W. F. K.,
Huron, Dak.
My Dear Doctor:—In all previous confinements I had very severe after-pains; when I asked the doctor for something to give relief, he replied unfeelingly that this is nature’s method of restoring the womb to its natural condition, and that our first mother had no medicine for after-pains. Thanks to Tokology, I had no after-pains this time. I followed the fruit and grain diet, often using three lemons a day. I always took a glass of hot lemonade before breakfast. How good of a woman to write these things as you have done for women. Yours truly,
Mrs. K. J.,
Louisville, Ky.
The following is from an experienced physician:
Dear Doctor:—I am glad to add my testimony to the truths of Tokology. I was past thirty-five when I first became pregnant, but by hygienic training before and during pregnancy, I bore three children without suffering. I ate food containing little or no bone-forming material. Every day took plenty of exercise; gardening, walking, gathering fruit, etc. I was careful that my dress caused no restriction about my waist, abdomen or hips, not wearing even one band to an under-garment. I took sitz-baths before retiring, and during the entire pregnancy enjoyed perfect health. Still, on account of my age, I fully expected some suffering in child-birth.
On the morning of the 3d of December I noticed painless contraction of the uterus, recurring regularly every hour, the intervals gradually shortening to twenty minutes, by night. I spent the evening very pleasantly entertaining company, no one suspecting I was in labor. I went to bed and slept until 11 o’clock, when I was awakened by a positive expulsive effort; still no pain. I aroused my husband, asking him to prepare a hot sitz-bath, which was very grateful. He was anxious to call the doctor and nurse, and also to arouse my mother, who was in the house, but I assured him it was too soon. Although I had lived carefully, I fully believed I must suffer, and I begged him to disturb no one until I became sick.
In a few minutes I felt I must arise from the sitz-bath, and quickly knelt beside a chair. The next expulsive effort brought a welcome little stranger. I poured my heart out in gratitude for the knowledge that had brought about such wonderful results. With my own hands I tied the cord and removed the placenta. I fixed myself nicely in bed and enjoyed the washing and dressing of my own darling with true motherly delight. My own mother in an adjoining room knew nothing of the event until all was over. The second day I was out doors, and the third I took a short ride to visit a patient who needed a minor surgical operation.
When my second child was born we had just made the trip by steamer from New York to San Francisco. We had been out to an evening lecture, and were guests at a Water Cure, separated from our baggage. I had slept quietly about an hour, when I became aware that I must arouse my husband to go for one trunk with all possible speed. Although he had to go only a short distance, which he accomplished in haste, the child was born without pain while I was entirely alone. I really felt no need of assistance. With the dear boy who has blessed every hour since his advent, we continued the journey to Santa Cruz the third day of his life, with no bad results.
My third child was born with only half an hour’s painless expulsive effort, and, as usual, I was up and out doors the second day after.
If women could be made to understand what is gained by absolutely dressing the waist free from any pressure or constriction, we could hopefully predict a near millennium of safety and freedom of pain in child-birth. It seems almost hopeless to convince any lady that the bands of her skirts and drawers are any detriment to her in the performance of natural functions. I have known of hundreds of cases where natural conditions have brought about results similar to my own experience.