Page:Sexology.djvu/205

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lated by alternate douches of cold and warm water, by dry heat and frictions. Care should be taken not to fatigue it. It may be bathed with alcohol, and artificial respira- tion kept up by alternate blowing in the mouth and press- ing the ribs together. A little brandy may also be given as follows: Five drops of brandy to a tablespoonful of warm water; one drop of this solution on the tongue every five or ten minutes, until the child gives sign of some strength and of established circulation.

ATTENTIONS TO THE MOTHER.

Immediately after delivery, the patient, passing from a state of tension to a state of relaxation, is often taken by a nervous chill: so do not expose her surface to the air un- necessarily; and, if the chill comes, cover her up until reaction has set in, and she feels warmer.

Do not allow her, under any circumstance, to help her- self; gently and steadily pull from under her the soiled cloths and garments; then draw down the bandage, and pin it snugly around her; pull down her dress, and cover her warmly.

Apply a soft napkin to the vulva. Should the soft parts be very sore, they may be bathed with tepid water medi- cated with witch hazel.

If a physician has been in attendance, after his depart- ure leave the patient to repose, and let no cverscrupuloushj cleanly person interfere. Too much intermeddling is the cause of severe after-pains, or of more or less dangerous flooding. If the patient be allowed to sit upright, the blood will accumulate again in the uterine veins, distend them, and cause coagulations of blood that will induce violent after-pains; and if the blood does not coagulate, but flows away, it will produce the most violent and dan-