Sex efficiency through exercises : special physical culture for women / by Th. H. van de Velde ; [photos, by E. Steinemann].
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giddiness, especially when there has been much loss of
blood.
In association with breathing exercises, there should be
active movements of the arms. Flex and stretch the wrists and
do the same with the elbows. Let the arms lie loosely, parallel
to the body, then lift them sideways and backwards (either
horizontally or in a semicircular curve).
All this sounds very simple, but requires full attention
and exact judgment, on the part of the instructress or nurse
in charge, in order that every individual woman shall benefit
by what best suits her case.
On the next day, i.e., from thirty-six to sixty hours after
delivery, the same exercises should be performed; but if the
patient's condition and other factors permit, complete passivity
should be gently and slightly modified into active motion. It
is best to alternate them, passive and active, and, as has
been emphasised in dealing with exercises during pregnancy,
the active exercises should be fewer than the passive. This
has a very soothing and refreshing effect on the patient.
Avoid rigid rules and machine-made systems! In
rationing these exercises, take into consideration not only the
special symptoms—such as temperature and type of lochia—
but the functions of excretion (evacuation) and lactation.
For instance, it is very important to bear in mind any
impeded flow of milk, any special strain owing to tendencies
to either constipation or its reverse. It must never be
forgotten that this special phase of involution after child-birth
is very apt to bring disturbances or at least hindrances to
recovery.
If it becomes necessary to limit exercises after child-birth
for any good and sufficient reason, the passive movements of
the lower limbs should be performed if at all possible: for
they quicken and restore circulation and prevent varicosity
in cases of extreme exhaustion.
During the further days of the puerperium, if all has gone
well and in a normal manner, the patient should gradually
exert herself more often and more intensely.