8. Same position. Raise the right foot, toes pointed forward, knee straight till leg is at right angles with trunk; hold position ten seconds and lower foot slowly. Repeat with left foot. Raise both feet together. (Figure 2.)
9. Lying flat on back, hands on chest or clasped behind head, feet held down under a chiffonier or by an attendant, come to sitting position without assistance of hands or elbows. (Figure 4.)
10. Lie on the back, grasp the rounds of the headboard and gently pull the body toward the head of the bed. Push with the feet against the footboard, or other non-resisting surface.
The knee-chest position is a most valuable exercise. It relieves the abdominal pressure, and therefore any swelling in the legs from such pressure, or any prolapsis of internal organs, bearing-down feelings, backache, disturbed pelvic circulation. It may be taken a few minutes at a time, several times a day. Sleeplessness will often be relieved by taking this position for a few minutes and then lying down. Kneel on the floor or other unyielding surface. Lay the side of the face down on this surface, with the shoulder of that side as near the knees as possible, keeping the upper leg from knee to hip at right angles with the floor. Weight may be supported on forearms placed at right angles to the body.
A good posture should always be maintained when sitting or standing; especially avoid letting the chest sink in. Whenever possible in sitting, especially after meals, elevate the feet, thus preventing varicose veins and swelling in the legs.
Sleep. Much sleep is needed. From eight to ten hours’ sleep at night is essential, and a nap or rest in the afternoon, about an hour after the midday meal. By following the régime previously given, undisturbed sleep is likely to be the rule. The mother should sleep alone, and preferably in a room by herself. A little pillow under the small of the back is very comfortable, and during the last four months, an additional pillow under the shoulders.
Teeth, Hair, Eyes. The teeth should have been examined and put in good condition before the beginning of this period. During the entire time they should be brushed carefully after every meal, and the mouth rinsed with an alkaline wash, such as milk of magnesia or soda bicarbonate. The scalp should be massaged every day during the last two months and the two succeeding months, to prevent the hair falling out. The eyes should be examined three months after the birth.
Prenatal Influences. Life begins when the germ cells unite, and from that time the mother is the guardian of a living, though immature child. By the end of the third month the form and features are complete, though in miniature, the weight is about four ounces and the length about three inches. The study of development before birth is called embryology. So far as scientific research has been able to discover, there are no nerve cells connecting the nervous system of the mother with that of the child. Notwithstanding superstitions and folklore to the contrary, it is scientifically known that she cannot give her child a Greek nose by looking at classic pictures, an ape face through seeing some disagreeable sight, or musical genius by attending concerts. Anatomical form and mental traits are matters of heredity, as previously stated, and these factors are settled forever when the germ cells unite. The sex is also determined at that time, apparently depending upon the sex-determining factors in the germ cells. Hundreds of theories (such as the diet or the condition of the parents) have been suggested for influencing the sex of the child, but none of these is as yet proven true, and certainly no such influence can have any effect after the germ cells have united. “Birthmarks,” such as red or blue spots, are probably due to some interference with the blood supply during development.
Approved Crib, Scales, Nursery Table. Holding the Baby, Supporting Head and Back.