Page:Every Woman's Encyclopedia Volume 1.djvu/49

 » nurse is very helpful, especially to a young, inexperienced mother. While it is always wise, even at great sacri- fice, to secure a good doctor, sometimes means do not permit, and a midwife must be engaged. Care should be taken to secure a trained, qualified woman licensed by law under the Central Midwives Board, and not one of the " Sairey Gamp " type. Definite arrangements should be made in writing with her, or the nurse, as to date when wanted, fees, washing allowance, etc. The nurse or midwife should be invited to the house some little time before, and shown where all necessary things are kept. She will also give a Hst, if asked, of things required at the time. Choice and Preparation of the Room.— Choose, if possible, a large, airy, bright room, with an open fireplace and a window that will open easily. If the room chosen has a smaller one opening out of it, so much the better. All carpets should be Hfted and beaten, the floor scrubbed, and woodwork wiped with disinfectant. Remove all stuff curtains and draperies, using only washable kinds ; also take away excess of furniture. Things Required — For baby : All the little garments and baby's basket should be ready at least by the end of the seventh month. For baby's toilette : Baby's bath and a bath thermometer, two soft warm towels, cake of well refined " baby " soap or piece of pure curd soap. Cheap, highly-scented soap must not be used. Soft, good sponge, or washing glove of softest white flannel, or Turkish towelling. Good dusting powder, or refined fuller's earth. For this, closed puff-box with puff or powder dredger. Small pot of white vaseline for head. For the eyes : a weak solution of boracic acid and small pieces of hnt or old hnen. For cleansing the mouth : weak solution of borax and water, and small squares of soft old linen, or white rag, safety-pinned together ready for use. Baby's tiny, soft hair brush and soft flannel or Turkish towelUng apron, for lap of nurse or mother. Baby's First Clothes or Layette.— The materials for the Uttle garments, and the number of each, will, of course, depend on the circum- stances of the mother. They should always be made of woollen material, and never of flannelette, which is doubly dangerous, on account of being highly inflammable and not affording sufficient warmth. The clothes should be light in weight and colour, warm and loose-fitting. Warmth and weight should be equally distributed over the body, no part being left unpro- tected. The first clothes consist of (i) the binder or swathe of soft flannel ; (2) the vest or shirt, generally hand-knitted of soft wool, or made of soft flannel, with all seams outside ; (3) the long flannel, or barracoat, also made of flannel, made long to protect the legs and 31 OHILDRKN icet, and drawn up at the neck with soft tape or silk, with no buttons to hurt the tiny neck ; (4) the day-gown, for summer wear made of nainsook or lawn, for winter wear of nun's- veiling or white wincey ; (5) napkins and pilches. Napkins should be made of either old, soft sheets or Turkish towelling. The pilch is usually a square of flannel doubled over to form a triangle. This is put on over the napkin for protection during the night, or when baby is taken out. Some kind of naphtha soap should be provided to wash these articles ; common soap or soda must not be used, orbaby wiU suffer from soreness and rash. Bibs are better made from Turkish towel hng, and tied with soft tapes behind. Night-gowns can be made of natural flannel and should be either in the form of a sleeping- bag or to button over, so that baby's feel and legs are never unprotected. Needless to say, baby should have distinct sets of clothing for both day and night wear. A small shawl or head flannel is usually pro- vided for use when carrying baby from room to room. Out-door Clothing, in addition to the fore- going, usually consists of : (i) a large white warm woollen shawl ; (2) a soft warm hood or bonnet with fine Shetland veil ; and (3) a pair of knitted combination boots and stockings, which must come well up the legs. Articles Needed for the Mother.— (i) Change of underclothing and night-dresses; (2) woollen bed-jacket or " Nightingale." A comfortable dressing-gown and pair of bed-room slippers are needed for convenience. Other additions will probably be suggested by nurse. A separate cot or bed for baby is an absolute necessity, in order to obviate the risk of overlaying. The cot or cradle should have no rockers, and be of the simplest possible make. The fewer draperies the better ; if they are used, they should be of washable material. To warm the cot, a tiny hot-water bottle is needed, and an ordinary stone ginger-t)eei bottle with screw-top, covered with a woollen bag, serves the purpose quite well. Pincushion, with pins, safety-pins, and threaded needle, clinical thermometer, and a roller towel are all necessary. There should be plenty of both hot and cold water handy, as well as several towels. The infant's clothes, clean bed-clothes, and mother's garments should be hung up to air in readiness. It is well to have in the house some stimulant, such as sal volatile, also easily-warmed food, such as milk, beef- essence, soup, or cocoa, and a feeding-cup. Wherever possible, consult the special tastes and fancies of the patient. After the first few days following the arrival of baby the young mother should be encouraged to think of this time as one of great happi- ness, rest, and contentment — cheerfulnes? is a great restorer. Further articles of advice to mothers will appear in Every Wo.man's Encyclopaedia.