Читать книгу A Book of Medical Discourses, in Two Parts онлайн

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When a woman is expected to be sick, if a physician has not been engaged as one should have been, no time should be lost in seeking quietly to notify one. It is just as important that a doctor should be in attendance before the birth of a poor woman’s child as that he should be present before the birth of the child of wealth. And it should be considered inhuman in any physician to purposely absent him or herself until after the birth of the child. With a little benevolence and perseverance, the most humble in life can be provided with bedstead and bedding, upon which should be fixed securely pads of cotton batting, or woollen cloths. Also there should be provided clean apparel for a change of under-garments, should such change be needful. The chemise and gown should be well taken up so as to be kept dry; as wet or soiled bedding or apparel in time of labor is a frequent cause of severe chills. For the same reason, should instruments or vessels be warmed before inserting, in the case of instrumental labors. The surrounding atmosphere should be comfortable, never too warm or too cold. When there is no physician present, and a child is so fortunate as to “born itself,” surely some one can be found to assist it to survive the task. After cautiously looking under cover to see that the infant’s face is clear from contact of any parts or particles, patience will aid in determining how best to complete a well-begun job.