Warning: Due to graphic content, reader discretion is advised.
Here is another book from the shelves at Little Red House. This one was published in 1894. I don't know where my parents got all these books of medical advice, but I sincerely hope that they didn't consult them too often.
Check out the things to do after giving birth:
Warm milk?
OK
Gruel?
Eh, no. What exactly is gruel, anyway?
Douche with Borax?
Isn't that, like, bleach??? Yikes!
No, thank you!
Posts
Well, I googled Borax. It's some kind of - get this - salt/detergent/acid. Doesn't that sound pleasant??
ReplyDeleteLove,
Julie
Holy Crap! No wonder so many died as a result of child birth. It must have all been due to psychiatric problems due to being punished afterwards with gruel and borax.
ReplyDeleteOh MY.......
ReplyDeleteThe only good thing is the 9 days in bed...now we get the 24 hour boot! Gruel and Borax, Sheesh!
ReplyDeleteWe should honor the person who invented epidurals with a national holiday! Thank goodness we've come a long way!
ReplyDeleteYikes, that sounds scary! I don't have a clue what gruel is either, but it sounds horrible.
ReplyDeleteWell after that kind of treatment, you would have to stay in bed for nine days!!!
ReplyDeleteMary, thank you so much for stopping by yesterday and offering encouragement. I means so much:)
ReplyDeleteRhonda
Can you imagine....borax??? One day after labor? Ouch.
ReplyDeleteNo wonder they aren't smiling in pictures back then......they are in serious pain! Rofl. Love the old books...I have a weakness for them. I see you have the same little marble bird bath and rooster lamp that I do! We have great tastes don't we? I covet all your new antique finds...especially the tray and tins. Can't wait to see the rest! cherry
ReplyDeleteDefinition of gruel:
ReplyDeleteGruel is a type of preparation consisting of some type of cereal boiled in water or milk. It is similar to porridge, but is more often drunk than eaten. Historically, gruel has often been an important part of the human diet, especially that of the poor. The importance of gruel as a form of sustenance has been lessened in modern times.
My mum tells me that my grandmother was horrified that they "only" kept her in hospital for 14 days after giving birth - she thought it was barbaric because in her day it was a month! She'd be horrified that I was only in 3 days & nowadays some mothers go home the same day!
ReplyDeleteBut 9 days in bed being waited on hand & foot sounds like a good idea to me!
I just found your blog, It's great! I'll be adding it to my favorites. The pic's of your home are so warm and cozy and your kitchen Is ..WOW! Bet you could make alot of Gruel in there.
ReplyDeleteThis book must have been written by a caveman!
Yuk!!! I hope your kids get better soon-don't consult that book for them lol!!
ReplyDeleteThis posting is just precious...and sooooo funny. I love those old books and I, too, have a few from my mom. I think she picked them up at yard sales and etc. One on manners that is a hoot.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work, Mary. Your blog is fast becoming a favorite with a lot of people.
~bj
OMG--that is crazy!! Nice (?) find. We've come a long way, baby!
ReplyDeleteI always heard that childbirth was extremely dangerous in "the olden days" but didn't realize it was because of the after care!
ReplyDeleteHi, Mary
ReplyDeleteJust discovered your blog on Friday and I'm hooked! I enjoy your sense of humor...and your decorating style.
Looking forward to more visits with you in blogworld...
Karen
http://celebratefifty.blogspot.com/
Hi Mary! Consider yourself tagged:) Come by and see me for details.
ReplyDeleteRhonda
Thank goodness for modern medicine...I will say that back in 1974 when I was giving birth to my son, my doctor did not believe in natural childbirth and refused to let any husbands/mothers etc in the labor room...funny how times have changed - and for the better!
ReplyDeletePenny
lol, whao!
ReplyDeleteI hope the future generation won't be making fun of us too- for things that makes so much sense now.
I once read that Drs. would complete an autopsy and without washing their hands, they'd go deliver a baby!
Oh wow...it does sound barbaric doesn't it? Oh how times have changed. *shivers*
ReplyDeleteThis was fun and interesting to read...
Hugs,
Sue
I have my great-grandmother's medical book and it's an interesting (ahem!) read! ~ hugs, Lynda ♥
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog. LOVE the pictures of your home. Such a cozy feel to it. Looking forward to more of your posts.
ReplyDeleteOh, when I scrolled down and saw the book, The Home Physician, it gave me a nostalgic twinge. You see, I grew up with this reference work. With 7 children, my parents used it to treat various ailments. We called it "the doctor book."
ReplyDeleteHi - I've just found your blog while searching the net. I loved reading all your wonderful and witty posts, and your pictures are just lovely! I hope it's alright if I add you to my favourites, I will definitely be back to read more!
ReplyDeleteI think gruel's a bit like porridge, only gross, but don't hold me to that! I just looked up borax, and it said "Borax has a wide variety of uses. It is a component of many detergents, cosmetics, and enamel glazes"!
Thanks again,
Emma. xx
Just another reason why I love modern medicine!
ReplyDeleteWell Boric Acid comes from borax and it is used as an eye wash. Very helpful actually.
ReplyDeleteA boric acid douche is helpful to prevent yeast.
It is not acid in the same strength as ones you are used to.
This was done for years til modern times really and is not harmful if its a gentle solution. :)