The mother is influencing the child during the entire nine months, through the blood supply. If she indulges in fear, anger, melancholy (dark emotions that develop poison in the blood), if she over-eats, or takes alcohol, if she neglects deep breathing, daily bathing, elimination, exercise, she is impoverishing and poisoning the blood supply, and the quality of her child’s bodily and mental characteristics will suffer. If she lives a wholesome life, following a régime that continuously eliminates poisons and gives abundant nourishment and oxygen, with the cultivation of peace, cheer, courage, joy (emotions that promote good circulation and a wholesome blood stream), she is providing good nourishment and enhancing the quality of her child’s life.
It is for the comfort of the mother and for the welfare and beauty of the child that the mother should be sacredly reserved for her work during this and the nursing period.
A normal woman whose physical life through her childhood and adolescence has been well regulated should have an easy experience. A certain amount of discomfort and mental depression is to be accepted as a matter of course, but the greater care now given to physical hygiene would naturally increase health and vitality. Concerts, plays, lectures, and social gatherings (except where these would involve crowds and ill-ventilated, overheated rooms), reading, music, play, should all be part of her life during this time. The joy of anticipation gives the singing heart and makes this a time of beatitude, of weaving of dreams such as no other experience in life can give.
The preparation of the nursery and the baby clothes is part of the joyous experience. This may well begin early, that it may proceed leisurely, without sense of haste, and with its full measure of satisfaction. Simplicity, cleanliness, economy in care, daintiness, are the keynotes.
The Nursery. Room. It is desirable that the baby should have a room alone. If this is not possible, his room should be equipped for the nursery, and only the mother or nurse should sleep in the same room. Sunny exposure is essential. Second floor is preferable, for dryness, and freedom from cats and dogs. A covered, sunny veranda for outdoor sleeping is most desirable. The room should be ventilated from two sides, and preferably with open fireplace.
Floor. Washable, either painted, oiled or waxed, never carpeted. Small size washable rugs.
Walls. Washable, either painted or covered with Sanitas, at least to wainscot four feet high. Soft, plain, neutral tone; buff, warm gray or medium green.
Curtains. Both light and dark shades; sheer, washable curtains, plain or figured scrim; no heavy window draperies or portières.
Heating. Preferably hot-water heater, with open fireplace for occasions. Steam and hot-air systems lack a sufficient amount of moisture, and are subject to sudden changes in temperature. Gas or kerosene stoves consume the oxygen and should not be used in the nursery. Coal stoves should be carefully watched to avoid poisonous gases from imperfect combustion, or sudden changes in temperature. Large open basins of fresh water should be kept in the room in winter, to supply humidity.
Lighting. A dim, shaded light for night use, lit only when needed. Nursery should be dark at night; daylight soft but not darkened, during first two weeks; ordinary lighting thereafter during waking hours, softened but not dark during daytime sleep.