h gas.

_What should be done under these circumstances?_

If the symptoms have persisted for two or three weeks and the child is
not gaining in weight, there is little chance of improvement, and the
child should be taken from the breast at once. If there is some gain
in weight, one may try for a little longer, endeavouring to improve
the mother's milk by rest, fresh air, careful diet, etc. However, one
should always realize that the trouble is with the milk, not with the
child.

_What changes should be made if a nursing infant habitually vomits?_

If this occurs soon after nursing, the infant has usually taken too
much and the time of nursing should be shortened, or one breast may be
given instead of two; the nursing should also be interrupted by
occasional rests, so that the milk is not taken too fast.

If the vomiting occurs some time after nursing and is repeated, it is
a sign of indigestion; often because the milk is too rich in fat. The
intervals between nursings should then be lengthened; the breast milk
may be diluted by giving one or two tablespoonfuls of plain boiled
water, lime-water, or barley-water, five or ten minutes before
nursing; the mother should eat less hearty food, especially less meat.

_What should be done if the infant has frequent or habitual colic?_

This is usually because the milk is too rich in proteids; the mother
should take more out-of-door exercise, eat less meat, and seek to
control her emotions; all causes of worry should be removed.

_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 w