Thought you all would appreciate this. I found this book at Goodwill. These are exact quotes from the book with a couple of my comments and explainations tossed in. And we wonder why we get such strange advice from the previous generation about babies and pregnancy!
WARNING - long! Three posts.
Exercise
“…swimming may be harmful.”
Smoking and Liquor
“If you’re a heavy smoker, doctors advise that you cut down to a great extent, but you needn't quit entirely unless your doctor recommends it."
“Ask your doctor whether or not you may drink on occasion.” No negative affects towards the fetus are mentioned, simply the fact that it adds calories without adding nourishment.
Sex
“Refrain from intercourse altogether during the last six weeks of pregnancy.”
Weight Gain
“Excess weight may cause complications during your pregnancy, at the time of delivery, and is terribly hard to lose afterwards! The up-to-date doctor therefore ‘weighs in’ his patients when they come for their regular examinations, and in most cases insists that they don’t gain more than 20 pounds all told. Doctors are usually real sticklers about weight gain, so take his advise seriously or you’ll be taking a scolding instead. This means that without eating any more, and generally less than you did before, you must include all the food elements your baby needs for normal development.”
Nutrition
“A poor prenatal diet also can affect your ability to nurse the baby.”
“You should have a quart of milk a day.”
“Reject food that’s highly spiced or seasoned.”
“If you haven’t already done so, you should form the habit of going to the toilet every morning after breakfast and staying there for some time.” Supposedly this prevents constipation.
Strict menus and guidelines are included for what a pregnant woman should eat each day.
Preparing to Breastfeed
“The nipples should be washed every morning, with mild soap and water. Then dash cold water over them lightly to toughen them.”
(When colostrums begins to leak) “If the fluid stays on the nipples, it may make them sore. They should be washed often with tepid boiled water.”
Working During Pregnancy
“If your appearance is important in your work, you’ll want to quit, or to arrange to work at home after that.”
“Don’t plan to return to work until your baby is at least 6 weeks old, and not then if you are nursing him.”
Prenatal Testing
“…your doctor will check on your pelvic measurements. This is to determine whether your pelvis…is of adequate size for the baby to pass through.”
“Although you may be reluctant to spend the money on any special tests, your doctor has your best interests in mind when he suggests them. Don’t hesitate to follow his recommendations.”
Anesthesia During Delivery
“Each doctor has many things to consider before deciding which anesthetic to give his patient. Remember whatever your doctor decides to do, he does because it is best for you and your baby. When the time comes, just relax and do what he tells you to do.”
“If the anesthetic is of the inhalation type, such as nitrous oxide-oxygen, you will be unconscious, or nearly so, from then on.”
Morning Sickness
(After recommending a special high-carb diet to curb nausea) “When the nausea is overcome…you may cut out the excess carbohydrates and lose some of the weight gained on the diet to overcome morning sickness. In this way, while you may gain a lot at first, you’ll be able to keep your weight within bounds…”
Baby’s Room
“Should you have just one bedroom, plan to put him in it for his naps. When you go to bed, wheel or carry his bassinet out into the room next to yours if it’s warm enough.”
Delivery of the Placenta
“Once the detachment has occurred, your doctor will express it by firmly pressing on your abdomen.”
“This happens anywhere from 3 to 5 minutes after the birth.”
