If the nipples be rough or nodulated in appearance, like a strawberry or a raspberry, they are more apt to become excoriated or fissured than if they present a smooth surface. Under such circumstances, make a solution of the sulphate of zinc, of the strength of one grain to the ounce of rose water, in a wide-mouthed bottle, then tilt the bottle upon the nipple, and allow it to remain there for a few minutes several times a day. Simple tenderness of the nipples and slight fissures may be averted by the application either of a lotion of borax (two scruples of borax in three ounces of water, and an ounce of glycerine), of the honey of borax, or of the tincture of catechu, and by protecting the parts from the pressure of the stays and the friction of the flannel vest.
It is of the greatest moment to the comfort of the mother, that all affections of the nipples should be prevented or remedied before labor; for the treatment of sore nipples when the child is at the breast is often unsatisfactory, while the suffering they occasion is very great, even sometimes giving rise to mammary abscess.
There are certain _articles of clothing_ and _dressings for the bed_ which should be cared for in advance, in order that they may be ready when required.
The mother should be provided with short-gowns, to be worn over the chemise instead of the ordinary night-gowns. It is of consequence to procure a proper _bandage_. It should be made of heavy muslin, neither too coarse nor too fine; an ordinarily good quality of unbleached muslin is the best. The material is to be cut bias, about one and a quarter yard in length, and from twelve to eighteen inches in breadth, varying, of course, with the size of the person. It should be just large enough to encircle the body after confinement, with a margin of a couple of inches, and to extend down below the fulness of the hips. The measurement should be taken, and the bandage made to fit, when four and a half months advanced. It should be narrow above, wider below, and gored in such a manner that it will be a little narrower at the lower extremity than a few inches above, so as to prevent it, when adjusted, from sliding upwards. A bandage constructed in this manner will be very comfortable; and is not apt to become displaced, after application, as is invariably the case when a towel or a straight piece of muslin is used. The way in which it is to be applied will be detailed hereafter.