Part 27

FIRST then, Because these _accidental_ Distempers are very many and numerous, as well as various and different in _Kind_: SECONDLY, Because _some_ of them have been already treated, or occasionally discoursed upon at large: And, THIRDLY, because _others_ are only to be named in this Place; I shall take leave to include and comprehend them all, for _Brevity’s_ sake, in this present _Chapter_.

IN order to which, I may first observe, that most (if not All) of these unfortunate _Accidents_, depend entirely upon the indiscreet _Conduct_ of the _MIDWIFE_ in time of _LABOUR_, or the _ill Management_ of the _Woman_ after the _BIRTH_: Since by the prudent and judicious _Means_ of the expert _MIDWIFE_, many _Accidents_ may be prevented, which otherways must necessarily happen, especially in difficult or _preternatural BIRTHS_; as also, on the other hand, by treating the _Woman_ orderly, and guiding her carefully, many _Distempers_ may be totally averted, which otherways will inevitably seize the _PATIENT_. As for Instance——

IT sometimes happens, that she is troubled with a _Prolapse_, or bearing down of the _WOMB_, or _Vagina_, or _Both_; as also sometimes with a _Falling out of the FUNDAMENT_: In all which unhappy _Conditions_ the industrious _MIDWIFE_ will find her _Instructions_, not only with respect to the _Cure_, but also with respect to the _Prevention_ (which concerns her most) particularly set down and accounted for in _SECT._ V. _Chap._ 10, and 11. as she will also, upon _Perusal_, find the _Method_ of preventing that deplorable _Accident_, of making a _Rupture_ in, or renting the _Perinæum_, in _Chap._ 9.

BUT in _case_ of _Contusions_, or Smaller _Rents_ in the _VULVA_, or _Vagina_, which sometimes cannot be well prevented, especially in the _First BIRTHS_; _such_ are by no means to be neglected, lest they degenerate into malignant _ULCERS_: Wherefore they ought to be _cured_, as soon as possible, after the _Woman’s DELIVERY_; which _Cure_ is easily performed, when taken in hand _betimes_, by proper _Fomentations_, and convenient _CATAPLASMS_.

SOMETIMES again, the _WOMB_, the _Belly_, and the _Feet_ swell much after the _BIRTH_; which _SYMPTOMS_ commonly proceed from some _Cold_, or from _drinking too much_, or from either a _Suppression_ or _Diminution_ of the _LOCHIA_, or from any _irregular way of Living_ during the time of _GESTATION_: By which means the vitious _HUMOURS_, resolving themselves into _Flatulencies_, swell and puff up both the _WOMB_ and the _ABDOMEN_; and these _Winds_ descending, have the same Effect upon the _Legs_. But the _Cure_, however, of all such _SYMPTOMS_, is readily accomplished by convenient _DIET_, proper _Fomentations_, and discutient _Medicines_.

HENCE I might orderly descend to an _Indefinity_ of Particulars, deriving from the following general _Heads_, which I Shall only name at this time; _viz._ the various _Diseases_ of the _PUDENDUM_ and _Vagina_, as well as of the _MATRIX_ itself, together with their _co-incident SYMPTOMS_; as also the divers _Distempers_, and different _SYMPTOMS_ of the _Woman’s BREASTS_. But _These Subjects_ being as different as numerous (which I have already hinted) I must refer them to another Opportunity; being resolved to keep the present Work, for the common Good, within the _Purchase_ of all sorts of People as far as possible; and until such time as something on _these Heads_ appears more judicious or elaborate, either from _my own_, or some more _capable Hand_, I hope _English Women_ can be at no great Loss for good _Instruction_, or ready _Assistance_; especially not in this famous _City_ of LONDON, which is, by the Divine Mercy, abundantly well-stock’d, and singularly well provided, with some of the most excellent _Physicians_ of the Age, as well as with some very ingenious _Practisers_ in the Art of _MIDWIFERY_.

AND, thus, in fine, having _piloted_ the good _Woman_ (as it were) thro’ the _three Gulphs_ of _GESTATION_; _BIRTH_, and _CHILD-BED_, and at last brought her into safe _Harbour_; we may now (I hope) securely leave her there, to _refit_ for the same prosperous _Voyage_ again; whilst we, in the next Place, undertake to provide for the _Safety_ of her _CARGO_, or direct the _Regimen_ and _Nursing_ of the _CHILD_. And FIRST—

CHAP. VII. _Of the Constriction of the NAVEL-STRING, and the Swaddling of the Infant_.

IF after the _Torrents_ of Difficulties and _Oceans_ of Danger that the MOTHER has painfully gone through, and narrowly evaded, the CHILD should at last be lost; the _Comfort_ of her _Burden_ would be but small, and the _Reward_ of her _Sufferings_ but very little: Wherefore special _Care_ ought to be taken to prevent such melancholy _Events_; in order to which, we are not only to remedy such _Indispositions_ as it (too often) brings with it into the World, but also to defend it from the many periculous _Contingencies_, to which the _Tenderness_ of its Body, and the _Debility_ of its Age expose it.

THE first _Duty_ then, that the _INFANT_ requires of us after _BIRTH_, whether born by the _Head_, or extracted by the _Feet_, is the _tying_ and _cutting_ of the _Umbilical Vein_, or _NAVEL-STRING_; which being a thing generally well known, I shall have no Occasion to insist upon it, especially since tho’ the common GOSSIPS may differ in the _Performance_, yet they always agree in the _Fact_.

HOWEVER, that we may not pass this _essential Point_ by in Silence, in case a notable Word may drop by the By, I would,——

I. OBSERVE, that, until the _STRING_ be cut, the CHILD is to be carefully laid on _one Side_, not on its _Back_, for fear that the _HUMOURS_, running to its _Mouth_ or _Nose_, may choke it, for want of free Evacuation.

II. I would take notice, that, if need require, while the _MIDWIFE_ is busy about the _Mother_, in extracting the _AFTER-BIRTH_, cleansing the _WOMB_, &c. the most capable of the GOSSIPS should _tie_ and _cut_ the _STRING_, especially if the _INFANT_ is weak or ill; otherways it may be deferred until the _Woman_ be entirely _delivered_, and fairly _laid_. Then,——

III. AS to the _Performance_ of this Matter, it may be _tied_ with a good strong _Thread_, laid four or five-fold, according to its Strength; and the KNOT tied close within _two Inches_ of the _CHILD’s_ Body: Tho’, I say, that the KNOT is to be _tied_ close, yet it must not be so strictly _tied_ as to cut asunder the _STRING_; which might easily happen, especially to the _INFANTS_ of a tenderer Constitution. And the Reason that I would have the _Constriction_ made _two Inches_ from the Body, is this, That in case any _Blood_ should happen to drop out afterwards (as it often happens) there may be _room_ enough to _tie_ it again nearer the _NAVEL_.

IV. THE _STRING_ is not to be _cut off_ close to the KNOT, but also _two or three Inches_ from it; so that, if it happens to swell with Wind (as is very common) after being _tied_, it may be _loosed_ again, the _Wind_ discharged, and itself conveniently _retied_. But the far better and preferable way is, to tie this VEIN in _two Places_, and cut it asunder betwixt the _Ligatures_; being thereby secure from losing BLOOD. Some (I know) will not have the VEIN to be _tied_ before the _CHILD_ cries or makes _Water_; but, however, long _Delays_ in this _Case_ are no ways convenient, nor without Danger.

V. THIS VEIN or STRING being _cut_, must be wrapped up in a _three_ or _fourfold Rag_, to defend the _BABE_ from Cold or Pains of the _Belly_; which otherways might ensue from the _naked_ VEIN’s lying upon its Body: Which being done, this Part of the STRING is to be laid on the _upper Part of the Belly_, with a small _Boulster_ on the Top of it; and then swathed with a _Linnen Swath_ of about _four Inches broad_, to keep it firm and steady.

VI. THE first time that the _CHILD_ is _unswathed_, a new KNOT ought to be made or _tied_, and that to prevent all _Danger_ by Loss of _BLOOD_, which may readily happen by the first KNOT’s relaxing, as the _STRING_ begins to wither away or contract.

THIS being so duly taken care of, it remains only in general, that the Infant be presently _washed_, cleansed, and examined all over, and at last orderly _swaddled_. All which if the _MIDWIFE_ does not perform with her own Hands, she ought at least to see it carefully accomplished: Upon which she may then say, she has faithfully discharged her _Duty_ to both the _MOTHER_ and the _CHILD_.

VII. BUT more particularly, in the _seventh Place_, I must take notice, that as soon as the _NAVEL-STRING_ is thus duly handled and provided for, the _INFANT_ is to be tenderly cleansed of the adhering _Excrements_, and washed all over in a little warm _Wine_, _Milk_, or _Ale_; especially its _Head_, _Arm-Pits_, _Groins_, _Cods_, or _Privities_, &c. are to be softly cleansed and gently bathed with a soft _Spunge_ or _Rag_, dipt in the same _Liquors_: But if the _viscous Matter_ sticks too fast or close to the tender Body, a little _Oil of sweet Almonds_, or fresh _Butter_, may be added to either of the foresaid _Liquors_. As also the _Ears_ and _Nostrils_ ought to be well cleansed and unstopped with small Tents of _fine Rags_ wet therein; and the _Eyes_ wiped with a soft dry _Cloth_; as the _Mouth_, _Tongue_, and _Jaws_ may be cleans’d by the _Finger_.

VIII. THESE things being all very carefully and tenderly performed, every Part of the Body ought to be diligently searched, in case of a _Dislocation_, or any other _Accident_, happened by _Violence_ in the _BIRTH_, or otherways; that present _Remedies_ may be used, according to the Nature of the _Circumstances_: And especially the two _Conduits_ of the _URINE_ and _ORDURE_ are to be examined; since it sometimes falls out that _these_ are not perforated, and consequently that the _Meconium_ cannot be voided, which inevitably proves fatal, unless timely _Care_ be taken.

IX. AS to the _URINE_, all _Children_ discharge it as soon as born, at least as soon as they feel the _Heat_ of the Fire; when if the _Excrements_, properly called _MECONIUM_, tho’ improperly _COLLOSTRO_ by the _Italians_, do not follow a little after; I mean within an _Hour or two_; then a small _Suppository_ may be used, such as a _sugar’d Almond_ anointed with a little boiled _Honey_; or a Piece of _Venice-Soap_ anointed with fresh _Butter_; as also a little _Syrup_ of _Roses_ or _Violets_, mixed with the Oil of _sweet Almonds_ by Expression, that is, drawn without Fire, may be given in the _Mouth_, anointing the _Belly_ with the same _Oil_, or with fresh _Butter_; in like manner as a small _Clyster_ (upon occasion) may be discreetly used and managed to purpose.

X. THE _INFANT_ being in these respects _provided_ for, it is now to be duly dressed and swaddled in its _Swathing-Cloathes_; and beginning with the _HEAD_, a _Compress_ of a three or fourfold fine _Linnen Rag_, about _four Inches broad_, is to be applied to the _MOULD_, for defending the (yet open) _BRAIN_ from _Cold_, &c. which _Compress_ is to be carefully covered with, and pinned to the ordinary _CAPS_ made on purpose. Next then, some small soft _RAGS_ are to be laid behind the _Ears_, upon the _Breast_, in the _Arm-Pits_, and the _Groins_; after which the _BABE_ is to be wrapped softly up in _warm Blankets_, and discreetly _swathed_; not too strait, especially not about the _Breast_ and _Stomach_, that it may _breathe_ the freer, and the better retain the _MILK_ it sucks. The _ARMS_ are to be stretched along the _Sides_, and the _LEGS_ equally _streight_, with a little of the _Bed_ betwixt them; and the _HEAD_ is always to be kept steady, as the whole _CHILD_ is to be preserved _thus_ warmly wrapped up, and judiciously appointed. But now because the _INFANT_ is commonly committed to the _Nurse’s Care_, I shall, in the next Place, enter upon the _Description_ of the proper _Person_ for that purpose.

CHAP. VIII. _Of the NURSE and her Regimen, together with the requisite Qualities of her MILK._

THO’ the _BABE_ may be brought up by the Hand only, without _Suckling_, as many Instances of very thriving _Children_ testify; yet because the most natural, common, and commendable way is to _suckle_ it, I come now to touch upon the proper _NURSE_, her _Milk_, and _Diet_. Upon which I first observe, that the prime and chief _Quality_ of a good _NURSE_ is, that she be the _Mother_ of the _Fosterling INFANT_ herself; and that because her _MILK_, being generated of the same _Blood_, of which the _CHILD_ is formed, and has hitherto been nourished, is of a nearer _Affinity_ with the Nature of her _BABE_, than the _MILK_ of any _other strange Woman_ whatsoever; which can differ no less from the _Maternal Milk_, than the own _Mother_, and the _other_ differ in _Constitution_ and _Temperament_ of Body, _Regimen_, and _Method of Living_, &c. All which affect the _INFANT_ in no small Degree; for as the BLOOD is generated of the _Chyle_, and the _Spirits_ of the BLOOD, so the _CHILD_ imbibes the very _Manners_ and _Disposition_, as well as the gross _Humours_ and _Qualities_ of the _NURSE_ with her _Milk_.

AS a _Lamb_ sucking a _Goat_, changes not only its _Nature_, but even its _Skin_ and _Wool_ into the GOAT-_Kind_; so it is also among the _rational Creatures_: From hence we have justly the _old Proverb_, touching an _ill-natured Person_, that some _Brute_ or other has been his _NURSE_. And hence it is that _Romulus_ and _Remus_, the Sons of MARS (without any Reality) are said to have been nursed by a WOLF[182]; _Pelias_, the Son of _Neptune_, by a MARE; _Telephus_, the Son of _Hercules_, by a HIND, &c. Not that they ever actually sucked such _Creatures_, only their _NURSES_ were of such _Tempers_ and _Natures_, which they were thus supposed to have by the BREAST infused into them.

AND, in short, daily _Experience_, as well as many _Learned Authorities_, may sufficiently convince us, that CHILDREN really _suck_ in the several _vitious Inclinations_ and _depraved Passions_ of their _NURSES_; such as _Anger_, _Malice_, _Fear_, _Melancholy_, &c. Agreeable to which Opinion, _Diodorus_ says[183], that _Nero_ the Emperor’s _NURSE_ was very much addicted to _Drinking_; which Habit _Nero_ imbibed from _her_, to such a Degree, that the People took notice of it, and from thence instead of CLAUDIUS TIBERIUS NERO, call’d him _Caldius Biberius Mero_. The same Author relates of _Caligula_, that his _NURSE_ used frequently to moisten her _Nipples_ with BLOOD, that he might take the better hold of them; which (says the same _Diodorus_) was the _Cause_ of his being so cruel and _Blood-thirsty_ all the Days of his Life; that he not only committed frequent _Murders_ by his own Hand, but even wished that all humane Race was but one NECK, that he might have the pleasure to _cut it off_.

IN short, _honest Parents_ perceiving their _Children_ to incline variously, _one_ to _Thieving_, _another_ to _Drinking_; _one_ to _Stupidity_, _another_ to _Barbarity_; are amazed at such _Degeneracies_ of Mankind, not knowing after whom the _Child_ can take those Propensions. But abstracting from _this_, how many fine _Children_ do we daily see thrown into _Fits_, _Rickets_, _Consumptions_, &c. merely by _sucking_ their imprudent _NURSES_, when enraged, or otherways in a Passion? If then the _Case_ stands thus, that every _Disorder_ of the _NURSE_ is a real _Detriment_ to the _INFANT_, surely, upon this Account, all _Parents_ ought to know HER well, to whom they entrust these _Dear Pledges_ of their sacred and natural Desires.

MOREOVER yet, besides all these Things, the tender _Care_, as well as the _Love_ and _Affection_ of the MOTHER to her own CHILD, by far surpasses that of any _mercenary NURSE_ whatsoever. Wherefore the MOTHER, tho’ perhaps not the best _NURSE_ in other respects, is always preferable to a _STRANGER_: Which if People of _Probity_ and _Honour_ would more observe, I sincerely believe that there would not be so many graceless, disobedient, and undutiful _CHILDREN_ of our Age. I do not think what I have read of _Scipio Africanus_ to be any singular _Instance_; namely, that He esteemed _Her_ more for his MOTHER, who nursed him two Years after his _Birth_, than HER who brought him forth, and then forsook him in the World. Agreeable to which, and most _à propos_, was the Answer of the Philosopher, _Favorinus_[184], to the MOTHER of a certain _Noble-woman_ in _CHILD-BED_, who was dissuading her _Daughter_ to _nurse_ the _CHILD_ she had born; _viz._ _I entreat thee Woman_ (says he) _suffer her to be the whole and entire Mother of her own Son_. And verily, SHE only can be properly so called, who carefully _nurses_ as well as _brings forth_ her own _CHILDREN_. Hence it is that the _Earth_ is called the MOTHER of all Things, not so much because she produces all Things, as because she _maintains_ and _nurses_ what she produces.

ALL which, notwithstanding, there is sometimes a _Necessity_ (on account of sundry Reasons) to provide another _NURSE_ for the _CHILD_; wherefore I come now briefly to describe the most proper _Person_ for this _TRUST_, and to set forth the _Qualities_ of the most convenient _MILK_, for the wholesome Nourishment of the INFANT.

FIRST then, the _NURSE_ ought to be a Woman between the 20th and 35th _Year of her Age_, perfectly graced with the _Blessings_ and _Ornaments_ of _Nature_; and a Person of _Probity_ and _Reputation_ in her _Rank_, endued with _Love_, _Pity_, and _Tender-heartedness_: As she also ought to be _sound_ and _healthy_, of a good _Habit_ and _Disposition_ of Body and Mind, of a sanguine _Complexion_, and rosy _Colour_; of a _middle Stature_, having black or brown _Hair_, a _lively Eye_, _sweet Breath_, sound and white _Teeth_, with an agreeable chearful _Countenance_. In short, she ought also to be a _well-mannered_, _modest_, and _sober Person_, having middle-sized, well shaped, not flabby nor hanging down, but solid fleshy BREASTS, with elegant, firm, and well perforated _Nipples_.

SECONDLY, As to her _MILK_, it ought neither to be too _new_, nor too _old_; but at any time from the _Puerperial Flux_, until the 6th or 8th Month thereafter, it is not to be rejected; especially if it be of a good _Consistence_, neither too _thick_ nor too _thin_, of a pure _white Colour_, an agreeable pleasant _Smell_, and a perfect sweet _Taste_.

BUT it sometimes however happens, that the _Milk_ of a _NURSE_, otherways a very _proper Person_, degenerates from some of the abovesaid _Qualities_: In which _Case_ it is no ways convenient to change the _NURSE_, especially if it so happen to the MOTHER; only the _MILK_ is to be corrected according to _Art_, which may be easily performed by proper _Medicinal Means_, and that as well with respect to its _Quality_ as _Quantity_: However, as _this Case_ belongs to the _SYMPTOMS_ of the _Breasts_, which I have already declined speaking to, as in the foregoing _Chapter_, so I shall no ways enter upon it in this Place. But again——

THIRDLY as to her _Regimen_, such a NURSE is to make use of, and enjoy a good and convenient _Diet_; abstaining carefully from all _salt_ and _sharp Victuals_, as well as from high-spiced _Meats_, and strong or spirituous _Liquors_. In short, as she ought to avoid all Sorts of _intemperate Air_, and keep herself clean both in _Person_ and _Cloaths_; so she ought always to exercise herself by some light _Labour_, and keep herself in a moderate active Motion; prudently suppressing, at all Times and upon all Occasions, the various _Passions of the Mind_: By which means, any _Woman_ as above described, may make a very good _NURSE_, and that even without abstaining altogether either from the moderate Use of _Wine_, or of _Conjugal Conversation_; notwithstanding the contrary Opinion of most _Authors_, provided only that she does not give the _CHILD suck_ for an Hour or two after _Copulation_.

CHAP. IX. _Of the Diet and Ablactation, together with the farther Regimen of the CHILD._

BESIDES the _external_ and _internal Excrements_ mention’d in the foregoing _Chapter_, the INFANT in a few days after _BIRTH_, pukes up a certain Sort of _viscid Phlegm_; for which Reason it ought to have no _SUCK_ until this _Humour_ be evacuated, lest the MILK incorporating with that Matter, _both_ should corrupt: To prevent which Inconveniency, _some_ order a little _Oil of sweet Almonds by Expression_, and a small Quantity of _Sugar-Candy_, or a little fresh _Butter_ and _Honey_ mixed.

INSTEAD of which, however, I have seen some _Jewish Matrons_ give also the new-born CHILD for the first Thing, a little SALT dissolv’d and mix’d in a Spoonful of _Hysop_, or _Saxifrage-Water_; which (tho’ no improper _Prescription_ in itself) yet I conceive their chief Reason for it to proceed from _Ezek._ 16. 4. where the LORD summing up the Duty of the _MIDWIFE_, says, _Thou wast not salted at all_, &c. Again farther——

THE Learned _Arnoldus de Villa Nova_, advises us to give the _CHILD_, for the first Thing, half a Scruple of fine _pulverized Coral_ in a little of the _Woman’s MILK_; and that (says he) to prevent _FITS_, to which new-born _Children_ are very subject.

ALL which may be indifferently us’d, according to Pleasure, tho’ I take a small Spoonful of _Sugar’d Wine_, given twice or thrice a day, for the first four or five days running, to be the most preferable _Remedy_ for Prevention: By reason that the _Wine_ cuts and loosens the _Acid Humour_, preparing afterwards by _Concoction_ and _Digestion_ what remains, as the _Sugar_ temperates and helps to expurge the _Acrimony_: Which being duly done, I would order the INFANT always to rest, laying it not on its _Back_, but on its _Side_, that this _morbifick Matter_ may be the more commodiously voided by the _Mouth_, as already precautioned in _Chap._ 7.——

THIS _Humour_ being then thus prepared and discharg’d, the _Breast_ of some other clean and sound _Woman_ may be given the _CHILD_, until the _Mother’s Milk_ be purified for its proper _Use_; which it can scarce be supposed to be, before the _Dissolution_ of the _MILK-FEVER_, that is before the _ninth day_ after _DELIVERY_: From which time, it is to be maintain’d and nourish’d for the first three or four _Months_ by _BREAST-MILK_ only; augmenting however its _Allowance_ from day to day, in proportion to its _Age_ and _Strength_, that the weak _Stomach_ may never be overloaded, so as to occasion _Vomiting_, or (which is worse) a _DIARRHÆA_: To prevent which _Inconveniency_, let the _INFANT_ rather _suck often_, and a _little at a Time_, than too much at once.