A handbook of obstetric and gynaecological nursing / by the late Fleetwood Churchill.

  • Churchill, Fleetwood, 1808-1878
Date:
1893
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A handbook of obstetric and gynaecological nursing / by the late Fleetwood Churchill. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    organs of generation, which may he felt as the child descends. By this examination, you will also learn the state of the vagina, whether it is cool or hot, dry or moist, and still more the state of rigidity or relaxation of the perineum, which may assist you in forming an opinion upon the character and probable duration of the labor. Bear in mind that every examination should be made quietly, gently, and without the least exposure of the patient. If all be right, it will not be necessary to examine again during the first stage, until the waters escape; and if the patient be up, see that she is com- fortably clothed, and yet that her drees is so arranged that she can undress quickly. Quiet and cheerful conversation, a cool room, mild diet, slight occupation, and a hopeful view of the case, will be all that is necessary until the second stage sets in. She should never be encouraged to bear down, or “assist herself,” as it is termed, until the second stage begins, and the pains force her to do so; nor is her crying aloud objectionable, unless it be excessive and she lose all control of herself. She may also choose her position, and either sit, stand, or lie down during the pains. When the waters break, unless this occur pre- maturely, the patient should, generally, go to bed; but previously, the bed must be made so as to protect it from moisture, and to admit of the soiled linen being removed at once, and without disturbing the patient, and this is the way you should do it. Over the lower sheet you should spread a yard and a half square of waterproof cloth, at the right side of the bed, where the hips are to be, and hanging a little over the side; upon this, the end of a sheet folded twice lengthwise, and upon this again, a sheet folded four times square, so that, after labor is over, this upper sheet can easily be removed, whilst the under one can be drawn out so as to bring a dry part under the patient. When the discharge has moderated, this sheet and the waterproof may be removed, and the under sheet and bedding will