at the lowest part of the back ; later it 
 should be higher, on a line with the top of the hip 
 bones. 
 
 The lower joints of the spine are movable and 
 yield a little to make as much room as possible for 
 the passage of the child. Intelligent pressure helps 
 this movement in a slight degree. 
 
 The patient often sleeps for a few minutes between 
 
2G8 
 
 PREPAIIATIOX FOIt ^lOTIIERIIOOD. 
 
 the pains. Slio should yield to these feelings of 
 drowziness; it is one of nature's devices to hnsbaiKi 
 her strength and give lier a little r.eodcd rest. 
 
 She should not liave stimulant without ti^edoetoiV 
 orders, but may have a cup of tea, coffee, or soup. 
 not too hot, if she fancies it. 
 
 The pains now come every two or three minul* - 
 and the birth is not far off. If the doctor has n(»! 
 arrived there is still no cause for anxiety. It 
 everything is proceeding naturally the baby will nc 
 born without his assistance ; if it is not and there i^ 
 a hindrance, he will come before it arrives. 
 
 Any friend can do what is necessary in case tin 
 labor is rapid and the baby a})pears unexpectedly. 
 
 It is not even indispensable that the cord should 
 be cut and tied immediatelv. The babv mav b. 
 wrapped in flannel, a folded sheet tucked under the 
 mother to ])lace it on, and both covered until the 
 doctor reaches the scene of actiorj. 
 
 THE CORD 
 
 It is better to have the cord cut, so that the baby 
 can l»e rolled in a blaid^et and laid in tlu^ nest j)re- 
 pared for it. To do this the })iecc of soft string that 
 has been provided is tied firndy around the cord 
 about two inches from the child's bodv, and attain 
 about two inches farther along, nearer the mother. 
 
THE AFTER BIRTH 
 
 269 
 
 ?se ft'C'liugs of 
 
 tlirec minutes, 
 doctor has ii(»t 
 r anxiety. It' 
 l)al)y will ix' 
 lot and there is 
 'I'i ves. 
 irv in ease the 
 
 tliat the baby 
 the nest ])re- 
 soft string tliat 
 )nnd the eord 
 dv, and airiiin 
 T the mother. 
 
 AVith the blunt scissors the cord is then severed be- 
 tween the ligatures. 
 
 It should not be cut until the child has cried 
 lustily and until the pulsation in it has ceased. If 
 held between finger and thumb for a' moment this 
 throbbing can be dishnctly felt. It shows that the 
 blood is still passing Ij-etween the child and the i)la- 
 centa. After a few minutes this ceases and then the 
 curd may safelv Ixj divided. 
 
 When the doctor is j)resent, he usually does this 
 himself and then hands the child (o the nurse to be 
 -^ared for, while he attends to the mother. 
 
 Jf an inexperienced person is alone with the 
 mother, as soon as the head is born she should see 
 that the cord is not twisted around the child's neck, 
 if it is, it nuist be loosened and slipped over the 
 liead. This can be done by pulling down a loop of 
 it. If it is not done the child may be strangled, as 
 the tignt ligature [)revents its breathing. In a despe- 
 r; le case the cord can be tied in two places and cut 
 
 )etween 
 
 the 
 
 m. 
 
 THE AFTER BIRTH 
 
 Should the doctor be absent, the after birth may 
 Ik; left until it comes away of itself. This it often 
 does in al)out twenty minutes, thouirh the time mav 
 he mu<'h longer. The mother should be wjirmly 
 
270 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 covered and may have a warm drink, but not a hot 
 one, for fear of promoting profuse bleeding. 
 
 Should the after birtii be expelled it must be put 
 in the vessel prepared for it and kept for the doctor 
 to see. He always wishes to inspect it that he may 
 know whether all lias come awav or not. This is 
 important, as when a part is retained it may cause 
 mischief if it is not removed. 
 
 This ends the third stage and nothing now re- 
 mains but to make the mother comfortable and leave 
 her to rest and sleep. 
 
 THK MOTHERS NEEDS 
 
 A clean corner of the pad, or a folded sheet, is 
 laid under the mother, she is bathed with warm 
 water that has been boiled, the binder adjusted and 
 the napkin put on. 
 
 If necessary, the night dress is changed and then 
 the pad, carefully rolled up, is drawn out, the fresh 
 one put in place, the coverings arranged and the 
 room darkened. 
 
 The mother sometimes has a feeling of chilliness, 
 or even a slight chill soon after the baby is born. 
 She complains of cold, shivers and her teeth may 
 chatter for a few moments. This is not alarming as 
 it is caused partially by nervousness and also by 
 the removal of the large warm body that has for so 
 
AFTER PAINS 
 
 271 
 
 long occiipi(!cl the uterus. A warm drink may be 
 given, extra covering put over her, the feet wrapped 
 in flannel and if necessary a hot bag laid near them. 
 After all that the newly made mother has under- 
 l^one, she needs perfect quiet for several hours before 
 she is permitted to see anyone. A five minutes 
 interview with her husband is all that should be 
 granted. Howewer well she feels, quiet should be in- 
 sisted upon. All congratulations must be deferred 
 until she has had rest and sleep. Excitement is 
 dangerous and no visitors must be permitted to 
 enter the room, nor should conversation be allowed, 
 even if she wishes to talk. Neglect of this precau- 
 tion may cause serious disaster, even when all seems 
 to be going on well. 
 
 AFTER PAINS 
 
 The young mother is not likely to be troubled 
 with after pains after the birth of her first child, 
 tliough she is liable to them in subsequent confine- 
 ments. 
 
 They are caused by contractions of the uterus, 
 as it subsides to rest, like the swell of the w'aves 
 after a storm. 
 
 After a first birth the walls of the uterus, being 
 firm, contract once for all and remain quiescent, 
 causing no more pain. When they have been ex- 
 
272 
 
 PI{p]PARATIOX FOR MOTHFRHOOD 
 
 paiuU'cl several times, the walls lose tli(>ir eoutraetile 
 ])(>\v(M' to a (leu:ree and eaniiot el()S(^ so firmly, con- 
 tracting and relaxing several times hd'ore they 
 finally settle into cjniet. 
 
 These pains often oeeur at night and may last for 
 two or three days after the birth. 
 
 A folded flannel warmed and laid o.ver the abdo- 
 men may give relief, or a hot water bag aj)plied to 
 the part. If they are so severe as to interfere with 
 sleep the doetor will give an anodyne to qniet them. 
 
 Thev are sometimes exeited bv ])nttin!j: the babv 
 to the breast to luirse, so intimate is the connection 
 between the breasts and the uterus. 
 
 EMERGENCY 
 
 It may happen in a rapid labor that the mother 
 is entirelv alone at the time of the babv's bii'th. In 
 this ease she need only see that the child lies so its 
 breathing is not interfered with, its head raised to 
 be out of the way of the discharges, and that it i,^ 
 w^arndy covered. No harm will come to it until 
 help arrives. Having satisfied herself of this, the 
 mother must lie perfectly still. 
 
 Standing, walking, or even sitting up in bed, are 
 fraught with danger. She may not be injured by 
 moving, but there is a probability that it will do 
 mischief and it is better to run no risk. 
 
UEMOVING STAINS 
 
 273 
 
 In case of emergency, thick pads of newspaper can 
 be placed under the mother. It is a very etficient 
 protector when it is used in sullicient quantity. 
 
 If the birth should take place elsewliere than in 
 the room {)repared for it, the mother should be rolled 
 on a blanket which can be lifted by the corners, at 
 head and foot, by two men. 8he can thus be car- 
 ried to her own bed and laid upon it without dis- 
 turbing her very much. The blanket is easily 
 slipped from beneath her. 
 
 REMOVING STAINS 
 
 It may be well to mention that in removing 
 stains of blood from linen, or cotton, it should be 
 soaked in cold water for some hours before it is 
 washed. If boiling water is poured on the fresh 
 stains they turn dark and canrK)t be removed with- 
 out a great deal of labor if at all. 
 
 Blood can be removtxl from rubber sheetini; with 
 a wet cloth, if done at once. When it has been al- 
 lowed to remain, it must be washed with chh«rinated 
 soda which can be obtained from the druggist. 
 
 A paste of starch, or flour, mixed with vo\d water 
 may be spread over stains on blankets, mn dresses, 
 or pillows, and brushed otf when it Is dry. If 
 traces are still left, a second application will prol)a- 
 bly remove them. 
 13 
 
274 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTIIERHOOD 
 
 THE doctor's COMFORT 
 
 There is one point that is sometimes forgotten in 
 preparing for the labor and that is the comfort ol 
 the doctor. The \yise housewife will make provi- 
 sion for this beforehand, and charge some member 
 of the household with the duty of seeing her instruc- 
 tions carried out. 
 
 The loss of a night's rest, which is so unusual to 
 ordinary people, is a common occurrence with him and 
 he remembers gratefully those who mitigate his dis- 
 comfort as much as possible. 
 
 If it can be done a place should be arranged in 
 an adjoining room where he cai. lie down. There 
 are often long intervals of waiting when he can do 
 nothing to assist, while if he is close at hand the 
 nurse can call him the moment he seems to be re- 
 quired. 
 
 Some light refreshment should be brought to him, 
 not merely oifered ; his tastes can easily be ascer- 
 tained by a few judicious questions. His life is a 
 very self-sacrificing one and his patients who bene- 
 fit by it should try to return his care for them by 
 consideration for him. Money can not compensate 
 the priceless devotion and self-forgetfulness of a 
 good physician. 
 
 No one can feel this more fully than the expectant 
 mother, who has conferred with her family physi- 
 
REMOVING STAINS 
 
 275 
 
 cian frequently during the period of her })regnancy 
 and has been helped, advised and consoled by him. 
 She can now show her gratitude in a substantial 
 manner, sure that it will be recognized and appreci- 
 ated by the object of it, even if he does not put it 
 ill to words. 
 
 There is no one who brings more comfort into the 
 lying-in room than the doctor does. His moral 
 support, as he cheers, encourages and reassures, is as 
 valuable as his physical assistance. If his patient 
 has made a friend of him during the preceding 
 months, she reaps the benefit of it now in her time 
 of need, knowing that she can entirely trust him 
 with herself and her child. 
 
ill i ! 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 AFTER CARE OF THE MOTHER 
 
 REST 
 
 The newly-niade motlior must sleep as much a- 
 p()ssil)le duriug the first twenty-four hours nfur 
 labor is ended. She could not have a better begin • 
 ning to her convalescence than a long period of pro- 
 found repose. 
 
 Her mind is at rest, all the cares and anxieties 
 of the past months are forgotten, she is happy in t\\v 
 possession of her baby and has nothing to look for- 
 ward to but getting well as speedily as she can. 
 
 She should not be disturbed except to give her 
 nourishment and to change the napkin, even then 
 she must not be roused more than is absolutely 
 necessary. 
 
 If she is awake and wishes it. the baby may be ])n{ 
 to the breast at the end of the first six, or eiglit, 
 hours. It is thought that the aetiop of nursing helps 
 (276) 
 
FOOD — THE SUPPLY OF iMILK 
 
 277 
 
 to contract the uterus more tirmlv, and therefore it 
 is an advantage to the mother. 
 
 FOOD 
 
 The food must be regulated to a certain extent by 
 the appetite. For the first twenty-four hours li(piids, 
 milk toast, or some farinaceous preparation is all 
 that is needed ; then egg on toast, bread and butter, 
 etc., may be added and after the third day, if there 
 is no rise in teniperc-ture, there may be a return to 
 tl ^ usual diet. 
 
 THE SUPPLY OF MILK 
 
 The nursing mother must drink abundantly of 
 liquid food to ensure a good supi)ly of milk. For 
 this purpose nothing is better than milk itself It 
 can be prepared as she has been accustomed to take 
 it during her pregnancy. 
 
 What the children call ice cream milk may 
 make a pleasing variety. The milk is sweetened 
 and flavored with vanilla, essence of lemon, or bitter 
 almond, or rose water. If a lightly beaten egg is 
 added, it becomes " cold custard." 
 
 Cocoa, gruels made with milk, hot milk flavored 
 with tea, or coffee, good broth, and clear soup are 
 all beneficial. 
 
 A bowl of liquid should be taken immediately on 
 
278 
 
 PliEPA RATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 waking in the morning, anotlior between breakfast 
 and hnieh, or dinner, a third between dinner and 
 tea, a fourth before going to slee[), and if there is 
 wakefuhiess a fifth during the nigiit. 
 
 Should there be too great a flow of milk the 
 supply of fluid nnist be limited. No mother ciui 
 nourish her ehild properly unless she is well Hd 
 herself. 
 
 It is said that the leaves of the eastor oil plant, 
 if made iiito a poultiee and applied to the breasts, 
 stimulate the secretion of milk when it is deficient. 
 
 Good milk, unlike that of the cow, looks thin 
 and watery and has a bluish tinge. 
 
 CARE OF THE BREASTS 
 
 This is one of the most important of the duties of 
 the nurse. If she does not know just what ought 
 to be done the mother must be able to direct her. 
 The penalty of neglect may be intense suffering, an 
 abscess, or what used to be called '' broken breasts," 
 and the necessity of weaning the child. 
 
 For the first two davs the breasts secrete onlv 
 what is known as colostrum. This is a fluid with 
 laxative properties, intended to act upon the baby's 
 bowels and remove the dark, tarry substance with 
 which they are filled. 
 
 The third day this begins to give place to milk, 
 
CARE OF THH HUEASTH 
 
 279 
 
 :iii(l with the coming of tlio milk the hn^astsare coii- 
 gosted with an oversnp})!)' of blood and the temper- 
 ature is apt to rise a little. 
 
 Duriii*:^ this day the baby, if possible, should not 
 nurse mon; than once in three hours. The breastvS 
 may be hard and not improbably a little hot to the 
 touch. 
 
 To promote the circulation and relieve the tense- 
 ness the nurse should rub the breasts in the most 
 f2;entle manner, usino; a little warm olive oil, or cam- 
 phorated oil, to lubricate them. The rubbin(»; should 
 l)e done in the gentlest manner, the hands scarcely 
 touching the skin, beginning at the base and strok- 
 ing upwards towards the nipple. It may be some 
 time before the good effect is perceived, but after an 
 hour's faithful work the whole surface will be found 
 soft and the milk will flow easily when the baby's 
 li})S are applied to the nipple. 
 
 The breasts are formed of pear-shaped glands, 
 growing smaller as they approach the nipples, where 
 the points converge. If the milk accumulates, or 
 cakes, at the base of one of these glands a hard lump 
 is felt which must be dispersed, or mischief will en- 
 sue. Gentle persistent rubbing with oil will 
 usually have the desired effect. If it persists the 
 doctor should be informed at once. I^umps near 
 the nipple are of little consequence, particularly if 
 
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280 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 fpnii 
 
 they are small. In any other part of the broaf>t 
 their presence should be immediately reported. 
 
 The mother must instantly check the least at- 
 tempt at pressure in rubbing the breast. It is not 
 a matter of comfort, but of expediency, Roiijrli 
 handling may set up the inflammation it is desind 
 to avert. 
 
 If the breast becomes painful the doctor should 
 be sent for. It is misplaced fortitude to bear this 
 pain in silence. Should it swell and look red a 
 single thickness of cotton wet in tepid water should 
 be kept ov^er it until the doctor comes. 
 
 If the breasts feel heavy or seem in need of 
 support, a bandage should be put on shaped like tlio 
 letter Y. Tlie tail piece goes across the back and is 
 cut about twice as long as is necessary for that pur- 
 pose and about three inches wide. Another strip 
 of the same width is folded and pinned to one end 
 to form the fork of the Y. One end of this goes above 
 the breasts the other below them, the tail piece i-^ 
 brought round behind the back and the points firmly 
 pinned to it. The free end lies across the nipples 
 and can be turned back when the child nurses, other- 
 wise the bandage need not be disturbed then. A 
 little absorbent cotton may be put between the 
 breasts and about them if needed to make them 
 more comfortable. 
 
 1% 
 
 K X 
 
CARE OF THE BREASTS 
 
 281 
 
 They are sensitive to cold and should have a light 
 covering thrown over thcni when the baby nurses. 
 
 After each nursing the nipples should be carefully 
 washed with a soft cloth and a little tepid water in 
 which a pinch of borax has been dissolved. Should 
 any other preparation be used on them, it should be 
 washed off before the baby nurses and renewed when 
 it has finished. 
 
 When the nipples are sensitive they can be painted 
 with white of e<j:or, whi(;h is allowed to drv and then 
 applied again until three coats have been put on. 
 The nipple should be dried first. 
 
 As a crack in the nipple causes exquisite pain and 
 often prevents the baby from nursing they should 
 be carefully watched, particularly if they have not 
 been treated before the confinement to })reparc them 
 for use. At the first symptom of soreness they 
 should be painted with compound tincture of benzoin, 
 applied with a camel's hair brush. 
 
 Exquisite cleanliness is necessary to prevent par- 
 ticles of milk from remaining in the folds of the 
 skin and causing trouble. If this is attended to 
 faithfully, soreness may be entirely avoided. 
 
 A wash of twenty grains of boracic acid to one 
 ounce of water can be obtained from the druggist 
 and used instead of the borax and water. If the 
 skin seems very delicate the boracic acid can be put 
 
282 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 in mucilage instead of water, painted on in a thick 
 coating and allowed to remain until the next nursing, 
 when it is washed off with warm water. 
 
 The state of the nipples should be reported to the 
 doctor. When the skin is actually cracked and 
 painful an application of cocaine is usually ordered. 
 This has to be washed oif w'ith special care before 
 the baby nurses. 
 
 It may be necessary to use a nipple shield. These 
 are made of rubber and put over the nipple before 
 the child takes it in its mouth. 
 
 Prevention is so nuich easier and more agreeable 
 than cure in this matter, that no attention is 
 too great to bestow to prevent the nipj)les from 
 becoming sore. There is little danger when they 
 have been properly attended to before the child is 
 born and are kept clean afterwards. 
 
 If for any reason the baby (iannot nurse, the doctor 
 will order a preparation, probably bolladoniia, in 
 the form of liniment, ointment, or plaster to be ap- 
 plied to the breasts to dry up the milk. In putting 
 on a plaster a hole must be cut in the middle for the 
 nipple to come through. 
 
 As little fluid as possible is taken for a few days 
 until the flow is checked. Drawing the milk with 
 a breast pump should not be resorted to if it can be 
 
HOOD 
 
 CLEANLINESS 
 
 283 
 
 on in a thick 
 ; next nursing, 
 
 !r. 
 
 -eported to the 
 
 cracked and 
 
 anally ordered. 
 
 ial care before 
 
 shieUl. Tliese 
 i nipple before 
 
 more agreeable 
 attention is 
 3 nip]>les from 
 crer when they 
 re the child is 
 
 lursc, the doctor | 
 belladonna, in jl 
 aster to be ap- | 
 k. Inputting I 
 middle for the I 
 
 : 
 '■ 
 
 for a few days 
 the milk with 
 to if it can be 
 
 avoided, as this stimulates the secretion. It some- 
 times has to be resorted to. 
 
 CLEANLINESS 
 
 The great importance of cleanliness in the lying- 
 in room has already been insisted upon. It cannot 
 be too earnestly reiterated. The newly-made mother 
 is peculiarly liable to infection. Siie herself and 
 everything about her must be kept scrupulously 
 clean. 
 
 The napkin should be changed at first as often as 
 is necessary. Later, when the discharge lessens, not 
 less frequently than three times a day. As soon as 
 it is removed it should be rolled in paper and 
 burned. 
 
 If the under sheet becomes stained or soiled, it 
 must be immediately replaced by a fresh one. It is 
 best to lay a folded sheet across the bed with the 
 India-rubber cloth beneath it, or between its folds. 
 This is easily drawn out and changed without the 
 disturbance that taking oiF the under sheet must 
 cause the patient. 
 
 If stitches have been taken, the parts are most 
 easily washed by very gentle syringing with the 
 fountain syringe. It must only be held high enough 
 to permit the water to trickle over them into the bed 
 pan placed beneath the patient to receive it. 
 
mmt 
 
 284 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 In ordinary cases wiping the parts with a soft 
 cloth wrung out of tepid water is all that is neces- 
 sary when the napkin is changed, or water has been 
 })assed. Tliese precautions are very simple, air 
 easily taken and their neglect may be followed \>\- 
 serious consequences. 
 
 The method of giving a sponge bath has been de- 
 tailed in the chapter on baths. 
 
 A piece of cotton twisted around a wooden tooth 
 pick may be utilized for cleansing the teeth while it 
 is difficult to use the tooth brush. 
 
 THE HAIR 
 
 If the hair has not been braided before the con- 
 finement and the mother haj)})ens to be unable to 
 have it brushed or combed for a few days, it will be 
 in a sad snarl. ?iluch patience is requisite to get it 
 smooth again, and hair has been cut off that need not 
 have been sacrificed had enough pains been expended 
 upon it to get it straight. 
 
 Hair forty inches long that had been untouched 
 bv comb or brush for three weeks, has been disen- 
 tangled, but it is a task that equals one of the labors 
 of Hercules. 
 
 In a bad case only a few locks can be done at a 
 time and when a portion is set free it must be 
 braided to keep it in place. If possible the comb- 
 
THE EYI':S — MEDICINE 
 
 285 
 
 ing sl.oukl be begun at the ends. Sometimes 
 it is so matted that the ends cannot be found. 
 The tanojles mav be moistened witli alcohol 
 which helps to loosen them. Tiie hairs can 
 he drawn out of a knot by picking uj) each one sep- 
 arately with a needle. 
 
 It is an apparently hopeless, endless task, and to 
 j)revent it the braiding should not be neglected in 
 the beginning. By turning tiie head from side to 
 side it is easy to dress each braid in turn. 
 
 The most satisfactory way to fasten them is to 
 double up the ends and twist a few loose hairs 
 tightly about them. This seldom slips off. During 
 convalescence ribbons can be tied over them. 
 
 THE EYES 
 
 For a few davs the mother's eyes should be 
 shielded from a brioht lioht. The room can be 
 partially darkened dui'ing the day and the gas, or 
 lamp, siiadcd at night. Even if she feels well she 
 should not read until after the third day. Kest of 
 mind and body is all important. 
 
 MEDICINE 
 
 No mecicine should be taken without the doctor's 
 {)ermission. If the bowels haye been thoroughly 
 moved before the birth of tiie bai)yj it is uo mutter 
 
286 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 if there is not another motion for the first two 
 days. 
 
 For constipation later in the convalescence resource 
 may be had to the methods of relief recommended 
 for trial during the pregnancy. Unless in very 
 obstinate cases the difficulty usually disappears as 
 soon as solid food can be taken. 
 
 While the patient is still in bed, rubbing the ab- 
 domen with warm oil and gentle pressure and ma- 
 nipulation of the bowels, beginning low down on the 
 right side, passing up, across, and down the left side, 
 thus following the course of the large intestine is 
 sometimes effectual. 
 
 The rubber hot water bag is tlie great resource 
 for cramp and pains. 
 
 POINTS TO BE MENTIONED 
 
 Sleeplessness should be mentioned to the doctor as 
 lie may be able to prescribe sometliing which will 
 relieve it. 
 
 If the discharge has a disagreeable odor it should 
 be at once mentioned to the doctor. There is al- 
 ways a peculiar odor, not unlike that of the men- 
 strual flow. This is not offensive aiid need excite 
 no suspicion, but any departure from it should be 
 noted. 
 
 On first sitting up in bed the lochia may become 
 
 m. ! !' 
 
MILK LEO 
 
 287 
 
 first two 
 
 2e resource 
 3aimeiKk(l 
 s in verv 
 
 appeal 
 
 ■s as 
 
 iig the ab- 
 B and nui- 
 own on the 
 he left side, 
 intestine is 
 
 jat resource 
 
 le doctor as 
 which will 
 
 )r it should 
 'here is al- 
 if the men- 
 need excite 
 should be 
 
 lay become 
 
 a deei)er red. Tins is of little importance unless 
 there is a profuse flow, when the patient should lie 
 clown again and remain cpiiet until it ceases. 
 
 As the young mother is so liable to infection, it 
 has been wisely said that for the first few weeks her 
 letters sliould be opened by some near relative, that 
 there may be no doubt it is safe for her to have 
 them. Many of the eruptive diseases, as scarlet 
 fever, can be conveye<l by letters. A thoughtless 
 person who w^as nursing a child ill with it, or writing 
 from the same house, might send one, meaning no 
 harm. 
 
 There may be a slight chill on the third day when 
 the milk comes, as the temperature may be slightly 
 elevated then. 
 
 If it is severe, or persists, coming several times in 
 succession, the doctor should be informed. A chill 
 at any other period should be mentioned to liim. 
 
 l^riLK LEO 
 
 Pain in the leg should always be spoken of and 
 attended to. There is sometimes an inflammation 
 of the tissues of the leg about the veins which is very 
 painful. The !''^g swells and looks white, which has 
 given the affection its popular name of milk leg. 
 
 It should be wrapped in cotton batting, laid on 
 pillows and the weight of the clothes supported so 
 
•I:i 
 
 ^^i 
 
 288 
 
 lMli:i*A RATION FOU MOTIIKIIIIOOD 
 
 as nut to pirss u[k)ii it. A little IVjinu* can ln'mado 
 from luirrcl hoo}„s or stout wiro bout into sliapo for 
 the i)iirpose, the ends fastened to two lont:: 'stri[.< 
 of wood, if a cradle cannot be obtained. This i> 
 the technical name of the appliance nsed in hos- 
 pitals to snstain the bedclotlu's when their weight 
 cannot be borne by the invalid. 
 
 The snfferer from milk lejz," shonld lie as still as 
 possible, not attempting to sit up in bed. The milk 
 has nothing whatever to do with the swelling. 
 
 CONVALESCENCE 
 
 When the convalescence proceeds withont any of 
 the drawbacks that have been mentioned, there shonld 
 be few disagreeable feelings. As the strength re- 
 turns it is a time of repose and refreshment ; with a 
 good baby there should be nothing to mar its j)eace- 
 fnlness. While the nurse stays, all care should be 
 made over to her. 
 
 Older mothers may tell the young mother of the 
 rapidity with which they recovered from their con- 
 finements, what they did at the end of three weeks 
 and how active they were long before the close of 
 the month. She might follow their exampb and 
 apparently be none the worse for it. She nn'ght try 
 to emulate their briskness and suifer for it all her 
 life. It is not worth while to run the risk. 
 
 i^ I 
 
CON VA I. ESSENCE. 
 
 28i) 
 
 However well she feels, and between relief of 
 body and exhiluratioii of mind she often feels very 
 well indeed, it is only a reasonahle precaution to 
 stay qnietly in bed nntil the ninth, or tenth day. 
 She may then move qnietly to the easy chair, or 
 coiieh, walk about her room a little after the first 
 two weeks are over, but still sit with her feet up 
 when it is possible. The fifth week is quite time 
 cnouti^h for her to leave her room to be«rin to take 
 up her ordinary duties again. 
 
 W she wishes to go downstairs after the third 
 week the progress should be made slowly and care- 
 fully. In summer a drive in an easy carriage will 
 do no harm. She should sit on a soft cushion and 
 have another at her back. 
 
 Walking should be indulged in very moderately. 
 It is six weeks before involution is accomplished, 
 that is, before the uterus assumes what will be its 
 normal condition. During: the earlier weeks stand- 
 iiiij: and walking tend to bring too much weight oa 
 the ligaments supporting it and so displace it. 
 
 This is an accident which causes much discom- 
 fort later on when perfect health should have re- 
 turned. How many mothers say " I have never 
 Icit quite right since my first child was born. '^ Per- 
 haps a little extra precaution at that time might 
 
 have prevented all they have suffered since then. 
 19 
 
2f»0 
 
 ri:i:i'AiiATioN for mothkkiiood 
 
 CONFIDENCE IN THE DOCTOR 
 
 A woman .should not jHTinit any i'crling of fal^c 
 nuxlestv to induce her to conceal from her phvsiciaii 
 
 v I » 
 
 any unusual sensation, or circumstance, durin;^ thi> 
 iK'riod of convalescence. If she fears that anvthiiitr 
 is wrong now is the time to speak of it and have it 
 remedied if possible. She owes it to her family as 
 well as to herself that no preventable disability 
 should be allowed to continue. 
 
 Women will cheerfully submit to severe surgical 
 operations and undergo painful and disagreeable 
 treatment when they know it is necessary for their 
 restoration to health. Yet many of them liesitate 
 to tell their physician some symptom which if 
 he knew it might enable liim to take measures to 
 })revent the necessity of resorting to such drastic 
 remedies. 
 
 Perfect confidence between doctor and patient can 
 only result in good to the latter, and no physician 
 should be employed to wh*^^i this cannot be given. 
 
 The mother should make a point of seeing the 
 doctor alone for a few minutes during each visit, 
 even if she has to request the nurse to leave the 
 room that she may do so. Then should anything 
 occur to make his private counsel necessary she will 
 feel no embarrassment and find no difficulty in secur- 
 ing it. 
 
 M 
 
CHAPTER XIX 
 
 AFTER CARE OF THE CHILD 
 
 CARE OF THE CORD 
 
 This is now simply drcssv'd with a dry dressing in- 
 stead of the ointments which nsod to bo used for it. 
 The natural tendency of the cord is to dry up and 
 wither away and it is wise to try to assist nature 
 instead of running counter to her indications. 
 
 The stump of the cord is sprinkled with powdered 
 borax. A hole is cut in the middle of a piece of 
 linen about four inches square, the cord drawn 
 through the hole and the linen folded over it. This 
 is secured in place with the binder. 
 
 When the child is washed great care should be 
 taken to avoid wetting this dressing. If it can be 
 kept dry the cord w^ill shrivel up and drop ofif in 
 less than a week. 
 
 If instead of shrinking and dessicating it should 
 remain soft and begin to smell unpleasantly the 
 
 (291) 
 
292 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 doctor should be informed. He will probably have 
 it washed witli weak carbolized water and the drv 
 dressing changed more frequently. 
 
 After it has dropped off' a folded piece of linen 
 can be ke2)t over the navel for a few clays. If it 
 pouts or protrudes a little, as it sometimes does, a 
 wooden button mould, or large smooth button with- 
 out a shank, can be wrapped in linen, the roundiiii 
 part placed next the navel to press it gently inwards, 
 and secured with the binder. 
 
 RrPTURE 
 
 If there is a marked protrusion it should be re- 
 ported to the doctor, as in this case a portion of tlie 
 intestine has probably come through the opening in 
 the muscular wall of the abdomen, under the skin. 
 This should be replaced and held in position by w 
 proper belt, worn for some months, until the weak 
 point closes. 
 
 This accident also may happen low down in the 
 groin and in otiier parts of the abdomen. The in- 
 testine is felt as a soft, movable bunch under the 
 skin. 
 
 It is not immediately dangerous, but may become 
 so if it is not replaced. The child should be placed 
 in a warm bath to relax the parts. Very gentlf 
 pressure may be made on the protuberance to try t(» 
 
WARMTH 
 
 293 
 
 reduce it. If it does not yield readily the doctor 
 .should be sent for. A proper truss must be put on 
 to prevent the recurrence. 
 
 WARMTH 
 
 There is nothing more potent in keeping a young 
 baby good and comfortable, which in this case are 
 svnonomous terms, than warmth. This does not 
 mean that it shall be kept in a hot room and de- 
 prived of fresh air, but that it shall be warmly and 
 closely wrapped when it is laid down. 
 
 A new-})orn child has been accustomed to lie with 
 its limbs close against the body and sustained by an 
 elastic pressure. It misses this support and rests 
 more quietly when its place is supplied. The Ger- 
 mantown wool blanket should be wound round it, 
 a crib blanket over that and the pillow pressed close 
 to the body, 
 
 A hot water bag filled with warm — not hot — 
 water and covered with flannel can bo pnt near it. 
 It should be shielded from draughts. If it is 
 necessary to carry it i'rom one room to another its 
 head sliould be covered. In lavino; it down the 
 blanket should be drawn awav from the face. Air 
 that has been re-breathed is not at all better for 
 babies than for grown persons. 
 
■a 
 
 tmm. 
 
 294 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 POSITION 
 
 A new-born child is laid on its right side to facil- 
 itate the closing of a little valve in the heart. 
 
 After the first few days it is well to turn it ovci- 
 every two hours. It is not well for it always to lie 
 in the same position. If this is gently done it will 
 not waken it. It is best to place it on the rij^ht 
 side immediately after a meal, otherwise the liver, 
 which in a young baby is disproportionately large 
 and heavy, presses on the stomach and interferes 
 with digestion. 
 
 Some authorities advocate laying the child on its 
 chest with the head turned to one side. It is said 
 that the lungs have freer play in this position and 
 that children accustomed to it prefer it to any other. 
 
 i i: 
 
 NURSING 
 
 After the child has been bathed as directed ii> 
 Chapter VI, dressed and warmly wrapped up, it 
 should be laid to sleep and left undisturbed as long 
 as it will consent to remain so. 
 
 At any time from four to six hours after its birth 
 it may be put to the breast, if the mother is ready 
 for it. The colostrum has a laxative effect and 
 helps to expel the waste matter with which the 
 bowel is filled. 
 
NURSING 
 
 295 
 
 It is sometimes difficult to induce a baby to begin 
 to nurse. If the finger is dipped in warm water and 
 put in its mouth it may grasp it and begin to suck 
 if it is gently moved between the lips. The mouth 
 can then be transferred to the nipple. Several at- 
 tempts may have to be made before the baby will 
 take hold properly. 
 
 During the first two days it need only be put to 
 the breast once in four hours, and this interval may 
 be lengthened if baby and mother sleep. 
 
 As has been already said, the mother's milk does 
 not come until the third day. If the infant is an 
 unusually vigorous child it may be hungry and 
 clamor loudly for food in the interval. A few tea- 
 spoonfuls of plain warm water may be tried first. 
 If this does not satisfy it, dilute a mixture of half 
 milk and half cream, one teaspoonful of each, with 
 four teaspoonfuls of boiled water, add a pinch of 
 sugar of milk, and feed it with that. 
 
 The warm water is be^t if the baby will accept it. 
 
 It fills the empty stomach and soothes instead of 
 irritating it with food to digest at a time when Na- 
 ture intends that nothing more substantial than the 
 colostrum shall be offered to it. 
 
 If the baby cries it may be from some other cause 
 than hunger, and pains should be taken to ascertain 
 that it is comfortable and has no just cause for com- 
 
■iMiiHiipiai 
 
 Ij 
 
 296 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 plaint, before deciding that it requires food^ which 
 may only add to the difficulty instead of removini; 
 it. 
 
 In nursing, the child should he held easily on the 
 arm and care should be taken that the nose is not 
 pressed against the breast, or it cannot breathe, the 
 mouth being otherwise occupied. If the breast is 
 unusually full, a finger sliould be placed above and 
 below the nipple and the areola gently pressed bade. 
 This helps to check the flow of the milk when it 
 comes too quickly. The baby should have one breast 
 at each nursing, taking them alten ately. If the 
 mother cannot remember which was taken last she 
 should wear a ring, or bracelet, that can be changed 
 from one side to the other as needed. 
 
 WASHING THE MOUTH 
 
 After nursing the baby's mouth should be washed 
 with a little swab, made of a piece of cambrir 
 handkerchief doubled, dipped into tepid water which 
 has been boiled. 
 
 This should be done in the gentlest manner. 
 Rough handling may rub off the tender skin and if 
 this is broken the mouth may become sore. 
 
 When the washing is neglected the particles of 
 milk lodging there may decompose and give rise to 
 a disorder called thrush, which in aggravated cases 
 
INTERVAL OF FEEDING 
 
 297 
 
 is fatal to little babies. It is a kind of fungoid 
 growth appearing in the form of tiny white spots 
 and may extend through the whole intestinal canal. 
 Cleanliness prevents it. 
 
 The baby should have a teaspoonful of boiled 
 water several times during the day. Milk does not 
 satisfy thirst. In giving a baby anything from a 
 spoon it should be remembered that the spoon must 
 be witlidrawn from the mouth, releasing the tongue, 
 before the child can swallow. 
 
 INTERVAL OF FEEDING 
 
 Not much regularity can be observed during the 
 first three days in the time of putting the baby to 
 the breast. After that it should be nursed every 
 two hours during the day for the first three months 
 and not more than once, or twice at the most, during 
 the night. 
 
 Babies, like their elders, are creatures of habit. 
 It is quite possible to teach them not to require food 
 at night, which to them as to others should be a 
 time of rest. Unless the mother is obliged to nurse 
 the child for hor own relief, it is best for it not to be 
 fed between eleven p. m. and six A. M. Some babies 
 will sleep even longer than this. 
 
 Nothing is more pernicious for mother or child, 
 than to permit the baby to He by its mother and 
 
wmmmm 
 
 298 
 
 PKEPAUATION FOR MOTHEUHOOD 
 
 Durse whenever it stirs. It exhausts the mother's 
 vitality and ruins the baby's digestion. 
 
 Milk requires about an hour to digest in a baby's 
 stomach. Nursing it at intervals of two hours dur- 
 ing the day gives time for the completion of tlio 
 process and the necessary rest to the organ before it 
 begins work again. 
 
 A baby usually nurses about ten or fifteen 
 minutes. When it is satisfied it drops asleep and so 
 stops of its own accord. If it is hungry it will take 
 hold of the nipple gladly when it is presented to it. 
 If very sleepy and manifestly unwilling to take 
 nourishment, it should not be pressed. It will cry 
 for it when it is hungry again. In this case the 
 next hour of nursing should be counted from the 
 time it does condescend to take food. 
 
 FEEDING 
 
 If the mother cannot nurse the child, its life de- 
 pends upon a food being found which it can digest. 
 
 During the first two days, as has been said, very 
 little food is required. AVarm water, or the cream, 
 milk and water, alone should be given. 
 
 After that cow's milk, properly prepared, is the 
 best substitute for mother's milk. There arc 
 children who seem to be unable to assimilate it and 
 for these other food must be found. Its use should 
 
 till' 
 
FEEDING 
 
 209 
 
 be persevered in for several days, and it should be 
 weakened and strengthened by varying the propor- 
 tion of water before it is abandoned for any prepared 
 artificial food. 
 
 When the baby persistently vomits, or cries with 
 colic, or seems dissatisfied after its meal, the food 
 sliould be changed. 
 
 There are several important points of difference 
 between cow's milk and that of the human mother, 
 which renders it necessary to especially prepare the 
 former before it can be given to an infant. 
 
 Cow's milk is slightly acid and becomes more and 
 more so the longer it is kept after being milked. 
 Mother's milk is alkaline. For this reason cow's 
 milk is treated with lime water to neutralize the 
 acidity. 
 
 The milk of the cow contains abonttwiceasmuch 
 solid matter as a woman's milk. This is chiefly 
 caseine, the hard substance of which cheese is made 
 when it is separated from the rest of the milk by 
 being curdled. For an infant's food this proportion 
 must be lessened by diluting the milk with water. 
 
 Mother's milk is richer in fat and contains more 
 sugar than cow's milk. These must be supplied by 
 adding cream and sugar of milk. 
 
 Cream is tiny globules of fat surrounded by a 
 thin film of caseine. When it is shaken in a churn 
 
^m 
 
 i ' 
 
 300 
 
 PREPARATION FOR xMOTIIERIIOOD 
 
 this covering is ruptured, the fatty particles coalesce 
 and form butter. 
 
 When milk is curdled, the watery part remainint^r 
 is called whey. Sugar of milk is obtained byevap- 
 orating the whey and recrystallizing the powder thus 
 obtained. Tt does not ferment as easily as sugar 
 obtained from the beet, or the sugar cane, and so is 
 better for babies. It is a dry white powder which 
 can be obtained from any druggist. It is inexpen- 
 sive and keeps indefinitely. 
 
 The requirements of a mixture which shall ap- 
 proximate as nearly as possible to the mother's milk 
 is met in the following recipe prepared by Dr. 
 Meigs, called 
 
 CREAM FOOD 
 
 Cream 2 tablesj)oonfuls. 
 
 Milk 1 tablespoon fu\. 
 
 Lime water 2 tablespoonfuls. 
 
 Milk sugar water 3 tablespoonfuls. 
 
 The milk sugar water is made by dissolving half 
 an ounce of sugar of milk in half a pint of boilin 
 water. This sours if kept more than twenty-four 
 hours. 
 
 LIME AVATER 
 
 It is a common saying that whatever is paid for 
 lime water is too much, the cost of making it is so 
 small. 
 
 l^ 
 
STERILIZING MILK 
 
 .^■''' 
 
 301 
 
 If the material for it cannot be obtained, it must 
 be bought at tlie druggist's ready prepared. 
 
 To make it, take one ounce of lime, put it in a 
 bottle with one quart of cold water that has been 
 previously boiled. When the effervescence subsides 
 slake the bottle. After the lime has sunk to the 
 bottom pour off the clear fluid and add again the 
 same quantity of water, shaking a second time. Let 
 it stand fbr twelve hours and pour off the water 
 carefully for use, leaving the sediment behind. 
 Keep the bottle containing it corked. 
 
 The lime must be in a lum}/, no^ air-slaked. 
 
 It cannot be made too strong, as water only has 
 the power to absorb a certain quantity of lime, 
 about a quarter of a grain to the tablespoonful. 
 
 STERILIZING MILK 
 
 It IS always safest to sterilize the food. By this 
 means any noxious germs it may contain are ren- 
 dered incapable of doing harm to the baby, if not 
 actually destroyed. 
 
 The milk should be allowed to stand for about 
 three hours after it is received and the upper third 
 only used for the food, as it then contains more 
 cream. 
 
 To sterilize it, a number of small bottles should be 
 provided currcspoxKling to the number of times the 
 
mmmf 
 
 n. 
 
 302 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 baby is fed during the twenty-four hours, about 
 nine. 
 
 The quantity of food requisite for one feeding is 
 put in each bottle. 
 
 Invert a perforated tin pie plate in the bottom of 
 a large saucepan and stand the bottles on it. Put 
 in enough cold water to come above the milk in the 
 bottles and set the saucepan on the fire. When the 
 water boils draw it to a cooler part of the stove aud 
 let it stand, covered, for an hour. The bottles 
 should be stopped with a tuft of cotton batting, 
 which is said to be particularly efficacious in strain- 
 ing out germs. 
 
 When tlie bottles are taken from the water they 
 should bo put in the ice chest, or a cool })lace. 
 When one is needed, the cotton batting is removed, 
 the rubber top put on and the baby takes its meal 
 without the milk having beci exposed to the danger 
 of contamination from any source. 
 
 PEPTONIZING MILK 
 
 If the child's digestion is very delicate it may be 
 necessary to peptonize the milk before it is given. 
 By this means the food is partially digested before 
 it enters the stomach. No doubt the lives of manv 
 babies have been saved by adopting this process of 
 pre-digesting the food, 
 
VOMITING 
 
 303 
 
 Extract of pancreatin, tablets of paiicrcatin and 
 soda, or peptogenic milk powder can be used. The 
 latter is especially prepared for ])eptonizlng infant's 
 food. Directions accompany the different prepara- 
 tions. 
 
 VOMITING 
 
 If a baby vomits after being fed, grows jude and 
 listless and evidently is not thriving, the food 
 should be peptonized. 
 
 Vomiting used to be considered a sign of health 
 and there is this to be said in its favor. Babies are 
 very often overfed, a larger quantity being given 
 them than the stomach can contain. They reject 
 food from simple inability to retain it. In this case 
 less must be given at each feeding. 
 
 When the vomiting is incessant and the baby 
 does not gain in weight, it is apparent that not 
 enough food is being assimilated to meet its require- 
 ments and a change must be made, or the life of the 
 child will be sacrificed. 
 
 An accidental attack of vomiting means nothing 
 more than some temporary disturbance. When it 
 is habitual, the cause should be sought for, found 
 and removed. It is too serious a condition to be 
 neglected. 
 
 Note, — For children over one month old there are several foods 
 which may be tried. The subject of food for children is treated 
 at length in " The Care of Children," froH* ,hich some of these 
 directions are taken. 
 
304 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHKRIIOOD 
 
 AMOUNT OF FOOD 
 
 The stomach of a grown person will contain ahoiit 
 five pints. That of a new born child is said to he 
 able to hold less than six teaspoonfiils of Ihiid. 
 P)abics are usually fed a much larger quantity than 
 this at one time. 
 
 We know how uncomfortable we ourselves feci 
 after too large a meal. It may be that much of 
 the crying of very young children is caused by being 
 overfed. 
 
 The capacity of the stomach increases rapidly in 
 the first two months of an infant's life, after that 
 time it grows more slowly. The amount of food 
 given should keep pace with this demand. 
 
 Babies vary in appetite and power of assimilation 
 just as adults do. The amount that would abun- 
 dantly satisf}'' a small, delicate child, with a feeble 
 digestion, might be quite inadequate for a strong, 
 Healthy one, who could easily dispose of the nourish- 
 ment given it. 
 
 The intervals of feeding should be the same as in 
 nursing. 
 
 TEMPERATURE OF FOOD 
 
 Giving food too hot is a sure way to disturb the 
 digestion of young babies. The mother's milk, 
 which is the model to be approached as nearly as 
 
THK NURSINC} BOTTLE 
 
 305 
 
 same as m 
 
 possible, is only warm. The food should never be 
 hotter than 111)° Fahrenheit. 
 
 It is best to warm the milk by standing the bottle 
 in hot water fur a lew minutes. Tiie eontents should 
 be shaken on taking out the bottle to equalize the 
 heat. 
 
 THE NURSING BOTTLE 
 
 Roul '. bottles are the best, as presenting fewer 
 angles for the lodgement of partieles of milk. 
 
 Rubber tops without tubes should be used. It is 
 almost impossible to keep a tube elean. It is so 
 very small it eannot be properly cleansed. Letting 
 water run through it will not remove every trace of 
 the mil'c. What remains decomposes and poisons 
 the food drawn through it. 
 
 In choosing a top, select one with as small a hole 
 as can be found in the end. The milk comes too 
 fast and with too little labor on the part of the child 
 when the opening is large. It is a good plan to 
 place a small piece of sponge in the top. It must 
 be removed ai^d washed after each feeding and a 
 fresh one supplied every day. 
 
 The top should be turned inside out and scrubbed 
 
 with a stiff brush kept for the purpose. Every two 
 
 or three days it should be boiled for ten minutes. 
 
 Boiling does not injure the rubber. 
 20 
 
tmm 
 
 306 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 The bottle inu.st be rinsed in tepid water after 
 using, then scalded and turned up to dry. 
 
 A pinch of baking soda may be added to the first 
 water occasionally. Thorough washing, which 
 never permits any milk to remain to become sour, 
 is the best safeguard. 
 
 Should the bottle look cloudy, a little strong am- 
 monia water may be used in washing it, followed by 
 repeated rinsing and scalding. 
 
 Perfect cleanliness is part of the price that must 
 be paid for the baby's health. 
 
 MOVEMENTS 
 
 The nurse should see that the child passes water 
 during the first twenty-four hours. 
 
 If it lies with its legs drawn up and cries, it may 
 be sufferino: from the inability to relieve itself A 
 flannel wrung out of hot water may be laid os'^er the 
 bladder and renewed several times. The heat and 
 moisture may relax the parts and bring about the 
 desired result. If not the doctor should be told of 
 the difficulty. 
 
 Thite first movement of the bowels is the discharge 
 of the meconium, a black mass looking like tar. 
 When this has come away the next passage should 
 be soft and light yellow in color. A young baby 
 
 '^i 
 
MOVEMENTS 
 
 307 
 
 ought to have two, or three, of these motions dur- 
 ing the twenty-four liours. 
 
 Wiiite specks of curd through them show that the 
 milk is not properly digested. 
 
 The movements may have a greenish tinge, but 
 this is of no importance unless they also become 
 slimy, when the doctor should be consulted. 
 
 The normal odor is not especially disagreeable. 
 If it becomes offensive the food is unsuitable, or is 
 not being properly digested. 
 
 When the bowels do not move regularly, very 
 gentle pressing and rubbing of the abdomen is 
 usually sufficient to induce them to do so, particu- 
 larly with a young baby. A little warm oil may 
 be used as a lubricant if desired. The rubbing 
 should be kept up for about ten minutes. 
 
 If this produces no result a suppository may be 
 tried. As mechanical stimulation of the intestine 
 is all that is needed, a piece of stiff white paper about 
 four inches lo'.jg is rolled in a small tight cone. The 
 point is oiled and inserted in the rectum for about an 
 inch and a movement follows in a few minutes. A 
 fragment of white soap can be shaped into a supposi- 
 tory and is rejected with the fiecal matter when it 
 comes away. 
 
 As soon as possible the baby should be taught 
 regular habits by being held out at certain times 
 
308 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 every day. After six weeks old, it should seldom 
 soil a napkin if it is quite well, and the training 
 should be begun early. 
 
 I, 
 
 I 
 I 
 
 I 
 
 L. .ill* 
 
 THE FONTANELLES 
 
 These are the soft spaces on the top of the baby's 
 head which will in time become solid bone, like the 
 rest of the skull. The word means a fountain and 
 the name was probably given because the pulsations 
 of the brain, which can be distinguished beneath the 
 skin, suggest the rising of the water from a foun- 
 tain. 
 
 The front one is much the largest and remains 
 open and soft until the child is one or two years old. 
 Four bones meet here leaving a four-sided opening 
 where thev come tooether. 
 
 None of the bones of the skull are firmly united 
 at the time of birth. The sutures, or joinings, are 
 soft, so that they may yield a little to pressure and 
 accommodate themselves to the narrow passage 
 through which the head must pass. 
 
 Some mothers, fearing to injure the brain beneath, 
 do not keep the skin over the fontanelles clean. An 
 oily rubstance is constantly exuding through the 
 pores of the skin. This should be removed by care- 
 ful washing with soap and water every morning. 
 If it is allowed to remain, specks of dust lodge in it 
 
CARE OF THE EVES 
 
 309 
 
 and a very ugly brown scurf is formed, which dis- 
 figures the sweetest baby. 
 
 When the first brown flakes are perceived they 
 should be rubbed with vaseline and gently scraped 
 off with the finger nail. If they have been allowed 
 to accumulate throuii:h neglect thev should be soft- 
 ened by an application of vaseline over night and 
 very gently scraped off with a fine comb the next 
 morning. The skin will be reddened, but that is 
 not a serious matter, and more care must be taken 
 to keep it free from foreign deposits in the future. 
 
 CARE OF THE EYES 
 
 Although babies, unlike some of the lower ani- 
 mals, as kittens and puppies, are not blind at birth, 
 their power of vision seems to be imperfectly de- 
 veloped. An object may be passed close in front of 
 their eyes without causing them to wink. It is said 
 that the color is not finally decided until they are 
 about three weeks old. 
 
 The new-born child is subject to an inflammation 
 of the eyelids and sometimes of tlie conjunctiva, or 
 white of the eye, which isdangcu'ous and if neglected 
 may produce disastrous results. 
 
 In France, nurses are obliged by law to report to 
 a doctor any affection of the ey3s of a young infant. 
 Should they fail to do so they are punished by fine 
 
310 
 
 PREPAUATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 or imprisonment, as the child may become blind in 
 consequence of their neglect. 
 
 The first duty of the nurse after the child is born 
 is to wipe its eyes with a soft damp cloth. The 
 eyes should be carefully examined at the time of the 
 morning bath and if reddened should be bathed by 
 squeezing tepid water over theni, letting it drip on 
 a folded towel j)laced under the head. This can be 
 repeated several times a day until the doctor's neit 
 visit. 
 
 Should there be a discharge the doctor will proba- 
 bly order a wash of boracic acid. This can best be 
 applied with a medicine dropper. The lids are care- 
 fully separated with the fingers, the point of the 
 dropper inserted at the outer angle of the eye, point- 
 ing towards the nose, and the rubber bulb of the 
 dropper very slowly pressed. 
 
 If the eye is not kept clean and free from the dis- 
 charge, it may cause the cornea, or glassy covering 
 of the front of the eye, to ulcerate, and should the 
 ulcer be a bad one blindness may follow. Surely 
 this fear will make the nurse faithful to her duty. 
 
 The discharge is very infectious and, unless care 
 is taken, the disease may be comnmnicated to the 
 eyes of the mother and the nurse. 
 
 Pieces of linen that have cleansed the eyes must 
 be burned and nothing used about the baby's face 
 
HEARING — RED GUM 
 
 311 
 
 be permitted to be used by any one else. Towels 
 are a frequent cause of infection. 
 
 If the doctor is not paving regular visits lie should 
 be immediately informed of the appearance of the 
 discharge. 
 
 Keeping the eyes free from the dangerous matter 
 by faithful washing will probably save the child's 
 sight. Otherwise it is in great peril. 
 
 HEARING 
 
 A young baby's hearing is not very acute, and is 
 said not to be developed to the normal capacity until 
 it is about three months old. 
 
 It does not mind noise, though a loud jar of any 
 kind will disturb and perhaps awaken it. 
 
 As it grows older it is not wise to keep the house 
 especially quiet while it sleeps. It is better to ac- 
 custom it to the ordinary sounds of daily life and it 
 will learn to sleep through tliem. 
 
 When there are unavoidable noises which cannot 
 be controlled, as those made in the neighborhood, 
 putting a plug of cotton wool in each ear helps to 
 deaden them. 
 
 RED GUM 
 
 Sometimes the surface of tiie skin is dotted with 
 tiny red pimples, giving the complexion a decidedly 
 
312 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 rosy cast. This eruj^jtion is called rod gum and 
 proceeds from some irritation of the delicate skin. 
 Careful powderiuj^ with French chalk morninj^ 
 and evening is all that is necessary. It disappears 
 after a short time. 
 
 Most of the first skin peels of!* during the earlier 
 weeks of a baby's life. Sometimes the process is so 
 gradual it is not noticed, at others the skin comes 
 off in larger flakes. Occasionally a little fluid 
 collects under a patch of skin, looking almost like a 
 blister. No treatment is required, except care in 
 washing and drying the part. 
 
 JAUNDICE 
 
 As the redness fades the skin may assume a yellow 
 appearance, looking almost like jaundice. There is 
 one difference, the whites of the eyes remain clear 
 and white ; in jaundice they always have a yellow 
 tinge at least. 
 
 If the diirestion is disordered and the urine stains 
 the napkin a deep yellow, the doctor should be con- 
 sulted. The liver then is probably at fault. Other- 
 wise no treatment is required, the skin assuming its 
 normal color after a few days. 
 
 THRUSH 
 
 This disease has been mentioned in speaking of 
 
COLIC 
 
 313 
 
 the necessity of cleanliness in all the paraphernalia 
 used for the baby's food. If thrush appears, neglect 
 in this matter should be at once suspected. It may, 
 however, be brought on by disturbance of the stom- 
 ach or some part of the digestive tract, caused by 
 im|)roper food. 
 
 The mouth may be washed with a saturated solu- 
 tion of boracic acid which can be obtained from the 
 druggist. If it is desired to make it at home, buy 
 the boracic acid crystals and dissolve them in boiled 
 water. The solution is saturated when the water 
 will not take up any more, and some crystals remain 
 undissolved at the bottom of the bottle. 
 
 COLIC 
 
 The pain of colic arises from the distension of the 
 stomach and intestine by an accimiulatiou of gas or 
 wind, as it is popularly called, arising from the 
 fermentation of the food. 
 
 In a young baby a teaspoon ful or two of warm 
 lime water will sometimes give relief Laying the 
 child on Its stomach on a hot water bag is also 
 efficacious. Gently rubbing the abdomen, as di- 
 rected for the relief of constipation, helps to expel 
 the gas. 
 
 In severe casts a few drops of essence of pepper- 
 
314 
 
 PREPARATION FOR MOTHERHOOD 
 
 mint in warm, unsweetened water, or a hot bath, 
 may cut short the nttack. 
 
 Warmth is the u^st aid against the enemy. The 
 feet shoukl be wrap[>ed in lianiiel and put on a hot 
 water bag. Wheu the pain conies on at a certain 
 hour every day, the baby should be wrapped in a 
 blanivct with a hot water bag before the attack is 
 due. 
 
 With young children, colic is usually attributed 
 to overfeeding or indigestion, yet sometimes the ut- 
 most attention to the diet will not avert it. 
 
 S 
 
 INCREASE IN WEIGHT 
 
 An average baby is said to weigh about seven 
 pounds at birth if a boy, and six and a half if a girl. 
 A child may, however, weigh as little as four, or as 
 much as fourteen pounds. During the first three 
 days there is a loss in weight. After that there 
 should be a steady gain of rather more than a 
 quarter of a pound a week until the infant is five 
 months old, when the gain is slightly less rapid. 
 
 In weighing the baby it should be remembered to 
 weigh the clothes in which it is dressed afterwards, 
 and deduct their weight from the amount registered. 
 
 The length of the average child is nineteen and a 
 half inches if a boy, and half an inch less if a girl. 
 It is said to grow faster in length during the first 
 
MOTHER- LOVE 
 
 315 
 
 week of its life than ..t any suhscquont time and 
 should gain an inch in height during the first 
 month. 
 
 If a baby does not make steady progress in growth 
 both in length and weight it is not thriving propei-ly. 
 The food should l)e clianged and all the eonditir>ns 
 under which it is living carefully reviewed, to find 
 where the fault lies. 
 
 At three months old the average baby should 
 weigh not less than eleven ])ounds and measun? 
 twenty-two inches. If the child was very small, or 
 very large, when it was born, the gain should be in 
 this proportion. 
 
 When the flesh is soft, instead of being firm and 
 mottled, the face pale and the baby fretful, there is 
 something wrong which must be set right if the 
 child is to live and thrive. 
 
 MOTHER -LOVE 
 
 The constant watchfulness of mother-love is 
 needed to enable the baby to surmount the perils 
 that threaten its frail life durinor the earlv months 
 of its existence. Nature means it to live and the 
 mother must do her })art to carry out the beneficent 
 design. 
 
 Proper food and clothing, sufficient sleep, and 
 cleanliness are the requisites which it must have to 
 
316 
 
 prp:paration for motherhood 
 
 grow and develop properly. Under the head of 
 cleanliness are included clean air to breathe, and the 
 regular removal of the waste matter generated in 
 the body bv a daily movement of the bowels. 
 
 A baby thrives best in an atmosphere of love. 
 It needs loving and cherishing for its best develop- 
 nr.Mit, almost as much as it does material care. It 
 is not very loufj before it learns to look for it and 
 in its own measure to return the affection that is 
 lavished upon it. 
 
 A child that is looked upon as a burden and an 
 incumbrance is defrauded of its just due. The 
 mother who does not give to her baby the love and 
 devotion that ought to be inseparable from her re- 
 lation (o it, loses the sweetest reward of motherhood. 
 She wilfully takes the pains and penalties of ma- 
 ternity and robs herself of the recompense that to 
 the true mother makes them weigh as dust in the 
 balance. 
 
lie head of 
 ithe, and tin; 
 generated in 
 >wels. 
 
 Te of lovo, 
 3st develop- 
 l1 care. It 
 for it and 
 ion that is 
 
 len and an 
 due. The 
 le love and 
 oni her re- 
 lotherhood. 
 :ies of ma- 
 ise that to 
 lust in the