Karen Hamilton Rager

Safe Counsel: A Complete Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Childcare in the Late 19th Century Karen Hamilton Rager

According to the original authors "KNOWLEDGE IS SAFETY", and their medical "knowledge" from before the days of disposable diapers will be of great interest to historians, researchers of women's issues and the general reader in light of modern medical, social and scientific advancements. These pages reflect attitudes towards women, common family planning practices, and scientific "truths" of the times, giving the reader a deeper understanding of day to day life and beliefs during the late 1800s. This volume covers procreation disorders such as impotence and sterility, health during pregnancy, pregnancy advice including dress and diet, confinement during delivery, newborns and their care, home lessons in nursing sick children, and treatment for the diseases of infants and children including home remedies. Many of these home treatments, advising a simple diet and exercise, make the reader smile at their ageless wisdom. Some advice will make the reader grin - "Pregnant mothers should avoid thinking of ugly people... Also avoid ungraceful position and awkward attitude, but cultivate grace and beauty in herself. Avoid difficulty with neighbors or other trouble." Charming period illustrations augment the text. Appendices include a "Dictionary of Medical Terms" and "Old Disease Names and Their Modern Definitions." Includes illustrations and an appendix.