PREFACE TO FOURTH EDITION. The excellent results to be attained by an adherence to the methods advocated in this little book, and observed in the obstetric work of the Woman's Hospital, will prove the value of cleanliness, antisepsis, and eternal vigilance on the part of the nurse, in averting the dangers of childbirth and reducing the mortality of early infancy. In this, as in former editions of my work, I have made every effort to bring its teachings up to the requirements of modern practice. An especial effort has been made to consider in detail the needs of the young infant whose hold on life in the earlier days of its existence is slender. The grave responsibilities so often thrown upon the trained nurse, necessitate a most thorough knowledge upon her part of the conditions she may be called upon to manage. It is for her chiefly that this little book has been written. The importance, however, of a thorough understand X PREFACE TO FOURTH EDITION. ing of the many little details of scientific nursing on the part of the physician leads me to trust that the work may be of value to physician as well as nurse; and since both of these must have the entire support, sympathy, and assistance of the patient in their efforts for her well-being, the directions herein given as to preparations to be made, and rules of action to be observed, will, it is hoped, enable the patient to work in harmony with those who are working for her good. Woman's Hospital of Philadelphia, ANNA M. FULLERTON. |