OUR BABIES.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 15886, 26 July 1923, Page 6

OUR BABIES.

((By Hygeia.) Breast Milk. The following is one -of a series of leaflets which the Society is issuing as a help to Plunket nurses when dealing with individual mothers who require Important points specially explained or emphasised. If in doubt after reading this article, the mother should apply to the nearest Plunket nurse in person or by letter, and the nurse will explain the points on which the mother needs more enlightenment. Bringing Back or Increasing Supply of Breast Milk. Read “Feeding and Care of Baby,’’ pages 6-10, also “ The Expectant Mother and Baby’s First Month.” 1. Put baby to both breasts every time with absolute regularity.

Give artificial food, if necessary, after nursing; never before or instead of the breast. After each feed, express the milk between fingers and thumb, and empty ■breasts as completely as possible. Cleanse and dry nipples. 2. Take extra fluid, chiefly water, hot or cold as preferred, about a pint and a half daily. A glass early in the morning and one before or at each of habiy’s feeding times 'is a practical way to fulfil the need of extra fluid.

3. Diet should be plain, wholesome, and nutritious —three meals a day. There is no need for extra food or changes Of any sort, provided the ordinary diet of the mother is ample and untritious. Extra fluid is the main essential. Many mothers take too much cocoa. If milk is taken it should be at meal time—not between the meals. No alcohol of any kind should be taken.

4. Regulation of the bowels is very important. Extra fluid and sensible, well-balanced meals, which should always include some fresh fruit and vegetables, also brown bread, will assist to prevent constipation. It is advisable to make it an absolute rule to take an apple, or other fruit ni season, and a glass of water, preferably hot, first thing in the morning, some time before any other food is taken. If an aperient is necessary, 5 to 10 drops of fluid extract of cascara may be taken, as a temporary measure, once or twice a day after meals.

5. Outdoor exercise is extremely important. A good walk is necessary every day, rain or shine, if in any way possible. If the mother is in a position to choose her own time, she should take a short walk before breakfast and after the cool bath. 6. Daily cold baths, or sponging all over, benefit the whole system. If unaccustomed to it, stand in the warm water at first, and sponge quickly with tepid, and later with cold water. Dry briskly with rough towel. There should be a pink reaction of the skin and a warm glow afterward. 7. Rest.—Sufficient rest and sleep, with windows open, is essential, including a short rest with the feet up in the afternoon. Ensure freedom from all avoidable worries and excitement.

S. Routine local treatment for the breasts.—Bathe the breasts first with hot water and then with cold water. To do this —

Have two basins of water —one as hot as can be borne, the other quite cold; a wash-cloth in each. Bathe the breasts briskly, first with hot and then with the cold water. Repeat the process frequently, but always end with the cold water.

Dry quickly with a roughish towel, stroking from the base of the breast towards the nipple.

Rub gently from the base of the breast towards the nipple. Then use long strokes from over the shoulders and under the arms. Finally a gentle kneading and rubbing all round the breast, always tending from the base towards the nipple, and always keeping the breast well supported with the other hand.

N.B.—Every drop of baby’s own mother’s milk is valuable l'or baby’s welfare, and assists in the digestion ol artificial food.

Tt is a proven fallacy that breast milk and bottle milk given at the same meal will not agree.