sunk--as though it were of no
consequence to her future well-being, as though it were a thing of nought.
5. TIGHT LACERS.--Tight lacers will have to pay the penalties of which they
little dream. Oh, the monstrous folly of such proceedings! When will
mothers awake from their lethargy? It is high time that they did so! From
the mother having "no nipple," the effects of tight lacing, many a home has
been made childless, the babe not being able to procure its proper
nourishment, and dying in consequence! It is a frightful state of things!
But fashion, unfortunately, blinds the eyes and deafens the ears of its
votaries!
6. BAD BREAST.--A gathered bosom, or "bad breast," as it is sometimes
called, is more likely to occur after a first confinement and during the
first month. Great care, therefore, ought to be taken to avoid such a
misfortune. A gathered breast is frequently owing to the carelessness of a
{312} mother in not covering her bosoms during the time she is suckling.
Too much attention cannot be paid to keeping the breasts comfortably warm.
This, during the act of nursing, should be done by throwing either a shawl
or a square of flannel over the neck, shoulders, and bosoms.
7. ANOTHER CAUSE.--Another cause of gathered breasts arises from a mother
sitting up in bed to suckle her babe. He ought to be accustomed to take the
bosom while she is lying down; if this habit is not at first instituted, it
will be difficult to adopt it afterwards. Good habits may be taught a child
from earliest babyhood.
8. FAINTNESS.--When a nursing mother feels faint, she ought immediately to
lie down and take a little nourishment; a cup of tea with the yolk of an
egg beaten up in it, or a cup of warm milk, or some beef-tea, any of which
will answer the purpose extremely well. Brandy, or any other spirit we
would not recommend, as it would only cause, as soon as the immediate
effects of the stimulant had gone off, a greater depression to ensue; not
only so, but the frequent taking of brandy might become a habit--a
necessity--which would be a calamity deeply to be deplored!
9. STRONG PURGATIVES.--Strong purgatives during this period are highly
improper, as they are apt to give pain to the infant, as well as to injure
the mother. If it be absolutely necessary to give physic, the mildest, such
as a dose of castor oil, should be chosen.
10. HABITUALLY COSTIVE.--When a lady who is nursing is habitually costive,
she ought to eat brown ins
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