Page:Sexology.djvu/207

 The Clothing. In dressing the child, care should be taken that the diaper is not too thick or coarse, as it would keep the limbs too widely separated. Otherwise, the child may be dressed as the mother desires, although I would suggest that the dress should be with high neck, and the sleeves down to its wrist; thus maintaining equal circula- tion throughout the body, and avoiding exposure of its chest and arms when the child is taken up.

After the mother has had some rest, and the child is dressed, it should be presented to the mother.

She will look with pride on her offspring; and the joy caused by the first sight of her babe will act beneficially on her mind and system.

Allow the mother then to tender the hreast to her haby. The first flow of milk is the first medicine that the child receives. It is a natural laxative, to clear its bowels from the meconium, which is a dark mucilaginous matter. The act of nursing stimulates the breasts, and the reflex action stimulates the womb to healthy contraction.

Threatened hemorrhage has been suspended by this act.

If the mother is strong, the baby may be allowed to draw from the nipple for several minutes; lut if the mother he nervous and irritable, and the efforts of nursing cause vio- lent contractions of the womb, it should be taken from her, and placed in a soft warm bed.

If the child cries, and is restless after this, as if it were hungry, a few drops of sugared water may be given it.

Keep the room darkened, and do not turn the child's eyes to the light.