Hygiene
127
women while they are bearing children that is taken of animals in the
stable.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:383
.
Toiling Mothers
639. The mother, in many cases previous to the birth of her chil-
dren, is permitted to toil early and late, heating her blood.... Her
strength should have been tenderly cherished.... Her burdens and cares
are seldom lessened, and that period, which should be to her of all
others a time of rest, is one of fatigue, sadness, and gloom. By too
great exertion on her part, she deprives her offspring of that nutrition
which nature has provided for it, and by heating her own blood, she
imparts to the child a bad quality of blood. The offspring is robbed of
its vitality, robbed of physical and mental strength.—
How to Live, 33
.
Effect of the Mother’s Overwork on the Infant
640. Many mothers, while nursing their infants, have been permit-
ted to overlabor, and to heat their blood in cooking, and the nurseling
has been seriously affected, not only with fevered nourishment from
the mother’s breast, but its blood has been poisoned by the unhealthful
diet of the mother.... The infant will also be affected by the condition
of the mother’s mind. If she is unhappy, easily agitated, irritable,
giving vent to outbursts of passion, the nourishment the infant receives
from its mother will be affected, often producing colic, spasms, and,
[154]
in some instances causing convulsions.—
How to Live, 39
.
Diet
641. At this important period the labor of the mother should be
lightened. Great changes are going on in her system. It requires a
greater amount of blood, and therefore an increase of food of the most
nourishing quality to convert into blood. Unless she has an abundant
supply of nutritious food, she cannot retain her physical strength, and
her offspring is robbed of vitality.... There will be an inability in the
offspring to appropriate food which it can convert into good blood to
nourish the system.... The extra draught upon the vitality of the mother
must be considered and provided for.—
Testimonies for the Church
2:381, 382
.