770 PLAIN FACTS 



from becoming offensive, as is sometimes the case, the 

 vaginal douche should be taken at least twice a day; 

 and when the discharge is very profuse, more fre- 

 quently. The water employed should be quite warm, 

 and should contain a teaspoonful of carbolic acid dis- 

 solved in a tablespoonful of glycerine or alcohol to 

 the quart of water. The injection of hot water not only 

 cleanses the parts, but stimulates complete contraction 

 of the tissues, and thus prevents danger from hemor- 

 rhage, and hastens the process by which the organ 

 returns to its natural size. A solution of permanga- 

 nate of potash in the proportion of a teaspoonful of 

 the crystals to a gallon of water, is also an excellent 

 injection for use when the discharge is offensive. The 

 carbolic acid solution should be thoroughly shaken be- 

 fore it is used. When blood reappears in the dis- 

 charges after a few days, it is an indication that the 

 process referred to is not taking place regularly and 

 satisfactorily. This is generally the result of the pa- 

 tient's getting ujD too soon. 



To Check the Secretion of Milk.— In some 

 cases it becomes desirable that the secretion of milk 

 should be checked. This is especially important in 

 cases of still-birth. The most effective measure for 

 checking the secretion of milk is to require the patient 

 to abstain from the use of fluids of any sort. The food 

 should be of a solid character. The thirst may be 

 relieved by taking small quantities of ice. This should 

 be continued until the fourth or fifth day, when there 

 will usually be no further difficulty. The breasts should 

 be partially relieved of their contents by the breast- 

 pump or other means, but should not be entirely emp- 

 tied. The application of the ice-pack or cold com- 

 presses to the breasts is also an excellent means for 



