The parturient woman requires no bandage. If a compress is needed a towel can be pinned around to keep it in place. Also, if there is discomfort from undue enlargement and relaxation of the abdomen, a bandage applied loosely will give relief. Otherwise no bandage is essential. The common belief that it restores a woman’s form is a mistake. She returns to her former size better without than with it. If worn at all snug it is likely to cause inflammation that will produce bloating. It also presses the uterus down in the pelvis and in the relaxed condition of all the parts may cause prolapsus uteri. The frequency with which prolapsus occurs may justly be attributed to the unnatural pressure thus exerted. A parturient woman makes a more speedy and excellent recovery without the bandage.
After the bath, change the soiled quilts and cloths for fresh ones. Apply a large cloth over the arnica cloth at the vulva, make the bed look tidy, and leave the patient to rest. The house should be made quiet and every means used to encourage complete repose. If it is night, let the attendants retire and darken the room, the nurse remaining within call.
In case of thirst let her have cold or hot water, weak tea or thin gruel, as she feels inclined. Ordinarily she needs no remedies. Nature simply demands rest. Only a few years since a woman was not allowed to go to sleep until she had taken a bowl of panada and the inevitable dose of castor oil. One woman told me she dreaded the castor oil more than having the baby. It is unnecessary and likely to produce harm. For a few days torpidity of the bowels is natural, and if forced to action, inflammation and piles are likely to result. Surgeons have long been familiar with this same state of the bowels in other cases. Constipation is the natural sequence of amputation or fractures. The system rallies to meet one great demand and temporary torpidity of the bowels may be expected. Do not be influenced to take any drug. Simply rest. Surely at no time in one’s life is rest so sweet.
The long months of anticipation, doubt and endurance are over, the hour long feared has culminated in the bestowment of a gift which an angel might receive with rapture. A babe, the object of woman’s profoundest and most sacred passion has been given her for her very own, to nourish, guide, develop and instruct, of which even death cannot rob her. A solemn joy beyond words fills her soul, which none should needlessly disturb.
He comes—she clasps him; to her bosom pressed,
He drinks the balm of life, and drops to rest.
CHAPTER XIV.
DYSTOCIA.
In difficult labor a physician’s skill and knowledge is imperatively demanded. Yet a few practical hints for emergencies may be advantageous.
Presence of mind, with the knowledge given in the preceding chapter, will enable even an inexperienced person, in the chance absence of the doctor, to conduct a case of natural labor satisfactorily.
Prolonged and difficult labor may occur when one has not had the benefit of the “fruit diet” and other hygienic measures herein recommended, or who on account of disease and deformity, has not been able to accomplish desired results. In malformations of the pelvis, in face or shoulder presentations, placenta previa, etc., surgical interference will be required.