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5. A woman who is expecting her confinement should be careful
to keep her body and her clothing very clean; she should also see
that the house is thoroughly cleaned throughout, and should pay
particular attention to the bedding.
6. Nobody can be healthy if she does not breathe plenty of fresh
air and have sufficient exercise. The duties of many mothers confine
them to the house and give them plenty of hard work there; but
the windows should always be kept open—wide open as a rule,
but if very cold a few inches at the top. As much of the work as
possible should be done out of doors. Those who have spare time
should go out for at least an hour's walk every day. The windows
should be kept open at night as well as by day.
7. Over exertion, such as lifting heavy weights, and over fatigue
must be avoided.
8. Medicine is sometimes taken by foolish, ignorant mothers to
produce a miscarriage. It generally fails to do this, but always
injures the mother's and infant's health. Such practices are wicked,
and may lead to serious consequences, such as paralysis and even
the death of the mother.
(b) Health of the Baby.
9. The Baby's Clothes should be prepared in good time in case it
comes before it is expected. The binders, the vest, and the clothes,
as far as possible, should be made of flannel or wool. The legs and
arms should be well covered; a baby must not be hardened by
leaving these exposed, or it may get bronchitis and die. No stiff
cotton binder is required; babies' backs do not need support; they
should be kept lying down until strong enough to sit up without
support. Every baby should have a long-sleeved, high-necked
woollen vest, or else a long flannel made with high neck and long
sleeves. Clothes should not be tight.
10. A baby should always sleep in a separate cradle or cot—not
in bed with its parents. A good temporary cradle can be made out
of an orange box, or a banana crate. Instructions for making temporary
cradles, and patterns for clothing may be had on application to
the Lady Health Visitor, at the Town Hall, between 9 and 10 a.m.