128
Healthful Living
Variable Appetite
642. But, on the other hand, the idea that women, because of their
special condition, may let the appetite run riot, is a mistake based
on custom, but not on sound sense. The appetite of women in this
condition may be variable, fitful, and difficult to gratify; and custom
allows her to have anything she may fancy, without consulting reason
as to whether such food can supply nutrition for her body and for the
growth of her child. The food should be nutritious, but should not be of
an exciting quality. Custom says that if she wants flesh meats, pickles,
spiced food, or mince pies, let her have them; appetite alone is to be
consulted. This is a great mistake, and does much harm. The harm
cannot be estimated. If ever there is need of simplicity of diet and
special care as to the quality of food eaten, it is at this important period.
Women who possess principle, and who are well instructed, will not
[155]
depart from simplicity of diet at this time of all others. They will
consider that another life is dependent upon them, and will be careful
in all their habits, especially in diet.—
Testimonies for the Church
2:382
.
643. From the food the mother was compelled to receive, she
could not furnish a good quality of blood, and therefore gave birth to
children filled with humors.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:379
.
Clothing
644. Her clothing also demands attention. Care should be taken
to protect the body from a sense of chilliness. She should not call
vitality unnecessarily to the surface to supply the want of sufficient
clothing.... The prosperity of mother and child depends much upon
good, warm clothing, and a supply of nourishing food.—
Testimonies
for the Church 2:382
.
645. Very many children are born with their blood tainted with
scrofula, through the wrong habits of the mother in her eating and
dressing. The very many miscarriages that now occur may generally
be traced to fashionable dress.—
The Health Reformer, November 1,
1871
.