Can constipation in a nursing infant be controlled through the mother's milk?
Only to a limited extent. It is important that the mother's bowels be regular and her digestion good. An increase in the meat and milk of her diet is sometimes beneficial.
[ WEANING ]
At what age should the child be weaned from the breast?
Usually weaning should be begun at nine or ten months by substituting one feeding a day for one nursing, later two feedings, and thus gradually the child is to be taken from the breast altogether.
What is the principal reason for weaning earlier?
The most important one is that the child is not thriving—not gaining in weight and not progressing normally in its development. Serious illness of the mother, or pregnancy, may make weaning necessary.
At what age should the weaning be completed?
Generally at one year. In summer it may sometimes be advisable to nurse an infant a little longer rather than wean in warm weather; but even then the dangers of weaning are much less than those of continuing to nurse, as is so often done, after the milk has become very scanty and poor in quality.
When should a child who is weaned from the breast be taught to drink from the cup, and when to take the bottle?