If from the first you refrain from giving an aperient, he seldom requires one afterward. It is the first step that is so important to take in this as in all other things. If a new-born babe has not for twelve hours made water, the medical man ought to be informed of it, in order that he may inquire into the matter and apply the proper remedies. Be particular in attending to these directions, or evil consequences will inevitably ensue. 91. Some persons say that new-born female infants have milk in their bosoms, and that it is necessary to squeeze them, and apply plasters to disperse the milk.
The idea of there being real milk in a baby's breast is doubtful, the squeezing of the bosom is barbarous, and the application of plasters is useless. "Without actually saying," says Sir Charles Locock, "there is milk secreted in the breasts of infants, there is undoubtedly not rarely considerable swelling of the breasts both in female and male infants, and on squeezing them a serous fluid oozes out. I agree with you that the nurses should never be allowed to squeeze them, but be ordered to leave them alone."
92. Have the goodness to mention the SLIGHT ailments which are not of sufficient importance to demand the assistance of a medical man?
I deem it well to make the distinction between serious and slight ailments; I am addressing a mother. With regard to serious ailments, I do not think myself justified, except in certain urgent cases, in instructing a parent to deal with them. It might be well to make a mother acquainted with the symptoms, but not with the treatment, in order that she might lose no time in calling in medical aid. This I hope to have the pleasure of doing in future conversations.
Serious diseases, with a few exceptions, and which I will indicate in subsequent conversations, ought never to be
