Decalogues of the Family (1941)

This is the advice of the National Organization for the Protection of Motherhood and Infancy (ONMI) for expecting mothers:

1. Mother: when you realize that your state is abnormal, for your own good and for the good of the creature within you, seek the good and wise advice of a doctor and visit a local consultant of the ONMI.

2. Mother: beginning at least with the 4th month of pregnancy you must visit a consultant of the ONMI every month until the end of the term, so you can avoid serious complications.

3. During pregnancy it is not harmful to perform household chores within certain limits. However, the following is harmful: a) having little sleep (the minimum amount of rest is nine hours); b) running; c) walking a long time; d) making long trips by train; e) working on machines with pedals; f) using warmers under your feet.

4. Mother: remember that urine testing is necessary from the 4th month onward; you must perform it at least once a month until the end of the term.

5. Mother: you do not need to eat for two. Eat simple, healthy foods; eat plenty of fruits and vegetables; do not abuse fats; make discreet use of meat (just once a day and preferably at noon).

6. Mother: a month before delivery remember that you need to stop working; the law allows this, and it includes a pension. Remember that on the 20th day after delivery you will resume your household tasks: take caution by only resuming lighter work. Also take advantage of the break that the law permits in the postnatal period.

7. Mother: remember that the body should be kept warm, and that blood circulation must be free; wear loose clothing to prevent cooling, but at the same time not too heavy. You should always wear undergarments and it is good to keep them shut to avoid cooling. Do not use garter belt strings; instead use a small elastic belt with suspenders; from the 4th month onwards it will be helpful to use a wife elastic band without splints, which support your belly without compressing it; do not wear high heels, because they are harmful.

8. Do not be afraid of the water; cleanliness is essential; take a hip bath at least once a week; it should be short: 10 to 15 minutes; not too hot: 35 to 38 degrees.

9. Mother: do you suffer from dizziness? Are you prone to fainting in the early months of pregnancy? Remember two rules: in the morning do not abruptly get up from bed, if possible drink a hot beverage (milk coffee): stay upright... If you suffer from palpitations, especially at night, after eating or performing minor tasks, if you feel heaviness of breath, go see a consultant of the ONMI (the visit is free). If you encounter any swelling of the hands, the face, the ankles, it is urgent to examine the urine; go see a consultant of the ONMI.

10. Mother: remember that the mouth must be continually monitored; tooth decay during pregnancy can happen or accentuate very easily. Do not use the toothbrush too hard. If you have cravings, satisfy them, but only with healthy foods: do not believe the claims that failing to satisfy unhealthy cravings will cause the termination of the pregnancy or give rise to children with birth defects. Monitor your bowels; if you make regular use of laxatives, never use energetic purgatives.


Caring for your child:

1. Your milk, O mother, is necessary for the child to grow up healthy and strong.

2. Weigh the baby every week or at least every 15 days, and compare its weight to the chart.

3. The interval between meals must be three hours, counting from the end of the last meal to the beginning of the next meal.

4. Do not wean your baby before the 5th or 6th month of age and never in the hot season, otherwise he most likely will become sick with enteritis.

5. Do not force your baby into his clothes. Wash and change him often. Do not create bad habits, such as rocking him and keeping him in your arms too long. Do not let anyone give him kisses. Do not give him a pacifier. The baby should not eat at night.

6. Air, light and sun are essential to your baby.

7. Follow your doctor's advice and regularly visit a consultant of the ONMI. Visits are free of charge.

8. Immediately seek the advice of a doctor if: a) your child has any illness or sickness; b) the number of discharges increases; c) if his weight remains the same or decreases; d) your milk diminishes.

9. Do not administer any medicines or foods that are not prescribed to you by a doctor and be wary of any other person's advice.

10. Mother, do not wait until your child is sick to visit the ONMI. Seek a representative first. It will save you many sorrows and expenses.