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

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.