ward till the operative's hands are just above the
horizontal line, when the motion is abruptly, but carefully, arrested. The
momentum causes the lower limbs and pelvis of the infant to topple over
toward the operator. The greater part of the weight now rests on the
thumbs, which press on the front of the chest, while the abdominal organs
press upon the diaphragm. By these two factors, the chest is compressed
and we get expiration, mechanically. After five seconds the first position
is resumed again, and the lungs expand and fill with air. This process may
be repeated several times until the breathing seems to be going naturally,
and with delicate infants it should be the last resort.

After the breathing has been established the child should be wrapped in a
warm flannel with hot water bags or cans near it, and left until the
mother has been cared for. Infants at birth are covered with a white
greasy substance, vernix caseosa, or cheesy varnish; it is removed by
applying olive oil, vaselin or fresh lard, and afterward rubbing the skin
gently with a soft cloth. The eyes and mouth should be washed out with
pure warm water--or a saturated solution of boric acid, used. Separate
squares of soft linen being used for this purpose. If the baby is born too
soon or is very small, weak and undeveloped, it should be given an oil
bath, only, and then wrapped in cotton wool and kept at a temperature of
not less than 80 degrees F., for ten days or two weeks.

[536 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

To a fully developed child the first bath may be given at once. Have
everything ready before beginning, a foot tub, warm soft towels, warm
water, castile soap, olive oil or vaselin, small squares of muslin or
linen, dusting powder, a dressing for the navel and clothing, the latter
consisting of a diaper, a flannel band, a shirt, long woolen stockings, a
loose long sleeved flannel petticoat and a simple soft white outside
garment, the two last, long enough to more than cover the feet. The infant
should be wrapped in flannel and only the part which is being bathed at
the moment should be exposed. The eyes are first bathed separately and
with different cloths, and afterward the face, no soap being used; the
head is then washed with warm water; very little soap should be used with
infants as it is more or less irritating, and it is likely to injure the
fine texture of the skin. Next, one should carefully clean the parts
behind the ears and the crevices of th