nauseous and cadaverous _Humour_ flows from the WOMB: Or, when the
_Woman_ feels a great ponderous _Weight_ in her _BELLY_, tumbling always
towards that _Side_, which she inclines to, or lies upon: As also when
we find the _CHILD cold_ in the WOMB; or the _Umbilical_ Vessel without
PULSE; or the TONGUE _immoveable_: Or lastly, when I perceive the
_Dissolution of the Cuticle_ on the Top of the HEAD, I am then positive
that the FOETUS is DEAD; because, as _this_ is not easily _dissolved_,
neither does it happen immediately, but some Space of time after DEATH.
IN this _Case_ then of a _dead CHILD_, the _Labour_ is commonly lingring
and dangerous, because of the few, faint, and slow _PAINS_ which seize
the _Woman_; so that _Nature_, being half overthrown by the _Death_ of
the _INFANT_, which now can no ways help itself, absolutely requires to
be assisted by the most expeditious ART: And _that_ best, in my humble
Opinion, by the _Means_ and _Method_ following, _viz._——
FIRST I would endeavour to awaken and promote the _PAINS_, by one or
more sharp and strong _Clysters_: But SECONDLY, if _these_ do not
succeed so expeditiously as necessary, I would introduce my _Hand_ into
the WOMB, sliding it all along under the BELLY towards the FEET; and so,
with _Face_ and _Breast_ downwards, I would gently extract it by them;
in the same manner, as if it was ALIVE. Only, in this _Case_, great
_Care_ must be taken, that the HEAD may not unhappily _sever_ itself
from the _Body_, and consequently _stay behind_ in the WOMB; which
Accident may easily happen in the _Passage_, especially if the _BIRTH_
is any ways _putrefy’d_.
HOWEVER, after all, in _Case_ of such an untoward _Occurrence_, I would
still excuse myself from the _Use_ of an EDUCTOR, and debar myself from
the Practice of any _Instrument_ whatsoever, save only that of my own
natural HAND; which, I think, in all _Conditions_ of _BIRTHS_, whether
_Natural_ or _Preternatural_, _Dead_ or _Alive_, is solely _obliged_,
and only best serves, according to the _Rules_ of my _Profession_, to
discharge the _Duty_ of all the _INSTRUMENTS_ in the _Surgeon’s Shop_;
excepting only in the _Case_ of a _MONSTER_ or a very _Hydropical
CHILD_.
BUT in the present _Circumstance_ of the HEAD’s being separated from the
_Body_, as soon as I have extracted the _CARCASE_, as above; I would
instantly convey back my _Hand_ into the _WOMB_, and put one or two of
its _Fingers_ into the _Mouth_ of the _HEAD_, placing my _Thumb_ under
the _Chin_: For by _thus_ taking Hold of it by the _Jaw_, I would
extract it gently, and _that_ with the greatest _Ease_ and _Safety_ to
the _PATIENT Woman_.
NOW having thus, in fine, both particularly and at large, treated of the
several _Sorts_ of _Natural_, _Difficult_, and _Preternatural BIRTHS_:
And having also for the common _Good of Mankind_, without any
Affectation, Hesitation, or Reservation, candidly laid down, and
ingenuously set forth the most _certain_, _brief_, _plain_, _easy_, and
_unprejudiced INSTRUCTIONS_, which perhaps have ever yet been committed
to PRINT, upon the excellent _Subject_ of _MIDWIFERY_: And having
likewise, in a Word _lastly_, for the true _Direction_ and good
_Government_ of all _MIDWIVES_, fairly laid (as it were) and faithfully
_delivered_ the _big-belly’d Woman_, in every relative _Case_ or
_Condition_ of _BIRTH_, which may or can happen to her: It now only
remains, I would modestly think, that I should (in the next place) come
to take all the necessary _Care_, and make the most requisite
_Provision_ possible for the perfect _Recovery_ of my CHILD-BED-WOMAN;
and _that_ in the ensuing _Method_.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
SECT. VI.
[Illustration]
CHAP. I.
_Of the DIET and REGIMEN of the Puerperial or Child-Bed-Woman._
THE _Good Woman_ being now delivered, and laid in CHILD-BED, may rightly
be compared to a SHIP, which, after a dangerous nine or ten Months
_Voyage_, rides at _Anchor_ in her PORT; where, tho’ arriv’d with great
Security, yet if not well _moor’d_ against sudden _Winds_ and _Storms_,
she may perhaps at last drive from her _Anchors_ and suffer SHIPWRECK:
So in like manner if both the MOTHER and the CHILD be not duly taken
_Care_ of after the _BIRTH_, _Both_ may be still expos’d to the Danger
of _DEATH_. Wherefore, to prevent all such melancholy _Accidents_, I
shall first point out the proper _REGIMEN_ of the _One_, and then
successively direct THAT of the _Other_, in the following Manner;
_viz._——
I. THEN, immediately after the _BIRTH_, a soft gentle _Closure_ may be
apply’d to the WOMB for repelling of the _cold Air_; of which we must be
now very cautious, if we will _avert_ the fatal _Consequences_ that may
thereby happen: As also a small _Plaister_ of GALBANUM with a little
_Civet_ in its Center, may be applied to the _NAVEL_ for attracting, or
rather retaining the WOMB in its proper Place, where the _MIDWIFE_’s
careful _Hand_ has fixed it after the _DELIVERY_.
II. THE _Patient_ having her _Body_ wrap’d about with a _warm Cloth_,
and her _Hips_ girt round with the same, is to be placed conveniently in
a _warm_ BED; that is, directly upon her _Back-Bone_, with her _Head_
and _Body_ a little elevated, for her _breathing_ and _cleansing_ the
Better; as her _Thighs_ and _Legs_ also are to be stretched down close
together: Whereupon _now_, if not _before_, she ought to have a little
good _Chicken_ or _Pullet-Broth_ for her Refreshment; which being done,
all _Doors_ and _Windows_ are to be shut, and the _Bed-Curtains_ drawn
close, that she may rest and sleep quietly.
III. IN the next place, the _Closures_ are to be remov’d, and the
_clotted_ BLOOD taken away; which being diligently done, the _BELLY_,
_LOINS_, and _PRIVITIES_ are to be anointed with the Oil of _sweet
Almonds_, or _white Lillies_, mixed with a little warm _Wine_, which may
be repeated at pleasure, for allaying the _PAINS_ of these _Parts_: And
as the _Woman_ is to be carefully kept always very _warm_, as well as
disposed to _Rest_ and _Sleep_; so every now and then, she is to be
comforted with some small Matter of any convenient FOOD; abstaining
however chiefly from _strong Meats_, as well as from all _hot_ or
_strong Liquors_.
IV. A DECOCTION of _Barley_, _Linseed_, and _Chervil_, or
_Marsh-Mallows_ and _Violet-Leaves_, with a little Honey of _Roses_, may
be afterwards used _Milk-warm_ three or four times a Day, by way of
_Fomentation_ for the first five or six Days of _CHILD-BED_: Or, instead
of these Things, fresh _warm Milk_, or _Barley-Water_ only may be
properly used; always remembring that the _Parts_ be duly cleansed from
the _clotted_ BLOOD, _&c._
V. IN the mean time, the _Woman’s_ BREASTS are all along to be kept very
close and warm-cover’d with soft _Cloaths_, that the _MILK_ may not
_curdle_; which however is no ways yet in the beginning fit for the
_CHILD’s Nourishment_, until the _Conflux_ of the _MILK_ and the
_Humours_ is over; which, upon the first days after _DELIVERY_, run in
abundance to the BREASTS.
VI. SPECIAL Care also must be taken, when the _Woman_ is resolv’d not to
_Nurse_ the _CHILD_ herself, that the LOCHIA or _Child-Bed-Evacuations_
flow-off plentifully, in order that thereby the _Shock_ of the _BLOOD_
may be averted from the _BREASTS_; which if not sufficient to prevent
that _Inconveniency_, they may be properly anointed with the Oil of
_ROSES_ and a little _Vinegar_ beat-up together; or a _CATAPLASM_ of the
Meal of _Beans_ and _Vetches_ mixed with _Oxymel_ may be applied to the
_BREASTS_; or they may be fomented with a _Decoction_ of the Leaves of
_Mint_, _Dill_, or _Parsley_.
VII. IN the time of _Cleansing_, all Noise and Clamour about the _Woman_
ought to be suppressed; and as she herself ought not to talk much, or
_aloud_, neither ought any Person about her to be _obstreperous_:
Because her _Repose_ is not only thereby disturb’d, but also her
_Spirits_ exagitated; which violent Commotion of _Humours_ may readily
stop the _natural Course_. And as for the same Reason, all _Passions_ of
the Mind are to be suppressed; so the _Woman_ is to keep herself as much
as she conveniently can upon her _Back_, carefully avoiding frequent
_TURNINGS_ to either Side.
VIII. AFTER ten or twelve Days, proper Measures may be taken to fortify
and strengthen the _Members_; and after she has fully done cleansing
(which may be about the 20th _Day_, sooner or later after _DELIVERY_,
according to the PATIENT’s _Constitution_, or her way of _Living_) some
proper _Astringent Medicines_ may be discreetly made use of, for
corroborating and reconsolidating the _Parts_.
IX. AS to her _DIET_, during this Time, she ought to be very regular,
and live _abstemiously_ (especially the _first Days_) as if she had a
FEVER, using only good _Broths_, _Jellies_, fresh-laid _Eggs_,
_Ale-soup_ made with fresh _Butter_, or the like; after which, she may
begin by degrees to eat a little _Chicken_, _Pullet_, _Capon_, _Veal_,
_Mutton_, or any thing else of good _Nutrition_ and easy _Concoction_.
AS to her _DRINK_, if she has no _Fever_, she may use besides her
_Cawdles_, small _White-Wine_ and _Water_ for Variety’s sake; but in
case of a _Fever_, Water boil’d with a little _Cinnamon_, or
_Coriander-Seed_; or a _Ptisan_ of _Liquorish_, _Figs_, and _Aniseeds_
boil’d in Water; or _small Ale_ a little butter’d, as the _Woman_
pleases, are far more convenient; observing always carefully that her
_DRINK_, of whatsoever sort, be at all times a little _warmed_.
X. FINALLY, as the _Child-Bed-Woman_’s Body is always to be kept open,
if not otherways naturally so, by a proper gentle _CLYSTER_, repeated as
often as Necessity requires, until the _Course_ of the LOCHIA is quite
over; so afterwards she ought to take one or more proper gentle PURGES,
for cleansing the _Stomach_ and the _Bowels_ of such vitious _Humours_,
as _Nature_ could not otherways evacuate: Upon which, a repeated
Strengthening _BATH_ may be most pertinently used, as also, in order
that she may again the more successfully _begin upon a new Score_, other
proper Measures may be prudently taken.
THUS we suppose that all things have succeeded well with our _Puerperial
Woman_; in which Condition the above-mention’d is her only requisite
_REGIMEN_: But in Case of any _Preternatural Accident_, we must come to
her _Assistance_, according as the Nature of _Circumstances_ does
require: Of all which in their Order, as they most commonly happen to
the _Woman_ in her present _Condition_; and FIRST——
[Illustration]
CHAP. II.
_Of the AFTER-PAINS._
THESE PAINS, which usually accompany or follow after the _BIRTH_, are
common to all _Child-Bed-Women_; and in that _Natural Sense_, as they
proceed only from the quantity of _BLOOD_ abounding in the relaxed Womb,
distending its _MEMBRANES_, or arise from its _Acrimony_; so they
gradually cease, and in two or three days quite vanish: Wherefore I am
not to insist upon _Those_, which only affect the debilitated WOMB.
BUT it often and too commonly also happens, that another Sort, justly
call’d _Preternatural AFTER-PAINS_, afflict the _Woman_; which she
sometimes feels about her _Loins_ and her _Groins_, sometimes about the
_Navel_, sometimes all over the _Belly_, and sometimes in the WOMB only,
and that sometimes with a little, and sometimes without any
_Intermission_.
THE most common _Cause_ of which _PAINS_ is generally one of the _Five_
following; _Viz._ 1. The _External AIR_, especially the more _frigid_,
which easily penetrates into the WOMB, if not carefully prevented: 2.
_Clotted BLOOD_, or some other _foreign Body_ left behind in the WOMB:
3. Some _Acrid_, and _Mordacious_ BLOOD adhering to the WOMB, which
excites and stimulates _Excretion_: 4. The _SERUM_ vellicating or
twitching the _excoriated_ part of the WOMB: Or, 5. _WINDS_ elevated
from the _Humours_ fermenting in its _Substance_; which, together with
those turgent _Humours_, tear its tender _TUNICKS_.
NOW because these PAINS often excruciate the _Woman_ as much as the
_real_ LABOUR-PAINS do, and since they are not always without _Danger_,
Necessity demands that they should be either _cured_, or at least
_mitigated_: Which may be most properly done, by convenient relaxing and
attenuating _Medicines_ outwardly applied, as well as inwardly taken,
when the _Case_ does not require the _Hand-Cure_, or manual Operation.
HOWEVER, yet more particularly, in respect of the PAINS, from what
_Cause_ soever they may proceed, _CLYSTERS_ of _Milk_ with the _Yolks of
Eggs_ are proper; as are also emollient _Fomentations_ mix’d with
attenuating and _Uterine Medicines_; a _Fumigation_ of _BRANDY_; a
_Decoction_ of the _Recrements_ of the _Regulus_ of _Antimony_; such
things being of a _sulphurous Nature_: And moreover, in fine, all
_AFTER-PAINS_ are eased by _Aromatick_ and _Carminative Remedies_; such
as Seeds of _Anise_, _Carway_, _Cummin_, _Fennel_, _Penny-Royal_,
_Roman-Camomil_, &c. infus’d or boil’d in _Wine_ or _Water_, adding
thereto a very little _Mace_ and _Saffron_.
[Illustration]
CHAP. III.
_Of the Suppression of the LOCHIA, or Child-Bed-Purgations._
THE _LOCHIA_ are nothing else, but the ignobler part of the _Blood_ and
congested _Humours_, which after the _BIRTH Nature_ evacuates and
discharges out of the _Uterine Vessels_, in consequence of the
_Divulsion_ and _Separation_ of the PLACENTA from the WOMB. Which
_LOCHIA_ however differ always according to the Constitution and
Disposition of the _Woman_, and that not only in _Quantity_, but also in
_Quality_: For if the _PATIENT_ be otherways Healthy, and Well-disposed,
_these_ are at first of a _florid rosy Colour_, degenerating day by day
into a _Pale-dye_; Whereas if otherways, they are sometimes _Aqueous_,
and sometimes _Bilous_, _Melancholick_, &c. And, according also to the
usual _Habit_ of Body, and _Way of Living_, _some_ Women _flood_ more
plentifully, _others_ more sparingly; _some_ a longer, and _others_ a
shorter Time: as for Instance——
A _Woman_ given to _Ease_, and _high Living_, being delivered of a MALE,
may _cleanse_ from twenty to thirty Days; and if of a FEMALE, from
thirty to forty-two Days at most, however still declining in _Quantity_
from Day to Day: Whereas _another_ given to _Exercise_, may _flood_ only
from eight to fifteen Days; and _that_ also perhaps more _sparingly_, or
by _Intervals_ of one or two Days. But it oftentimes happens, that this
_Evacuation_ is either suppressed in Whole, or in Part; of which
_Suppression_ or _Preternatural Retention_, I am now about to speak.——
FIRST then, the _Cause_ of this EVIL, proceeds either from an
_Obstruction_ of the _Uterine Vessels_, occasion’d by _thick BLOOD_
stopping the _Passages_: Or, SECONDLY, from a _Constriction_ or
_Compression_ of the same _Vessels_, occasioned by an _oblique
Situation_ of the WOMB, or by cold _Air_, cold _Drink_, or the like,
which readily constrict their _Orifices_, as well as contract the WOMB
itself: Or, THIRDLY and lastly, the _Cause_ may proceed from the
_BLOOD_’s being retracted and converted to some _other Part_ of the
Body; which is most commonly occasion’d by some _Passion_ or
_Perturbation_ of Mind, that may not only turn the _Shock_ of the
_BLOOD_ to the BREASTS, but also retard the _Motion_, and thicken the
MASS of the same _BLOOD_.
THE _DIAGNOSTICKS_ however of this _Distemper_ are manifest; for either
no _BLOOD_ is voided at all, or too small a _Quantity_, in respect to
the _Size_, _Temperament_, and _Constitution_ of the _PATIENT_: But
besides, it may be also known by the following _Symptoms_; viz. a
_SWELLING_ of the _BELLY_, upon the Retention of the _Humours_ that
ought to be evacuated; a _Difficulty of Breathing_ arises; PAINS seize
the _Abdomen_, as also the _Loins_ and the _Groins_; a _Fever_ and
_Tremblings_ follow; as _Faintings_ do upon a weak, quick and unequal
_Pulse_; something _fuliginous_ appears in the _Urine_; and a livid,
black, grumous, or nauseous _Matter_ is excreted.
HENCE proceed various _PROGNOSTICKS_; viz. _Fevers_, _Spitting_ or
_Vomiting_ of BLOOD, _Melancholy_, _Inflammations_ of the _Liver_,
_Quincy_, _Pleurisy_, _Frenzy_, _Dropsy_, _Apoplexy_, and _Madness_
itself: The _least_ of which may prove of fatal _Consequence_, wherefore
Delays in this _Condition_ are most dangerous; because when any of
_these_ heavy SYMPTOMS has befallen the _Woman_, there is scarce any
Hope left for her _Recovery_; whereas _before_, they may be artfully
prevented, and the _Cure_ duly perfected by convenient _DIET_,
_Venæsections_, _Revulsive Medicines_, &c.
BUT more particularly the _Cure_ ought to vary, according to the
_difference_ of the co-incident SYMPTOMS: For since continual _Fevers_
and _Inflammatory Diseases_ most commonly follow upon this _Suppression_
or _Diminution_ of the LOCHIA, we must take great Care that,
endeavouring to promote the _FLUX_, and to open the _Uterine Vessels_,
we do not augment the _FEVER_ and _Inflammation_; which will certainly
happen, (if without distinction) we use the _hot Medicines_ prescribed
by many AUTHORS.
WHEREFORE in this _Case_ repeated _Venæsections_ sometimes in the
_Ancle_, and sometimes in the _Arm_; and _cupping Glasses_ applied to
the _Thighs_ and _Shins_; as also _Rubbing_ of the _Legs_ and _Thighs_
well, are generally sufficient _Remedies_; especially if followed with
one or more Cleansing, or partly opening, partly cooling, and Emollient
_CLYSTERS_, of a _Decoction_ of _Mallows_, _Pellitory_, or the like; in
which strain’d _Liquor_, the _Pulp_ of _CASSIA_ with a Dram of _Nitre_,
and _Sugar_, and _Honey_ may be dissolved: As also _Fomentations_ and
_Fumigations_ of Emollient and Aperient _Medicines_ that are not sharp,
may be very pertinently used. Finally, the _Infusion_ of JESUITS-BARK in
Water, may be properly given three or four Times a day; and purging
_PTISANS_, after the _first days_, are of good _Service_ in the present
_Case_.
[Illustration]
CHAP. IV.
_Of the immoderate Flux of the LOCHIA._
THE too copious and long lasting, or immoderate FLUX of the _Child-Bed
Purgations_, is no less _Preternatural_, than the former _Case_ of their
being altogether _suppressed_, or in part _diminished_. Tho’ it is
however to be observ’d, that there can be no certain _Quantity_ of
flowing BLOOD, nor any certain _Time of Duration_ of this FLUX prefix’d
or determined to the _Puerperial Woman_, as aforesaid: Wherefore the
_Excess_ of this _Evacuation_ is best known by the _Loss of Strength_,
_sinking of the_ SPIRITS, and the great _Uneasiness_ of the PATIENT.
THE _Cause_ of this _Distemper_ is, either _1st_, a too great _Plenty_
of the abounding BLOOD; or _2dly_, its _Tenuity_ and _Acrimony_
stimulating Nature to _Excretion_; or _3dly_, too great an _Apertion_ of
the _Uterine Vessels_; or _4thly_ and lastly, a violent _Extraction_ of
the _AFTER-BIRTH_: For the _Flux of the LOCHIA_ proceeding meerly from
the _Separation_ of the PLACENTA from the WOMB, the more strong and
violent this _Separation_ or _Divulsion_ is, the more the _Vessels_ in
the _Concave Part_ of the WOMB are torn or dilacerated; and so being
either too much _opened_, or too difficult to _reconsolidate_, they
discharge BLOOD immoderately.
HENCE, I say, this immoderate _FLOODING_, is not only known by the great
_Quantities_ of _BLOOD_ voided, by its _Continuance_, or by coming away
in _Clods_, and much at a time; but also by the _Loss of Strength_, and
a _Defect_ of _SPIRITS_; upon which follows a low, debilitated and
frequent _PULSE_; Loathing of _VICTUALS_; _PAINS_ in the
_Hypochondriacks_, with a _Twisting_ of the _GUTS_, and _Griping_ of the
_BELLY_; a _Dimness_ of _SIGHT_; a _Hissing_ of the _EARS_; and at last
_Swoonings_ or _Convulsions_, proceeding from the _Depauperation_ of the
_BLOOD_: Which after an immoderate _FLUX_ always disorders the
_SPIRITS_, because when the MASS of it is much lessened, it cannot keep
its due _Mixture_ and _Disposition_.
IN this _Case_ the true PROGNOSTICK is, that, if all immoderate
_Hæmorrhagies_ are dangerous; because by them, the _Treasure_ of _LIFE_
(the _natural Heat_) is exhausted: _Then_, without Controversy, the
immoderate _Flux_ of the LOCHIA, whether after LABOUR, or after a
_MISCARRIAGE_, is full of _Danger_; as coming upon the _PATIENT_ at a
most unseasonable time, when her _Strength_ is already spent.
THE _Cure_ of this _Distemper_ ought to be well-weigh’d, and very
cautiously perform’d, because the definite _Quantity_ of _BLOOD_ to be
evacuated cannot be well or certainly known: And because if any Part of
_That_ be stopped, which ought to be ejected, it of course flows to some
_other Part_, and excites _Inflammations_ or other heavy _SYMPTOMS_.
Wherefore this is only, in the Beginning, to be corrected by proper
_DIET_, and some other convenient light Means: But afterwards by
repeated _Venæ-Sections_ in the ARMS, if _Strength_ will permit; and
proper _Astringents_ inwardly taken, as well as outwardly applied;
continuing always a _Thickening_, _Cooling_, and _Astringent DIET_: But
farther yet, as the Patient grows _weaker_, she ought also to have some
_corroborative Remedies_, to enable her to stand out the _Cure_.
_Fomentations_ for the _lower Belly_ of OXYCRAT, or an astringent
_Decoction_; _Fumigations_ of the same _Decoction_, or of hot OXYCRAT,
are very convenient and helpful on this Occasion, as are also
_astringent Injections_.
BUT however sometimes, and not seldom, it happens, that this _Case_
proceeds from the negligent or ignorant _MIDWIFE_, by her not duly
_cleansing_ the WOMB; by which Means, some part (how small soever) of
the _SECUNDINE_ or _Membrane_, or some _clotted BLOOD_, or perhaps a
_MOLE_, miscall’d a _false Conception_, may be left behind in the WOMB;
which distending that _Body_, occasions not only an immoderate FLUX, but
also stirs up violent PAINS, not unlike to _those_ of LABOUR: In this
pitiful _Condition_, all possible Diligence must be prudently used to
fetch away and remove this _Cause_, which is only most effectually to be
done by the _Hand-Cure_, in the manner already abundantly set forth.
AFTER which, the _PATIENT_ is to be treated as _before_, laying her
_equally flat upon her Back_, and keeping her very _still_ and _quiet_
in BED; which BED may however in this _Case_ be kept a little _Cool_, as
well as her _Chamber_, lest HEAT should provoke and continue the
_Course_ of the FLUX.
MOREOVER, in fine, it also sometimes happens, that immoderate
_Purgations_ proceed from some gross _Excrements_ contain’d in the
RECTUM antecedent to the Time of LABOUR; which, as they puff up the
_Belly_, so they also commonly occasion severe CHOLICKS; but these being
discreetly evacuated by a pretty strong emollient CLYSTER, the FLOODING
immediately ceases.
[Illustration]
CHAP. V.
_Of the Acute Distempers incident to CHILD-BED-WOMEN._
WE are in this place only to consider the _Acute Distempers_ of the
_Puerperial Woman_, because the Time of _lying-in_ is not of such a long
_Continuance_ as to admit of _Chronick Diseases_: And these _Acute
Ones_, in short, which they are most commonly subject to, are continual
FEVERS, (Either, 1. _Essential_, that is, FEVERS proceeding first from
the BLOOD; or, 2. _Symptomatick_ FEVERS, that is, such as follow upon
the internal _Inflammations_, which often attend the _Child-Bed-Woman_;)
as also _Frenzies_, _Watchings_, _Lethargies_, _Convulsions_,
_Epilepsies_, &c.—
BUT more especially there is _one_ particular kind of FEVER, which
invades almost all labouring _Women_ the third or fourth Day after the
_BIRTH_, and is commonly call’d the _MILK-FEVER_; because about that
time, the _MILK_ begins to generate more plentifully in the BREASTS,
taking its _Rise_ from the Motion and Agitation of the BLOOD, which
converts it from the WOMB to the BREASTS. This _Distemper_, resolving
itself about the ninth Day by SWEAT, is of no dangerous _Consequence_;
provided the _PATIENT_ observes a good and proper DIET, and duly
prevents all _Cold_, that might readily stop the SWEAT, and carefully
preserves the MILK from _coagulating_ or _putrefying_ in her BREASTS,
whence the _Symptomatick FEVERS_ commonly arise: Wherefore, I say, this
_MILK-FEVER_, being of the extended _Ephemerick_ Sort, and ceasing of
itself, requires no great _Cure_.