The mother may demand a little more attention before the child is applied to the breast. A folded napkin should at first have been applied to the vulva. Look to it and see if it is much soiled with blood. When it is, apply a clean one, and observe particularly that one is placed so that it is partly under her; observe if her bandage is well retained in its place, and if it presses well on the lower portion of the bowels. If the binder is kept well adjusted it does good; it is of no use if it is allowed to slip up from its place. A towel folded and laid over the lower portion of the bowels, under the bandage, is useful as a compress, and helps to keep the binder in place.
Everything should be arranged so that the patient can have rest and quietness; but before she goes to sleep put the child to the breast. If the nipple is retracted, an ordinary tobacco pipe may be used to draw it out so that the child can get hold of it. If the child draws on the breast, the milk which it obtains will serve to physic it, and it should be applied to the breast every four or five hours; nothing else need be given it, except perhaps a little sugar and water.
If necessary to induce the child to take the breast, a little sweetened water or sweetened milk may be applied to the nipple. While the child is nursing the mother may lay upon her side, and receive the child upon the arm of that side upon which she is lying. Perhaps, in order to draw out the nipple so that the child can grasp it in its mouth, it may be necessary to use some bottle with a flat, smooth mouth; fill the bottle with hot water; after a minute, empty it and place the mouth of the bottle immediately over the nipple; as the bottle cools there will be sufficient suction to elevate the sunken nipple.
Soon after the termination of the labor the woman may partake of some light food—tea and toast, panada, or anything of a light, unirritating character. From the very first, under ordinary circumstances, the woman may be permitted to change her position as she may desire, from side to side, or to be propped up in bed. Before going to sleep she ought to urinate—in a lying position, if so inclined, or she can be raised up and supported in a sitting position for a few minutes, if she desires to be. The patient must not be allowed to exert herself, or remain too long in a sitting posture. But I have never known a woman to be harmed by being raised up and sitting for a minute at this particular time.