this are as follows:

1st. There is in the breasts of every woman after confinement a secretion
known as "colostrum" which has the property of acting as a laxative to the
child, in addition to being a food.

2nd. It is advisable that the child's bowels should move during the first
twenty-four hours and the colostrum was put there partly for that purpose.

3rd. The act of suckling has a well-known influence on the womb, in [109]
that it distinctly aids in contracting it, and thereby expelling
blood-clots and small shreds of the after-birth which might cause trouble
if left in.

4th. By nursing the colostrum out of the breasts, it will favor and hasten
the secretion of milk.

5th. It is frequently easier for the baby to get the nipple before the
breast is full of milk, and having once had the nipple it will be easier to
induce him to take it again when it is more difficult to get.

THE FIRST LUNCH AFTER LABOR.--Lunch will be next in order, and that should
consist of a clear soup,--chicken broth, mutton broth, beef broth with a
few Graham wafers or biscuits, and a cup of custard or rice pudding. This
will be the lunch for the two following days also. The same precautions are
to be observed in giving this as were observed with breakfast and as will
be observed with all other meals as clearly stated before, and repeated
again, so that no mistake may be made. In the middle of the afternoon the
patient can take a cup of beef tea or a cup of warm milk.

THE FIRST DINNER AFTER LABOR.--Dinner will consist of more broth, or a
plate of clear consomme with a dropped egg, or a cereal, a little boiled
rice with milk, and stewed prunes, or a baked apple.

After the bowels have moved, on the third day, and provided the temperature
and pulse have been normal since the confinement, the patient can be put on
an ordinary mixed diet, particulars regarding which are given on page 121
under the heading "Diet for the nursing mother."

* * * * *

[111]
CHAPTER IX

CONFINEMENT INCIDENTS

REGARDING THE DREAD AND FEAR OF CHILDBIRTH--THE WOMAN WHO DREADS
CHILDBIRTH--REGARDING THE USE OF ANESTHETICS IN CONFINEMENTS--THE
PRESENCE OF FRIENDS AND RELATIVES IN THE CONFINEMENT CHAMBER--HOW LONG
SHOULD A WOMAN STAY IN BED AFTER A CONFINEMENT?--WHY DO PHYSICIANS
PERMIT WOMEN TO GET OUT OF BED BEFORE THE WOMB IS BACK IN IT