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17
of those who made their first attendance before the age of six
months, nearly one-third have already been weaned. The figures
for 1919 were slightly better than those of the two previous years.

It is frequently stated that, although lactation may be established,
it is not possible to maintain it for the necessary period.
This statement has led many persons to the belief that the capacity
fjr sustained lactation is decreasing among women. The following
figures show the period during which breast-feeding was continued
by the mothers attending the centre last year:—
Weaned during first month ., - 25
Weaned between 1-2 months 27'
Weaned between 2-3 months 18
Weaned between 3-4 months 13
Weaned between 4-5 months 12
Weaned between 5-6 months
Weaned between 6-7 months
Weaned between 7-8 months .. 7
Weaned between 8-9 months 41
Weaned between 9-10 months 45
Weaned between 10-11 months 7
Weaned between 11-12 months.. 5
Twenty-two removed from the district whilst still on the
breast.
From inquiries made, I find that a large number of the
babies are weaned within a few weeks of birth, and the mothers
state that their milk has "gone off" when they resumed their
domestic duties after the confinement. It is possible that a decreased
flow does occur at this period, but it is not sufficient to justify
the weaning of the baby, and a little perseverance would re-instate
the function of the mammary glands.
Another cause which operates in reducing the period of lactation
i|f the too frequent feeding of the baby. Unless the breast
is emptied completely the functions will not be maintained. The
child should not be fed so frequently that it is not hungry when
fed.