Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/48

 By .Mrs. F. LASSELS MATHER, Central Midwivei;' Board, A. R.San. 1. Author of " Hcalil, avd Home Nvrsing:' *' Hygiev^ and Te^nPerat^cer Home and Nursing^ ^tc. AS soon as a woman knows that she is likely to become a mother, it should be her sweet duty to order her hfe that her child may be born strong, healthy, and beautiful. It is the beginning of life which matters. The period of nine months before birth, and the first year after, are the most important times, as 'far as health is concerned, in the life of everv human being. The essentials which should receive arten- tion are — food, clothing, exercise, and fresh air, rest and sleep, and good surroundings. The wise woman will put aside her fancies and eat only such foods as will be most beneficial to herself and her unborn child. Wholesome, plain, nourishing food should be taken, little meat being required. Indeed, some authorities recommend a diet chiefly of fruit and vegetables, with plenty of whole- meal bread. Spiced and highly seasoned foods, pastry, and pickles should be avoided. Tea and coffee should be drunk sparmgiy. Well boiled oat and wheat-meal porridge with good milk, brown bread-and-butter, green salads with oil, fruits, bananas, oranges, grapes, fresh or stewed apples, prunes, or figs are all good, and all tend to prevent distress- ing constipation. Avoid all stimulants. Up-to-date doctors are agreed that alcohol in any form is generally highly injurious and unnecessary. Professor Sims Woodhead says, " ^o woman can take alcohol, even in a moderate quantity, without it affecting her baby." Clothing should, of course, be warm but light, and should not be suspended from the waist, and there should be no pressure on any pari Df the body. Corsets must be dispensed with, as they cause harmful pressure on the heart and stomach. A combination under-garment should be worn, and the petticoat and skirt made to button on to a bodice, .so as to hang from the shoulders. For house wear a pretty maternity dress or princess robe, made in tea-gown style, is becoming and easily made at home. Great comfort and relief can be obtained by wearing a shaped belt made either of flannel or strong drill. This keeps the back warm and has other advantages. Garters, which are never advisable, must .lot be worn, as they increase the tendency to varicose veins. Exercise and Fresh Air. -It is a great mistake to suppose that the expectant mother cannot take exercise or do her ordinary household work. She should, however, avoid such work as entails lifting the arms high above the head, hfting heavy weights, climbing up stairs, or standing too long. " Lead a gently active life." An abundance of fresh air is of highest importance, as during this time breathing is quickened, and therefore a larger quantity of oxygen is needed. As far as dutier; and weather permit, as much time as possible should be spent in the open air and sunshine. These promote better digestion and cheerfulness. A brisk walk, just before retiring often ensures refreshing sleep. If the weather be unsuitable (for great r.'ire must be taken not to contract internal chill), the house must be flushed with fresh air, especially the bed -room and living-room, which should he as bright and sunny as possible. Deep-breathing exercises are good, and may be done by an open window. Much resi is needed. A woman should have plenty of sleep in a cool, well-ventilated room, on a wide bed, fitted with a good firm mattress. Good Surroundings. -The ancient Greeks used to surround their women during this time with all that is beautiful in art, that their sons might be strong and their daughters graceful. Try to cultivate pure, placid thoughts, remembering that " of all created things, the loveliest and most divine are children." Avoid undue excitement, such as crowds or theatre-going. Constipation.— It is a great mistake for the expectant mother to ta.ke strong purgatives, unless by medical advice. The action of the bowels should be care- fully regulated by a certain amount of exer- cise and by attention to a regular habit. Much can be done by judicious dieting, or by drinking a glass of natural aperient oi clear water on rising and on retiring. The simplest means should alway^s be tried first, Shpuld these fail, small doses of the compound Uquorice powder in water may safely be taken, or a little castor-oil. When, in spite of these methods, constipation per- sists, the doctor should be consulted, or pain- ful piles may result. If these appear, the patient must keep to bed for a few days, bathing with very warm water from time to time. The doctor chosen should be seen and con- sulted early. He will inform his patient if any special arrangements are necessary. If circumstances permit, a trained maternity