Volume 1

Cyclopaedia of obstetrics and gynecology ... / [edited] by Egbert H. Grandin.

Date:
1889
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Cyclopaedia of obstetrics and gynecology ... / [edited] by Egbert H. Grandin. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Leeds Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Leeds Library.

    528/540 (page 506)
    A TREATISE ON OBSTETRICS. breasts are covered with plaster, over this is applied a number of layers of cotton, and the whole is held in place by a tightly pinned bandage. [It is frequently a problem to the general practitioner to determine the best and most painless manner of treating excessive distension of the breasts, or of drying up the milk in cases where lactation, for one or an- other reason, is not possible. The method in use at the Maternity com- mends itself as the simplest, most effective and least painful. Equable com- pression is what is aimed at, and this is obtained by means of the breast binder referred to, (Fig. 267). The dimensions in the cut will suit the average case. In case of simple distention, equable compression is alone necessary, and under it the milk will ooze through the bandage, and the mammae diminish in size. Where the object is to dry up the milk, the following is the method. A full saline purge is administered. The breasts are rubbed with an atropia ointment (gr. j to 3 j). A layer of cotton is placed evenly over them. The binder is then tightly pinned down the centre, and finally over the shoulders. This binder remains in place for at least one week, being tightened as it relaxes.—Ed.] If the woman intends to nurse her infant, it should be applied to the breast at the end ot eighteen to twenty-four hours, and no earlier, in order that the woman may obtain complete rest. It is not unusual for after-pains to follow on the application to the breast, fit seems to us bet- ter practice to apply the child to the breast within three to four hours after delivery. The woman is then sufficiently rested, and we further obtain the earlier action of the breast on the uterus, firmer uterine contraction, and this we want.—Ed.] As for general hygienic rules, they are as follows: keep away from the patient all causes of worry or excitement; do not allow many visits to be made during the first ten to twelve, days; do not burden her with too much bed-clothing; keep the temperature of the room at about 80° F. In winter, have a fire night and day. Air the room frequently, and re- move at once all causes of foul air. If the woman is going to nurse, regulate the child's nursing periods from the start, and see that fissures do not form on the nipples. It is our custom to cause the nipples to be washed, during the first few days, with tincture of arnica. When the infant has finished nursing, wipe the nipple carefully, and grease it with cocao butter. [We cannot be too careful of the nipples, and it is an excellent plan to wash them care:§j^lly each time the child is applied to the breast, and at once after. Pure water answers as well as anything else, except where the nipple is tender, and then the compound tincture of benzoin will harden them effectively. Further, it is not alone sufficient to wash the nipples, but the child's mouth should be washed as well, before applying it to the breast. Thus we assist in the prevention of fissure and erosion for the mother, as well as of sore mouth to the child.—EdJ