THE EVENTS OF THE DAY FOLLOWING LABOR.--We will assume that the patient enjoyed a long sleep and wakes up refreshed, and with a thankful feeling that all is over and that baby is safely here. She will want to see and caress baby, of course. Lay the baby down in bed beside her and let her love and mother it. Tell her not to lift it, for the strain might injure her, then quietly steal away for ten or fifteen minutes, for these are precious, sacred moments. Motherhood--that angel spirit, whose influence every human heart has felt--that guards and guides the world in its sheltering arms--is born in its divine sense, into the heart of every woman for the first time, as she gazes in ecstasy and wonder at her [105] first-born. She feels that she has begotten a trust,--a trust direct from her Creator, and she makes a silent resolve, as she gently and timidly feels the softness of baby's cheek, that she will watch over it, and guide it, and do all a mother can for it, with God's help. It is good for the race that mothers do feel this way: and it is good for all concerned that they be given the opportunity to be so inspired. Just as gently take the baby away at the expiration of the allotted time. Take it with a cheerful, smiling word, and do not comment upon mother's happy, thoughtful face, she will quickly collect herself and enter into the spirit of quiet congratulation that should now permeate the home. THE FIRST BREAKFAST AFTER LABOR.--If the patient has passed a comfortable night, feels well, and is free from temperature, and has a normal pulse, breakfast will consist of a cup of warm milk, or a cup of cocoa made with milk, a piece of toasted bread, and a light boiled egg; or if preferred a cereal with milk and toasted bread. This will be the breakfast for the two following days also. The milk, or the cocoa (whichever is taken), must be sipped, while the attendant supports the patient's head. The cereal, or the egg (whichever is taken), must be fed to the patient out of a spoon. The patient must not make any physical effort to help herself; she must remain relaxed. Even when she sips her milk, or cocoa, she must not make any effort to raise her head; the nurse must support its entire weight. This will be the absolute routine of every meal until the physician gives permission to change the procedure. It is a waste of time to formulate rules only to disobey them. Shortly after breakfast the patient's toilet should be attended to. She should have her hair combed, and her face and hands washed. The hair on the right half of her head should be combed while the head rests on the left side, and vice versa. The water used for washing the hands and face should be slightly warmed. It is best to keep the hair braided and to consult the wishes of the patient as to the frequency of combing it. [Page 106]