Case V.—Dec. 12, 1845.—Was called in the night between one and two, by Mr. Brown, living at 40 Oliver-st., to visit his wife, then in labor. At the beginning of the evening previous, Mrs. B. began to experience premonitory symptoms—took, as usual, a sitting-bath, reclined upon the bed, and slept about three hours, when she was awakened at 10 o’clock by labor pains. These occurred regularly until the time of our arrival and onward, growing more and more effectual, until four in the morning, at which time she gave birth to a fine healthy daughter. The after-birth was cast off in a few minutes, after which Mrs. B. felt easy and inclined to rest. After being made comfortable, she was desired to sleep awhile, and was told that she would be refreshed and invigorated by an ablution after sleep, and that she would be able to sit up a short time by way of a change.
Nine, P. M.—Returned to see Mrs. B. Found her quite comfortable, after-pains slight; had slept a part of the time. From the commencement of labor she had drank as freely of Croton water as was desired—had drank nothing but cold water for about a year. Had she been accustomed to warm or hot drinks there would have been a liability to increase of after-pains by taking cold water. In such cases the drink must be warm, unless there is much feverishness and thirst, in which the cold drink would be tolerated and most agreeable. Appetite was good. Mrs. B. said she could relish any thing; was very fond of Indian mush, with a little syrup; thought she had better not take any thing till dinner time—she would drink water, and be on the safe side. To this I of course agreed. She felt none of the giddiness, nervousness, great weakness, and depression of spirits she had always hitherto felt after childbirth. There was now and then a slight after-pain. She sits up little by little, and drinks water when she feels an inclination. She will take food once to-day, that is dinner, and I will come again by evening.
Seven, P. M.—Returned again. Mrs. Brown has been sitting up and bearing her weight at different times during the day. She ate of the plain favorite dish, Indian mush and molasses, with a piece of dry bread, and water to drink. The bread tasted very sweet, the appetite was so good. The husband had now returned, and the bathing could be carried out. A wash-tub was brought into the room, and placed before the fire to be warmed. At the same time, water, warm and cold, was procured. A stick of wood was placed under one side of the tub, and thus the two-fold object of a hip and general rubbing-bath could be accomplished at the same time. Mrs. B. walked to the tub, and, her husband aiding, took a good bath. The water was made mild, of about 80° or 85° Fah.; while sitting in the bath, the body being well guarded all about with blankets, a good deal of rubbing was practiced upon different parts of the system, and particularly the back. This had the effect of promoting after-pains, and of strengthening the part, and in fact the whole system, very much. The lower extremities were, of course, outside the tub, and those were bathed afterward. A night-bath of this kind at such times seems, indeed, to increase the strength tenfold. Pains are relieved, the nerves strengthened, and a wonderful change wrought.
Second Day (Sunday), between Eight and Nine, A. M.—Mrs. B. slept well during the night, and until late this morning. All were in bed so long, and as Mrs. B. appeared so well, it was thought best, for want of time, to omit the general bath until toward dinner. Told her that, for a change, it would be best to go occasionally to other parts of the house; but to be careful not to overdo, or to be up too long. At any time pain or weakness was felt in the back, a good rubbing of the part with the wet hand or towel would prove very serviceable. Requested Mr. Brown that an enema of tepid water be administered. This could be repeated twice if necessary to cause the desired effect.
Six o’clock, P. M.—Mrs. B. has eaten to-day sparingly twice, a breakfast and dinner, the last with her family. Has walked up and down stairs without inconvenience or assistance.
Third Day (Wednesday), A. M.—Mrs. B. rested well last night. Feeling a little fatigue the preceding evening, she concluded to omit the bath. It would have been refreshing, however, but this morning she feels remarkably well, and has been doing light work. Has been up nearly all the morning. Took the sitting and general rubbing-bath early before breakfast. Was cautioned not to be up or to do too much. Food to be plain, as usual, and the drink, cold water.
Seven, P. M.—Mrs. B. has been up most of the day. Appetite remarkably good; thinks she took a little cold by sitting unconsciously in a draught of air. A carious tooth commenced aching, which proved a warning. There has been some feverishness, probably nothing more than milk fever. This will be prevented by the tepid-bath, the latter to be repeated as often as the feverishness returns, if such should be the case. There has been some caking and pain in the breasts. The pain is effectually removed by perseverance in placing very warm or hot wet napkins upon the breasts, covering these with dry warm flannels, and repeating them very often until the pain is relieved. Breasts to be well drawn, and the bowels moved by a full injection of tepid water. If Mrs. B. perseveres as she always has, she will have a good night’s rest.
Fourth Day.—Mrs. B. rested well; continues the baths, plain diet, sitting up, and moderate exercise, as usual, and is progressing rapidly toward firm health and strength.
Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Days.—Mrs. B. proceeded cautiously, and with the most favorable results.
Eighth Day, Eleven, A. M.—Mrs. B. has been about all the morning, has been giving way to her great propensity to industry, practicing at the wash-tub. She does not believe at all in idleness. The only danger is that she may do too much.