ior to the tenth day many physicians
believe the exceedingly tight binder causes misplacements of the
enlarged, softened, and boggy uterus. It should be pinned snugly; but
not drawn as tight as possible with the idea of keeping the uterus
from relaxing, for at best, it does not do it; while tight
constriction may produce a serious turning or flexion of the uterus.
The breast binder is applied during the first twenty-four hours to
support the filling breasts, loosely at first, and as they increase in
size, as the glands become engorged, the binder is drawn more tightly.
A sterile piece of gauze is placed over the nipples.

THE BOWELS

On the morning of the second day a cathartic is usually given--say one
ounce of castor oil or one-half bottle of citrate of magnesia. The
bowels should move at least once during each twenty-four hours; if
they are obstinate, a simple laxative may be nightly administered.
Certain constipation biscuits, sterilized dry bran, or agar-agar may
be eaten with the breakfast cereal. Prunes and figs should be used
abundantly. Bran bread should be substituted for white bread. The
enema habit is a bad one and should not be encouraged; however, the
enema is probably less harmful than the laxative-drug habit. Mineral
oil is useful as a mild laxative, and does not produce any bad after
results.

CARE OF THE NIPPLES

Fissures of the nipples should be reported to the physician at once.
There are many good remedies which the physician may suggest; in his
absence, Balsam Peru may be advantageously applied. Boracic acid
solution should be applied before and after each nursing from the very
first day; in this way much nipple trouble may be prevented through
cleanliness and care. The nipples should be kept thoroughly dry
between nursings Nipple shields should be used where fissures persist.

THE DIET

For the first three days a liquid and soft diet is followed such as
hot or cold milk, gruels, soups, thin cereals, eggnog (without
whiskey), eggs, cocoa, dry toast, dipped toast, or cream toast. There
should be three meals with a glass of hot milk at five in the morning
(if awake) and late at night; nothing between meals except plenty of
good cold water. After the third day, if temperature is normal, a
semi-solid diet may be taken, such as baked, mashed, or creamed
potatoes, soups thickened with rice, barley or flour, vegetables
(peas, corn, asparagus, celery, spinach, etc.); eggs, light meats,
stale