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(2) That a large number of infants are not suckled at the breast after
being born, or are suckled at the breast only for a few weeks, and
are weaned too early. This is due either to the want of stamina in
the mother or to want of knowledge.
Experience shows : —
(3) That the hand-feeding of infants is generally unsatisfactory, always
risky, and in the summer dangerous and often fatal.
(4) That it is cheaper and easier to feed infants by the breast than by the
hand;
(5) That it is simpler and wiser for the mother to take care of her health,
both before and after the birth of her infant, and to improve her
breast milk, than to bring up her baby by hand feeding, wholly or
in part.
(6) That if the mother's health and stamina are maintained the infant
can be breast-fed for the natural nine months and grow into a robust
child.
In these circumstances all mothers are advised to practise and spread a
knowledge of the following system
Mothering.
The health of the mother is most important of all.
The mother must take care of her health so as to make her infant strong at
birth, prepare herself to suckle her baby, and pay particular attention to the
nipples.
Spirits and strong drink must be avoided ; plenty of good, plain, wholesome,
nourishing food must be eaten, and the appetite improved by exercise in the
open air.
A mother who improves her own health will also improve that of her baby.
When in doubt as to her health and habits a mother should not hesitate to
seek medical advice at once.
Suckling.
A mother who has properly taken care of her health should be able to fully
suckle her baby when born.
She should not be disappointed if the breast milk is scanty or not fully
established for two or three days. The regular suckling of the baby will cause
the flow to increase more and more.
If she continues to take care of her health she should be able to continue
suckling her baby for about nine months.
The best food for the baby is mother's breast milk alone and without any
other food whatever.
If the mother's milk is poor in quality she should improve it by eating
a greater quantity of good, plain, wholesome food, and improve her appetite
by more exercise in the open air, and, above all, a mother should avoid spirits
and strong drink.