Sex efficiency through exercises : special physical culture for women / by Th. H. van de Velde ; [photos, by E. Steinemann].

for invalids, convalescents, expectant and parturient mothers than is at present the case. Women after child-birth are specially liable to chills, both because of their heightened susceptibility to all infections, and also owing to their profuse perspiration. There should be no needless exposure to draughts, and the rooms should be well warmed and at an even temperature, even if the woman has been used to perform her exercises nude. Any chill may not only damage and retard her own recovery, but, if she is nursing her baby, may have serious effects on the child. Begin the exercises twenty-four hours after delivery. If the woman wishes an even earlier commencement, and if conditions are favourable, gentle passive movements and light massage can be applied. The initial group of exercises after child-birth consist of Leg rolling: active and Passive, as described under No. 9 of the exercises in pregnancy (Chapter XIII.), and depicted in Figs. 26 and 27. Foot Exercise : Passive. (Fig. 28.) These are described in No. 10 of exercises during pregnancy (Chapter XIII.). They should be performed lying down, while the gymnastic instructress supports the leg just above the ankle with her left hand. It is advisable to avoid all pressure on the calves after child-birth, in order to spare further strain on the large blood-vessels. Leg Relaxation : Passive. (Fig. 29.) Compare No. n of the exercises during pregnancy (Chapter XIII.). But, after child-birth, the attitude should be recumbent. Instead of resting the thigh across the knee of the instructress, it should be raised vertically (or at right angles to the trunk) and supported by the instructress with one hand. While the patient is exercising the left thigh the instructress stands on that side and supports her with her left hand ; while her other hand clasps the lower leg just over the ankle and then drops it. The patient must relax