This, then, I put down as one of the first of the American cases of hydropathy, and the first in childbirth. Thanks to Priessnitz, there have been thousands since.
Case II.—June 26, 1846.—Two weeks ago, Mrs. E., of 56 Prince Street, informed me that she had arrived very near the end of the period of her first pregnancy, and that she desired me to attend her in childbirth. By conversation I soon found she was well-informed in the new system, and the modes of preserving health, and this without her having had any particular advantages for acquiring such knowledge. She had read faithfully and understanding upon the subject of health, a duty which too few mothers observe. Mrs. E. is about twenty-two years of age, with constitution naturally very good, although not remarkably strong. Her attention became directed to bathing about two months since. She performed two ablutions daily, and took sitz-baths; discontinued the use of tea and coffee, took very little animal food, living principally upon coarse bread, hominy, cracked wheat, and fruits. She took frequent exercise in the open air, and by these means became sensibly invigorated in general health, and was kept perfectly free from unpleasant symptoms of every kind. I advised my patient to go on as she had done perseveringly and to the last. Her very kind and affectionate husband and her mother, as well as other good-meaning relations, insisted that she should take a different course, particularly in food and drink. But she chose understandingly to pursue her own way, feeling full confidence that she would be able to prove to her friends that she was in the right, and that young persons were not necessarily less knowing than older ones.
June 26.—To-day Mrs. E. sent for me early in the morning. She had experienced by turns slight labor pains from 9 A. M. the day before; was not able to sleep much in the night. Took baths as usual, and walked in the open air. This morning she practiced general ablution and sitting-baths as usual. Cold water renders the pains more efficient, which is a good symptom. Walking about the room has the same effect. The pains increased very gradually, and this afternoon, notwithstanding they grew more severe, she was able to sleep at times between them. These continued to increase until six o’clock this evening, at which time she gave birth to a remarkably fine, healthy daughter. In a few minutes the after-birth was expelled, and no undue flooding occurred. Wet towels were placed upon the abdomen and the genital parts, and the face, hands, and feet were sponged, each of these applications having a most soothing and refreshing effect.
In the case of the infant, care was taken to avoid the great error so generally practiced, of separating the cord by which the child is attached to the mother, too soon.
The separation after due time being made, the infant was washed in soft water made very slightly tepid, with the addition of a little mild soap. No bandage was put about its abdomen, for the reason that it always causes more or less harm—that is, if there is no malformation of parts, and always tends to induce the very difficulty it is designed to prevent, viz., that of rupture. The kind-hearted mother of Mrs. E. insisted, as a matter of course, that the bandage should be applied as in the good days of old, but Mrs. E. said “Do as the doctor says.” Very light muslin clothing was then placed upon the infant, after which it was left, without drug or dose, quietly to sleep.
9½ o’clock, Evening.—Returned. Mrs. E., happy and contented, has been enjoying sound, refreshing sleep. Has had no nourishment since morning. Took then a little fruit. Prefers to wait until morning before taking any more. I recommended her to take fruit every day from the first, that the infant may be accustomed to her doing so. If mothers omit fruit for a while and then commence its use, the milk generally distresses the child. I believe that, as a rule, the judicious use of well-matured fruits will not cause any difficulty in the child, provided the above direction is from the first and onward complied with.
Mrs. E. is now to take a bath—that is, with assistance, the whole surface is to be cleansed, portion by portion, by means of cloths wet in moderately cold water. This will cause a sense of great comfort—will increase the strength and promote sleep. As is very common on such occasions, the friends object strongly to the use of cold water. “Oh, it will give you a death cold! how can you do it?” and the like expressions are used. But the patient well understands that she needs the invigorating and soothing effect of the ablution, and that when the system is sufficiently warm, it will not only be perfectly safe, but highly beneficial. She prefers, as she has done, to practice upon rational and well-ascertained principles, rather than to be guided by the whims and caprices that custom with its iron rule entails upon society.
First Morning after Confinement.—June 27, Six o’clock.—Mrs. E. slept sweetly and soundly during the whole night, waking only a few minutes at one time. She feels greatly refreshed, and able to rise and take a bath; judges by her feelings that she will be benefited by sitting up; has a good appetite. I advise her to sit up as much of the time, little by little, as she feels inclined. She proposes eating very sparingly of well-boiled cracked wheat, with a little uncooked milk and berries.
Half-past Nine, P. M.—Mrs. E. has sat up at different times during the day. No after-pains or particular discomfort of any kind. Every time of sitting up has done her good. She has taken food at three different times. Will take a sponging now, and retire to rest.
Second Morning after the Birth.—Mrs. E. slept remarkably well during the whole night. Has been up, performed a bath, walked about the room, and is much invigorated. Felt decidedly the need of the bath; it strengthened her much. Has no after-pains or difficulty of the breasts. The milk secretes abundantly. The bowels are moved by injections of tepid water. Mrs. E. will sit up the greater part of the day.