douche bag at the proper height (about three feet) and allow the solution
(1 to 2,000 bichlorid) to run over the parts into the douche pan, but do
not touch any part of the patient with the nozzle of the douche bag. While
she is directing the water with the left hand she should have a piece of
sterile cotton in the right hand with which she will gently mop the parts.
This method ensures disengaging any clotted blood and is aseptic. Dry the
parts afterwards with a soft sterile piece of gauze and apply a clean
sterile napkin.

DOUCHING AFTER LABOR.--A nurse should never give a vaginal douche without
instructions from the physician. Douches are not necessary in the
convalescence of ordinary uncomplicated confinement cases. When it is [108]
necessary to give vaginal douches after a confinement, there are good
reasons why they should be given, and it is therefore absolutely essential
that they should be given properly, and with the highest degree of aseptic
precautions. If these rules are not observed, the danger of causing serious
trouble is very great, and as the physician is directly responsible for the
conduct of the case, he should in justice to himself and his patient, do
the douching himself.

HOW TO GIVE A DOUCHE.--The proper way to give a vaginal douche after a
confinement, when the parts are bruised and lacerated, and when, as a
consequence, the possibility of infection is very great, is as follows:

Instruct the nurse to boil and cool about two quarts of water and have
another kettle of water boiling. Boil the douche bag and its rubber tubing
and the glass douche tube (do not use the hard rubber nozzle that comes
with the ordinary douche bag). Drain off the water after it has boiled for
ten minutes, but instruct the nurse not to touch the bag or tube, to leave
them in the pan, covered, till the physician uses them. When the physician
calls, place the patient on a clean warm douche pan while he is sterilizing
his hands and making the solution ready. While he is douching the patient
the nurse will hold the bag. The bag should not be held higher than two
feet above the level of the patient.

ADVANTAGES OF PUTTING BABY TO THE BREAST EARLY AFTER BIRTH.--The patient
can now take, and will likely be ready for, an hour's nap. After the rest
it is desirable to put the baby to the nipple, first carefully cleaning the
nipple with a soft piece of sterile gauze dipped in a saturated solution of
boracic acid. The reasons for