which require a mild ointment,
but should be assisted with internal remedies when the case requires it.

[540 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]

The Lochia.--By this term is meant the discharges from the womb and soft
parts after labor. They are mixed with blood at first and contain dark
clots, mucus, shreds of the after-birth and pieces of the membrane. They
become paler in color from the end of the third to the sixth day. After
this the color is yellow, greenish and contains pus and fatty cells, with
a little blood. This discharge varies in different women. In those who
menstruate freely and do not nurse they are usually copious; when
decomposed, they smell badly and the odor is penetrating. The flow may
cease entirely between the second and sixth week. It is increased by
exertions at about the time the patient begins to move about.

Diet.--This should consist at first of liquid, unstimulating food, given
in small quantities and frequently. If the baby does not nurse, the
liquids should be restricted. Some women on the first day can take milk,
milk toast, or if desired, dry or buttered toast with coffee, tea, weak
cocoa, according to the patient's taste. Water may be given if desired. On
the second and third days, simple soups or any of the following may be
added to the dietary: Meat broths, beef tea, soft boiled or poached eggs,
raw or stewed oysters (no vinegar or spices) and some simple dessert, such
as boiled custard or junket. During the next few days, chicken (white
meat), scraped beef or mutton in small quantities, baked potato, rice and
cereals may be given and by the end of the week a gradual return to the
ordinary diet may be made. Should there be any tendency to constipation,
the bowels should be opened by a simple enema (as before stated) or
glycerin enema, etc.; or by one or more doses, 2 drams, of the compound
licorice powder repeated in three or four hours, if necessary; or a half
ounce of castor oil, or a half glass of hunyadi water. Cooked fruits for
the constipation may also be given.

Bleeding After Delivery, Post-Partum Hemorrhage.--Bleeding from the womb
occurring six hours after delivery is called post partum and after that
time, is known as puerperal child-birth bleeding or hemorrhage.

Causes.--A relaxed condition of the womb, the retention of clots or parts
of the membranes, etc., in the womb, a full rectum or bladder, fibroid
tumors, deep tears of the cervix.

Symptoms.--If the bleeding is profuse, the