development. No other milk, however skillfully modulated, no "infant's
food," however scientifically prepared, can fully take its place.

Unless illness prevents her from feeding her own child, or she is of a
moody and unhappy disposition, it is the mother's place to give her
breast to the infant. The condition of mind of the mother has a great
deal to do with the quality of the milk. A despondent and excitable
temperament is often more productive of harm than a low physical
condition. It is hardly necessary to warn the mother to be careful
of her diet, as this has immediate effect on the quality of the milk.
Of course, any drink containing alcohol must be avoided. Tea and coffee,
except when taken in weak strength, have also a deleterious effect. Milk,
and next to it, cocoa, are the best beverages for the mother. Mothers
should also avoid taking medicine except when positively required.

There is no need for the mother to vary greatly her solid diet. She
will naturally select that which is most nutritious and easily digested.
Anything that tends to make her costive, such as fruits or green
vegetables, should be partaken of with discrimination.

The baby should be fed with systematic regularity from the beginning.
While a child does not need food for the first day after birth,
nevertheless it is well to put it to the breast about six hours after
birth, since for the first few days after child-birth the breasts
secrete a laxative element which acts as a sort of physic upon the
child, clearing its bowels of a black, tarry substance, that fills them.
The full supply of normal milk comes after the third day. After the
first feeding the baby should be put to the breast every four hours for
the first day and after that every two hours, being kept there about
twenty minutes each time. The mother should be watchful and see that