he fat of the
body, and the production of heat.

_Of what use is the sugar?_

It is needed for the production of heat, and to make fat in the body.

_Of what use are the proteids?_

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

_Of what use are the salts?_

Particularly for the growth of bone.

_Of what use is the water?_

By means of the water the food is kept in a state of minute
subdivision or in solution, so that the delicate organs of a young
infant can digest it. It is also necessary to enable the body to get
rid of its waste.

NURSING

_Should all mothers attempt to nurse their children?_

As a rule they should do so, but there are many conditions when they
should not.

_What are the most important ones?_

If the mother has or has had tuberculosis or any other serious chronic
disease, or is herself in very delicate health, she should not try.
She is likely soon to fail in nourishing her child, and the attempt
may do herself much harm as well as injure the child.

_How often should infants be nursed during the first two days of
life?_

Usually only four or five times daily, since there is very little milk
secreted at this time.

_When does the milk come in abundance?_

Usually on the third day, sometimes not until the fourth or fifth day.

_Should the infant be fed anything additional during the first two
days?_

Usually not; if much food were necessary, we may be sure Nature would
have provided it. Water, however, should be given regularly.

_How frequently should an infant be nursed during the first week?_

After the third day, every two hours during the day and twice during
the night. The frequency during the rest of the first year is given in
the following table:

------------------------------------------------------------------
PERIOD. Nursings in Interval Night nursings
24 hours. by day. (10 P.M. to 6 A.M.).
------------------------------------------------------------------
1st and 2d day 4 6 hours. 1
3 days to 6 weeks 10 2 " 2
6 weeks to 3 months 8 2-1/2 " 2
3 to 5 months 7 3 " 1
5 to 12 months 6 3 " 0
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