Give the use of sugar?  It is needed to produce heat and make fat in the body.

Use of the proteids?  They are needed for the growth of the cells of the body, such as those of the blood, the various organs of the muscles.

What do the salts do?  Help in the growth of bone.

What is the use of water?  Water keeps the food minutely subdivided or in solution, so that the infant’s delicate organs can digest it.  It also enables the body to get rid of the waste material.

NURSING.

Should all mothers make an attempt at nursing their babies?  Yes, as a rule.

What are the most important conditions that may prevent nursing?  Tuberculosis now or in the past or, in fact, any other serious chronic diseases; very delicate health herself.  Some acute disease like typhoid fever or cancer.

How soon after labor should the baby be put to the breast?  As soon as the mother is able to have it.

What is the food called that it then obtains?  Colostrum.

What does this do?  It aids in cleaning the baby’s system.

Should the mother nurse the baby inclining or lying?  Yes.

Does nursing drain the mother?  Not if she is reasonably well.  It is a natural process.

[566 Mothers’ remedies]

If the mother cannot nurse immediately after labor, what should you feed baby?  The baby will not starve in a few days.  Give it warm water regularly every few hours, or a little cream and warm water.

Are there any impediments to nursing?  Sometimes the baby is tongue-tied.

Is the baby ever too weak to nurse?  Yes.

What should be done in that case?  Draw the milk from the breast and feed it through a free flowing nursing bottle.  Such babies are generally born prematurely.

Are the mother’s nipples ever at fault?  Yes, they are; poorly developed, retracted, that the baby’s tongue cannot surround it to draw upon it.

What can be done for them?  They should be drawn out, and sometimes a breast pump is needed for this.

Should the nipples be treated after nursing?  They should be dried and clean clothing put against them.  Some recommend washing them with a mild solution of boric acid.

Are they ever so tender that nursing is painful?  Yes.

What can be done for this?  The nipples should be drawn out before confinement; if neglected use the following:  Compound tincture of benzoin one-half ounce.  After each nursing wash them clean with warm water or water and a little alcohol and after drying them, put on the tincture of benzoin with a camel’s hair brush.  It will not hurt the baby.

What can be done with cracked nipples?  Apply benzoin as before directed, and use a glass or rubber nipple shield until it gets well.

How can caked breasts be prevented?  The breasts should be kept emptied and well protected, both while nursing and during the intervals.  Empty with a breast pump if necessary.