Infant Care and Hygiene

The hand that rocks the cradle Is the hand that moves the world. Upon the health and welfare of the human race depends on the care and dealing of children. It begins with the infant in the cradle, that little tiny spark of humanity, and no time from the cradle to the grave is so important as infancy. No other little animal comes into the world as helpless and remains in a dependent condition as long as a baby. This helplessness renders it particularly liable to disease. So that infancy is a period of special danger. It is our duty, as nurses, to guard and protect this spark of life, and by our skill and care try and comfort the mother who has just passed through one of the most trying ordeals. The care of the infant begins with its separation from the mother, the severing of the umbilicus cord, its existence independent and separate from the mother's is then established. The first thing to do for a baby as it is ushered into the world is to see that the mucus is removed from the mouth and throat of the infant so when it cries and breathes, nothing can be drawn into the lungs. Next see that the eyes are washed free from all secretions. A saturated solution of boric acid and little cotton balls should have been previously prepared for this purpose. This is the physician's duty, but you will sometimes find he will depute the nurse, and she should know how to do it, and do it well. Sometimes it is neglected and the responsibility devolves on the nurse. Be sure they are clean. Many children in the blind asylums are there from neglect of this kind. The physician usually takes advantage of a short rest the mother has after the birth of the head to wash the infant's eyes, and the nurse should anticipate his wants and be ready to hand him what is needed. At this pause, hand him the solution, which should have been poured into a clean cup, and the little cotton balls, which should have been made and placed in a clean saucer, for washing the infant's eyes. And with a large pad of absorbent cotton wet with the boric solution, wipe the secretion off of baby's face. The nurse should, however, be very careful and not assume any of the responsibilities that belong to the physician. Should you be alone and the physician not arrive in time, see chapter on 'Delivery of the child in the absence of the physician' elsewhere in this book. As soon as the child is born it is covered by a warm towel, and laid a short distance from the mother on its right side. The nurse should see that it does not pull on the cord or the mother lie on it, or hurt it with her feet or legs. It will gasp or sneeze, this clears the air passages. Then rather a short cry, and then it cries lustily, this expands the lungs, and independent circulation is then established. The next thing is to be sure the baby is breathing properly. <Callout type=