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134
FREQUENCY OF BREAST FEEDING.
The natural milk supply is not fully established until the
third day.
After the mother has become refreshed by sleep, the
infant may be put to the breast four times in the first 24 hours
and six times during the second 24 hours after birth.
During this period the baby may not get much milk, but
there is no cause for alarm. Its hunger may be relieved by an
occasional teaspoonful of a mixture of one part of milk and
three parts of water until the breast milk is established.
By the third day the supply is generally ample, and
now the infant must begin regular habits, and should be put to
the mother's breast every two hours during the day and
every four hours during the night.
The baby's stomach at birth will hold very little - about
an ounce and a half, that is three tablespoonsful—and is able
to take about fourteen or sixteen ounces of milk during the
24 hours. A healthy infant empties the breast in from ten
to fifteen minutes.
Regular feedings (every two hours during the first month)
are essential for the health and comfort of both mother and child.
Avoid irregular feeding and the habit of pacifying a crying baby
by a feed. Its stomach becomes overloaded and trouble follows.
Baby's stomach must have rest in order to digest its regular
supply. The mother's breast is equally in need of rest, otherwise
the character of the milk will be altered.
Cleanliness after suckling will often save endless misery
to the mother. Immediately after feeding the infant, the nipples
should be carefully washed with warm water by the aid of a