Under all these circumstances, a good deal can
often be effected by art. In every instance, therefore, in which we
have not positive evidence of the child being dead, in the existence of
putrefaction, or of such malformation as is incompatible with life, it
is our duty to give a fair trial to the means for restoring suspended
animation; and as long as the slightest attempt at motion of the
respiratory organs is evinced, or the least pulsation of the heart
continues, we have good grounds for persevering and hoping for ultimate
success.
The measures to be employed to restore a still-born child will be a
little modified by the circumstances present.
IF THERE IS NO PULSATION--NO BEATING IN THE CORD, when the child comes
into the world, it may at once be separated from the mother. This is
to be effected by first tying the navel-string with common sewing
thread (three or four times doubled), about two inches from the body of
the child, and again two inches from the former ligature, and then
dividing the cord with a pair of scissors between the two. And now the
means for its restoration are to be made use of, which are detailed
below, viz. inflation of the lungs, and perhaps the warm bath. If, with
the above circumstances, the child's face be livid and swollen, some
drops of blood should previously be allowed to escape before the
ligature is applied to that part of the navel-string which is now only
attached to the child.
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