Читать книгу Mother, Nurse and Infant - S. P. Sackett - Страница 6

The mother is accountable for the health and intelligence of her first child; she must be careful of her own health before marriage and at the time of marriage, as well as for the succeeding time.

I will here state a few things which seem unimportant, and yet are of some little consequence. I consider that the great object of conjugal union is the transmission of life, and I cannot believe that anything is unnecessary or unimportant that has a tendency towards the perfect health or well-being of the child that is yet to be born.

During the first few months after marriage the wife should seek to have bodily quiet, and mental calmness and serenity. The custom of hurrying the bride from place to place may properly be condemned. So we would have her avoid going into a whirl of excitement and pleasure—into a round of visiting and late hours—into close, heated rooms—into fashionable amusements—rich living and a want of rest—sitting in ill-ventilated apartments—quickly bolting unquiet meals—drinking wine, beer, or brandy, or other alcoholic stimulants—late rising in the morning—sleeping in close, badly-ventilated rooms—living in rooms that are kept dark—tight lacing—wearing thin clothing—worrying, and indulging in ill-temper.

She should avoid these at all times, but her future health and happiness depend so much upon her prudence and care during the first year of married life, that we may properly give these hints and cautions in regard to this particular time.