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(The detailed methods for newborn care are detailed in Section 40 of the "Pediatrics" chapter.)

Whenever an infant is just born, it should be wrapped immediately with clothing; one must absolutely prevent invasion by wind and cold. This is because while in the womb, the fetus is most tightly protected. Upon emerging from the amniotic sac, its skin and muscles are tender and fragile, making it extremely susceptible to pathogenic factors. If it occurs in summer, there is naturally no need for worry, but if even a slight chill is felt, caution is required. I have often seen infants who, shortly after birth, suffer from convulsive disorders (Jing Feng), fever, and convulsions; these are mostly due to this reason.

First, when the weather is slightly cool at the time of birth, bathing is strictly prohibited. It is feared that the Cou Li (pores and interstices of the skin) will not be dense, causing Yuan Qi (Original Qi) to leak out, allowing external pathogens to take advantage. In cases where the mother experiences difficult labor, damaging the fetal Qi through exertion, the infant may emerge from the sac weak, critical, or already dead. In such cases, the umbilical cord must not be cut immediately. Instead, one should urgently use a large paper twist dipped in sesame oil to burn through the umbilical cord by moving it back and forth along the cord. This utilizes Yang Qi to sustain the Tai Yuan (Fetal Origin). After a brief moment, if the infant cries, it has revived, and this method also prevents diseases such as stomach-cold diarrhea. For those presenting this condition, cutting the umbilical cord with a knife poses a risk to both mother and child. This method comes from *Li Zhai Yi An* (Medical Records of Li Zhai).

Second, the method of burning the cord is most suitable only for mothers who are constitutionally deficient in Yang or who experienced Qi collapse during delivery, to assist Yang Qi. If the mother's constitution is strong in Yang, or if the infant's cry is loud and resonant, this method should not be used, as fire heat may enter through the umbilicus, potentially causing heat toxins later, which would cause significant harm.

Regarding fetuses dying in the uterine cavity (Zi Si Fu Zhong), causes often include physical trauma, violation of taboos, weak fetal Qi failing to form properly leading to miscarriage, or rupture of the amniotic sac with dried blood, leading to prolonged deterioration. If the mother presents with abdominal distension and a black tongue, the fetus is confirmed dead. If, prior to the expected delivery date, the mother feels coldness and heavy bearing down in the abdomen, accompanied by nausea/vomiting or rising foul odor, and the tongue appears greenish-black, these are signs of fetal death. One should promptly use the Formula to Expel Dead Fetus (Xia Si Tai Fang) to expel it. After expulsion, assess deficiency or excess and apply appropriate tonification/regulation for natural recovery. If the lips, tongue, and facial complexion are all blue-green, it indicates a critical state for both mother and child.

Supplementary Prescription: Treats fetal death in the uterus. Use Hong Hua (Safflower) boiled in wine to extract the juice; drink two or three bowls to induce expulsion.

New Method Formula to Expel Fetus: Use Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) 1 liang, Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) 3 qian, Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel) 2 qian. Add one bowl of wine and one bowl of water, decoct until one bowl remains. Add Pu Xiao (Mirabilite) 3-5 qian, boil for ten more boils, strain, and take hot. The dead fetus will naturally descend. Alternatively, using Tuo Hua Jian (Flower-Expelling Decoction) alone is even better.