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41
In 14 cases the number of rooms occupied by the family was
not ascertained.
At the first visit paid to a house where a birth has occurred a
card of printed directions on infant management is given to the
mother. The Council has issued two kinds of advisory cards.
The first applies to breast-fed babies, and it is this card that is
generally distributed. This card is in the following terms:—
BOROUGH OF HAMPSTEAD.
public health department.
Advice on the Rearing op Infants.
Mother's milk is by far the best food for babies. Anything else,
even the best cow's milk, is but a poor substitute for mother's milk.
It is the duty of every healthy mother to suckle her baby.
Suckling is good for the mother's health as well as for the child's.
Sometimes mother's milk seems not to suit a newly born-baby.
In these cases there is often something wrong with the mother's
food; perhaps she has been taking pickles, vinegar, or too many
green vegetables. The baby should not be weaned, but the mother's
diet should be regulated. If mother's milk does not suit the baby,
it is very unlikely that any other food will be better.
It is most important that the baby should be fed regularly and
not too often. Do not give the breast every time the baby cries.
During the first two mouths feed the baby every two hours in
the day, and every four hours at night.
When between two and three months old, the baby should be
fed every two-and-a-half hours in the day, and allowed to sleep
from 11 at night till 6 in the morning.
When three months old, the baby should be fed every three
hours in the day, and allowed to sleep from 11 at night till 5 in the
morning.
If you feed regularly in this way the milk will do more good,
and the baby will sleep better.
A nursing mother should lead a quiet life, get plenty of sleep,
and avoid excitement and worry.
Never take stout, beer, or spirits, when suckling; drink plenty
of milk instead. Milk puddings, gruel, and cocoa will also help.
After each time you feed baby, wash the nipples with warm water
and dry them carefully. If you take care of the nipples they will
not crack or become sore.