When the afterbirth is brought away, a bandage should be passed round the body of the female, made of soft linen, twelve or fourteen inches wide. It should be drawn moderately tight, and fastened securely. If it pass round twice it will be all the better, and it should be drawn down as near the pubes as possible. I know many ladies who prefer the India Rubber bands, recently invented, as they press more equally and firmly, and are put on with less trouble, being all in one piece and drawn over the feet and limbs.
Some accoucheurs put on the wrapper immediately the child is born, before the afterbirth passes away; but I think this is not the best plan. When properly adjusted, the supporting band gives great comfort to the female, and is very useful.
Some ladies provide a curious kind of corset to put on, invented for the purpose, which however, as a celebrated author recently remarked, "Are usually stiff and unyielding, like the prejudices of their patrons, and often prove injurious." None of them are equal to the simple contrivances above-mentioned.
ATTENTIONS TO THE FEMALE AFTER THE DELIVERY OF THE AFTERBIRTH.
When the afterbirth is removed the patient should be left to repose herself for about a quarter of an hour, during which time most of the blood escapes, and then she must be made as comfortable as possible. In France, and with many persons here, it is customary to cleanse the patient with a sponge dipped in warm water, pass a clean warm sheet under her, and then put on clean linen, after which she is lifted into the clean bed, previously well warmed; the accoucheur himself carrying her there. Most frequently however, the sponging is dispensed with till some time after, and also the changing of beds—the under sheet merely being withdrawn, and a warm dry one passed in its place, while the female's limbs are gently wiped. In either case the female should be disturbed as little as possible, particularly if there be danger of flooding, and she should be carefully guarded from cold. When the soiled and wet clothes are removed, as completely as possible, warm napkins should be placed under the Pelvis and between the limbs, to soak up the discharge, and they should be carefully changed as often as needed, without uncovering the patient. If she be disposed to sleep however, and is much exhausted, these attentions need not be pressed too much till she is recovered a little.
Many persons here have a dread of using the sponge immediately, and of being carried to another bed; but there is no danger from either practice, in ordinary cases, when carefully performed; and it is so productive of comfort, that I never knew one but what was pleased with and benefitted by it, and desirous of its being done in their subsequent labors.
Some females will even rise and take a cold bath, or be wrapped in a wet sheet, not only without evil effect but with positive advantage. I would not advise any one to do this however, particularly if they are the least timid at it, or doubtful of its propriety. Without the mental stimulus of faith and hope it may be hazardous. It shows however, that many of the popular notions, as to the requirements and susceptibilities of females, in this state, are entirely unfounded.
The patient may either experience great comfort after being thus attended to, or she may complain very much. Some will even be attacked with a kind of chill. Their teeth will chatter, and their hands and feet grow quite cold. This however usually passes off, and she falls asleep. The accoucheur ought to remain for an hour or two, even though she sleeps soundly, and appears quite well, because she may become suddenly worse, or flooding may set in with such violence as to endanger life in a few minutes, when unchecked.
If the patient desires any nourishment she may take a little simple soup, or gruel, but nothing stimulating, unless a little wine be needed from extreme exhaustion.