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The *Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) states: Within one week after birth, if the neonate is kept in a sealed room and tightly swaddled, how can the Eight Winds (eight seasonal winds considered pathogenic factors in TCM) of heaven and earth cause harm? This is largely because during gestation, the mother failed to maintain proper care, leading to excessive fatigue disturbing the qi and blood, overeating damaging the stomach, fright causing internal disturbance, or falls resulting in injury. Consequently, postnatal conditions such as fetal fright (Tai Jing), fetal jaundice (Tai Huang), fetal cold (Tai Han), fetal heat (Tai Re), fetal obesity (Tai Fei), and fetal weakness (Tai Qie) arise. Externally, improper methods for bathing, wiping the mouth, cutting the umbilical cord, and moxibustion on the fontanelle lead to conditions like lockjaw (Jin Kou), neonatal tetanus/umbilical wind (Qi Feng), locked abdomen (Suo Du - constipation), and refusal to nurse (Bu Ru). Patients with these conditions are often difficult to treat; even the Sage Huangdi claimed he could not clearly distinguish them. Therefore, contemporary pediatricians must carefully examine the depth, deficiency, and excess of the disease to weigh and formulate treatments, which constitutes being a virtuous physician who saves the world.

Newborns must be shielded from contact by outsiders. The ancients observed this taboo within the first year to prevent Ke Wu (fright caused by external visitors/pathogens). When the child begins to recognize people and objects, they should not be taken to temples to view statues, as the flickering divine images may induce fear. If a newborn lacks an anus, survival beyond ten days is impossible. Abdominal distension combined with refusal to breastfeed indicates internal injury. Even if the anal opening is later established, the condition becomes incurable. It is necessary to rapidly puncture with a knife, ensuring precise alignment with the aperture. After opening, roll cotton cloth into a shape resembling a elm seed but sized like a finger, soak it thoroughly in sesame oil, and insert it to keep the passage open. Apply Shengji San (Flesh-Regenerating Powder) around the periphery, and the wound will heal naturally. As summer approaches, sew seven blanched apricot kernels (Xing Ren, Semen Armeniacae Amarum) into a colored silk pouch for the child to wear, which will prevent fright upon hearing thunder.

If a newborn exhibits weak qi nearing exhaustion, it is likely due to dystocia or cold invasion; the umbilical cord should not be cut immediately. Quickly wrap the infant in heated cotton wadding against the chest. Burn the placenta on fire, then use a large paper twist dipped in clarified oil to burn above and below the umbilical cord, allowing warm qi to enter the abdomen until breathing recovers.

During gestation, the fetus forms by containing maternal menstrual blood. At birth, the mouth often contains residual foul blood. Before the infant cries, it is crucial to wipe away this foul blood using a new cotton-wrapped finger. If the infant cries first, the blood will be swallowed, inevitably introducing toxic pathogens. The ancients used herbs such as Coptis Rhizome (Huanglian, Rhizoma Coptidis) and Licorice Root (Gancao, Radix Glycyrrhizae) to resolve these toxins. This practice ensures the child’s intelligence, reduces the incidence of smallpox/rashes, and minimizes illness, warranting utmost attention.