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7
the first month and once during the second month, after which
night feeding should be gradually stopped. As the feeds
become fewer, the amount given at each should, of course,
be increased.
The nipples should be cleansed and dried each time after
suckling, and if they become sore medical advice should
be obtained.
The Baby should be Fed Regularly.—This is
of great importance to the health of both mother and child.
Each feed should occupy about 15 minutes, and the flow of
the milk should be regulated by pressing round the nipple
with the fingers to prevent the child swallowing too greedily.
A time-table of the hours at which the breast is to be given
should be made out according to the above directions and
followed faithfully. During the first two months the following
hours for giving the breast will be found suitable :—7 a.m.,
9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 5 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. for
the day and 12 midnight, and 4 a.m. for the night.
If the mother has not enough milk the child should still
be suckled, but should have in addition the milk mixture
described on page 6. Mother's and cow's milk given
together will agree quite well with the baby if the cow's
milk is properly prepared.
Weaning.—There is danger to the baby in weaning
before the 7th month at the earliest. It is better not to wean
until the 9th month or even a little later.
If the health of the mother or infant is failing before
these dates, medical advice should be sought before deciding
to wean.
In weaning you should choose a time when the baby is
free from illness.
Do jail in your power to put off weaning until the hot
weather has come and gone, as there is great danger
of a hand-fed infant dying of Diarrhoea during
the months of July, August and September.
HAND FEEDING.
Hand feeding is never to be recommended where it is at
all possible to rear the infant at the breast. You should,
therefore, use every effort and make every sacrifice to enable
you to suckle your infant.