Part 99

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TWILIGHT SLEEP.

Some years ago two German Physicians, Kroenig and Grauss, of the University of Baden, startled the world by announcing: "Dammerschlaf" or "Twilight Sleep," a treatment which rendered childbirth almost painless and free from dangerous complications. A woman's clinic was established at Freiburg where a combination of scopolamine and morphine was given. The muscular activity of the pelvic organs was not lessened, the length of labor was shortened, and instruments were rarely necessary.

ABBOTT'S H-M-C is another sedative composed of hyoseine, morphine, and cactoid. It is less dangerous than the other remedy, and accomplishes the same result, hence is greatly preferred.

THE UTMOST CAUTION is necessary in the administration of either of these drugs, and the most competent medical supervision is essential to their success.

CAUTIONS.--The patient should not be left a moment without medical supervision. The lying in chamber should be darkened, and kept as quiet as possible.

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PAINLESS CHILDBIRTH.

WHY SHOULD A WOMAN SUFFER?--Childbirth is a natural function, as natural as eating, sleeping or walking. If the laws of nature are complied with it loses most, if not all, of its terrors. The facts show that Indian women, and those of other uncivilized races have children without experiencing pain, and with none of the so common modern complications.

WHAT IS THE REASON?--They live a natural, out of doors life, free from the evils and restrictions of present day civilization in dress and habits of life.

A NORMAL LIFE.--The expectant mother should therefore live a perfectly rational life, keeping the stomach and intestines especially healthy and active, and hence the general physical condition good. An abundance of fresh air, hearty exercise, and childbirth will pass over without any abnormal consequences.

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THE DISEASES OF WOMEN.

THE WOMAN'S PLACE IS IN THE HOME.--For centuries the world has stuck to this rule. Because the woman has been considered less fit for the struggles of the active workaday world, she has been kept at home, shut in from the air and sunshine, deprived of healthy exercise, and obliged to live a life of confinement and inactivity.

WHAT IS THE RESULT?--In connection with menstruation, pregnancy and child bearing a long list of diseases peculiar to woman have arisen, most of which through proper food and exercise could be avoided. In matters so vital to posterity false modesty and ignorance can no longer be tolerated.

CHLOROSIS OR ANAEMIA.

Home Treatment: Plenty of good food and fresh air will do much to restore the blood. Keep the bowels free. Satisfactory results have been brought about by a systematic use of iron as a tonic.

DISORDERS OF THE MENSES.

RETENTION OF MENSTRUATION.

Treatment: When due to the condition of the blood, recommend good food, fresh air, and sunshine to improve circulation. If the result of cold and exposure means and appliances for restoring the circulation must be adopted.

In either case the bowels should be kept open by injections.

VICARIOUS MENSTRUATION.

Treatment: No attempt should be made to stop the hemorrhage during the monthly period. The discharge is usually light although it occasionally causes great weakness. This disorder is caused by the suppression of the menses, and must be treated accordingly between periods.

CESSATION OF THE MENSES.

Commonly called "Change of Life."

Treatment: At this dangerous and trying period in a woman's life she must adopt the utmost regularity in the habits of her existence. Hot baths, taken just before retiring, will relieve the uncomfortable feeling so common at this time of life.

DISORDERS OF THE WOMB.

CANCER OF THE WOMB.