The Four Epochs of Woman's Life; A Study in HygieneGalbraith, Anna M. (Anna Mary)
Science
The Four Epochs of Woman's Life; A Study in Hygiene
Galbraith, Anna M. (Anna Mary)
Women -- Health and hygiene
The lower right-hand corner of the bed-- the right side of the bed is
that side which is toward the right hand as one stands facing the
foot-board-- is arranged for the confinement; on this is fastened the
smaller rubber sheet, and over this the sheet is folded, and both are
fastened down with safety-pins. The pillow for the patient should be
placed at the upper and inner corner of the square. After the delivery
the patient is lifted to the upper part of the bed and the temporary
dressing is removed. A sheet and blanket are used for a covering
during the confinement.
Before the labor begins it is well to fasten up the vest and gown, so
that they will not be soiled, as it is important that the patient
shall be moved as little as possible after the labor, as all movements
tend to increase the bleeding.
The floor oilcloth must be spread at the side of the bed which is made
up for the confinement, and should extend slightly under the bed.
A bureau in the room should contain the mother's and baby's clothing,
bed-linen, towels, and any other articles which will be needed, all
properly arranged.
The clothing for the mother and baby will be placed where it will keep
warm, and the infant bathtub will be in readiness in case of sudden
need for it.
All water used about the confinement must have been carefully
sterilized in advance. The best way to sterilize the water is by
boiling it in a large wash-boiler; whatever vessel is used must be
scrupulously clean, and ought to be new. The vessel is covered over,
and the water is allowed to boil for half an hour; it is then, still
covered, set aside to cool. There should be three gallons each of
sterilized hot and cold water; since in case of an emergency there
must be plenty of water ready for use.
The various articles ordered in the confinement outfit will be at hand
ready for use. It is the duty of the nurse to have everything ready
for the doctor before his arrival. The patient should have a full warm
tub-bath, fresh night-clothes put on, and an enema should be at once
given to unload the bowels, and this even though there may have been a
bowel movement only a few hours previously. The patient should remain
in bed until the arrival of the doctor. After an examination has
assured the latter that all is right, she may be allowed to go around
the room, with a wrapper thrown on over the night-gown.
Conveniently near the bed should be a small table, covered with one or
two freshly laundried towels. This table should have on it a
wash-basin, a hand-brush, soap and hot water, an antiseptic solution,
scissors, a ligature for the navel, and a suitable aseptic lubricant
for the hands.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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