OUR BABIES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 22 October 1927, Page 17

OUR BABIES.

A PLUNKET NURSE’S TALKS TO ALUTHERS. PRE PAR ATI ON FOR MOTHERHOOD. THE TWELVE ESSENTIALS. (Continued.) Special ,Exercises. ■‘The third point .1 wish to emphasise is tne value and importance of special exercises. You know ‘no athlete prepares for the race by resting only.’ The mother-to-be should prepare lor ‘the race’ by special bending exercises of the trunk and limps, designed to tone up and progressively strengthen the muscles of the abdomen. The systematic pei-Jormance of suitable exercises aids in carrying the baby to full term in the correct position; helps to ensure a normal confinement, without complications afterwards, and also tends to improve the general health and make tor better functioning ot all organs, so helping to prevent such disorders as constipation, indigestion, headache, etc.

“After our talk I will demonstrate the suitable exercises for you. The main points I wish to emphasise in connection with their performance are these :

“Commence gradually, doing only the easiest exercises for three or four minutes at first.

“Increase the time and the variety gradually but steadily, always, however, stopping short of fatigue or

effort. Go on until you are doing them tor file or ten minutes every morning and evening—not just now and then. Make ‘exercise time’ a serious part of the daily programme. “Always perform the exercises slowly and steadily, not quickly or jerkily. Breathe deeply at the same time; your deep breathing provides baby with his ■fresh air."

“Discontinue the exercises and consult doctor or nurse if at any time symptoms arise which suggest anything not perfectly normal. “Remember that things go wrong because of slack muscles and poor tone, not because of exercises properly graded and carried out. Sleep. “Perfect ‘baby building’ is greatly aided by long hours of restful sleep, therefore the mother-to-be should see that all those conditions which make lor healthy, natural sleep are provided. The room should he very well ventilated (needless to say, sleeping out on a. porch is ideal), the bed comfortable, the food suitable, and the digestion good, the bowels regumr, and enough exercise laud occupation ensured in the daytime to make for healthful, natural tiredness and a happy, contented mind. A warm bath taken at bedtime is a. good way of promoting natural sleep. Drugs should never be taken except by a doctor’s orders. Best and Recreation. “Whenever possible, rest should be taken with feet up. Try to spend ten minutes or so thus after meals, and choose this attitude for sewing, reading, aud so on. Congenial companionship and healthy recreation are always good. Bathing and Personal Hygiene. “Proper action of the skin is neces■sary for the removal of impurities. For stimulating the skin and the whole body nothing can equal fho cold sponge, shower, or bath. For one not accustomed to it this may be commenced by standing with the feet in warm water, and sponging the body with tepid water, gradually and systematically reducing the temperature day by day. The cool or cold bath should always be followed by a brisk rub and active exercise, preferably a sharp walk. If the skin fails to act in spite ot this, it is unwise to continue. Pood. “All that is necessary is a sensible, well-balanced diet. Food should be nourishing, appetising, well cooked, and nicely served. Three good meals a day are best, with only fluid or fruit between ‘ln between meals’ only spoil the appetite and digestion, and the old notion that the expectant mother should ‘eat for two’ is absurd. Milk is a food and should be taken at meal times, but water should be taken freely , between all meals. Ample fluid is a necessity; it hushes out the system and helps to remove impurities. "Meat should be taken sparingly —once a day is sufficient. As much fresh fruit and vegetables should be taken as it is 1 possible to obtain. The mother draws from her diet the essential building materials for the baby’s growing body. ; it is specially important that she should have ail ample supply of those i foods which contain the vitamin and | mineral elements in abundance, because i these are essential for growth. “I have prepared for you a little exhibit of the toods which are specially important in the diet of the expectant mother. You will see there are milk, i butter, and eggs; all varieties of fresh t fruit and vegetables, nuts and dried ( fruits, brown bread and oatcake, etc. c These supply tTTe essential elements for t the health of mother and baby.’’ '' f (To be concluded next week.) r