Can the milk secretion be increased? Yes, by regulating the mother's diet. She should drink freely of good cow's milk and have an occasional bowl of gruel, soup, etc.
[ALL ABOUT BABY 567]
How long can you wait to see if the mother can have milk? It is well to wait several days, nurse all there is and supply the deficiency by bottle feeding.
How often should the baby nurse at first, and how long? Every four or five hours for the first few days—usually nurses fifteen to twenty minutes; one night nursing.
When is there a full secretion of milk? Usually on the third day.
How often should the baby be nursed afterward? After the third day every two hours and twice at night.
How often during the rest of the year? For two to three months every two to two and one-half hours during the day, two times at night; three to five months about every three hours up to ten p. m.; and one time at night; five to twelve months every three to three and one-half or four hours and not at night.
Is it necessary as a rule to give additional food the first few days? No; give plenty of water.
What important things should be attended to in nursing? First, a regular time night and day. Second, nipples should be kept clean.
What should a nursing mother eat? Her diet should be simple and plentiful, and lots of fluids; she should have three regular meals a day, and gruel, cocoa, or milk at bedtime and sometimes between meals. She can use cereals, most soups, most vegetables; avoid sour tart fruits, salads, pastry, and desserts. She may eat egg, meats once or twice daily, but in most cases but once. Tea and coffee if taken should be very weak, and ordinarily no wine or beer.