ideal food for that particular
child.

A dirty baby, properly fed, will thrive. A baby deprived of fresh
air, but wisely fed, will survive and even develop into a strong
healthy man or woman. But the baby raised according to the latest
and most approved rules of sanitation and hygiene, if improperly
fed, will languish and die.

HYGIENE OF NURSING MOTHERS

_Outings and Exercise._ It is most highly important that the nursing
mother should be able thoroughly to digest her food; otherwise the
flow of milk is likely to contain irritants that will disturb the
baby's digestion, even to the point of making him really sick. In
order to avoid these complications, exercise and outings are
absolutely essential for the mother. A vigorous walk, gardening, light
housework or other light athletics, greatly facilitate digestion and
increase the bodily circulation, as well as promote deep breathing,
all of which are of paramount importance to a good appetite and good
digestion.

_The Bowels._ The bowels should move regularly and normally once or
twice during the twenty-four hours. Unfortunately, this is not usually
the case: and in this connection we would refer our reader to the
chapter on "The Hygiene of Pregnancy," particularly those sections
relative to the care of the bowels, recipes for bran bread, lists of
laxative foods and other suggestions pertaining to the hygiene of the
nursing mother.

_Sleep._ Nothing less than eight hours sleep will suffice for the
nursing mother, and during the day she should take at least one nap
with the baby.

_Care of the Skin._ Salt-rub baths are very beneficial taken once a
week. The daily cold-friction rub described elsewhere, will tone up
the system and increase digestion and improve the general well being.
The soap wash may be taken once a week. The thorough cleansing of the
breasts, and the frequent changing of the undergarments, will help to
keep the baby happy; for oftentimes it is the odor of perspiration as
well as the smell of soiled clothing that spoils the appetite of the
baby, causing it to refuse food.

_Recreation._ Pleasant diversion is very essential for the mother, and
should be indulged in at least once a week. The bedtime hours,
however, should not be interfered with and the recreation should be
selected with a view to amuse, refresh and create a harmless diversion
for the mother's mind. Under no circumstances should the mother settle
down to