from
flatulence, griping, looseness of the bowels, and vomiting. This is
caused by a sufficient interval not being allowed between the meals for
digestion. The milk, therefore, passes on from the stomach into the
bowels undigested, and the effects just alluded to follow. Time must
not only be given for the proper digestion of the milk, but the stomach
itself must be allowed a season of repose. This evil, then, must be
avoided most carefully by the mother strictly adhering to those rules
for nursing which have been already laid down.[FN#34]

[FN#34] See page 5.

FROM TEETHING.--The bowels of the infant at the breast, as well as
after it is weaned, are generally affected by teething. And it is
fortunate that this is the case, for it prevents more serious
affections. Indeed, the diarrhoea that occurs during dentition, except
it be violent, must not be subdued; if, however, this is the case,
attention must be paid to it. It will generally be found to be
accompanied by a swollen gum; the freely lancing of which will
sometimes alone put a stop to the looseness: further medical aid may,
however, be necessary.

FROM COLD AND DAMP, ETC.--Of course there are other causes besides
these already alluded to, giving rise to bowel complaints, during this
epoch,--causes not cognisable by the mother, however, and not mentioned
therefore here. It is right, however, that she should be aware that
these affections are sometimes the result simply of impressions of cold
or damp, particularly at certain seasons of the year; in the autumn,
for instance, when, as is well known, bowel complaints are very
frequent. When thus produced, it is important early to seek medical
aid, as inflammation is generally the result.

2. AT THE PERIOD OF WEANING.

There is great susceptibility to derangements of the stomach and
bowels of the child at the period when weaning ordinarily takes place,
so that great care and judgment must be exercised in effecting this
object. Usually, however, the bowels are deranged during this process
from one of these causes; from weaning too early, from effecting it too
suddenly and abruptly, or from over-feeding and the use of improper and
unsuitable food. There is another cause which also may give rise to
diarrhoea at this time, independently of weaning, viz. the irritation
of difficult teething.

WEANING TOO EARLY.--The substitution of artificial food for the breast-
milk of the mother, at a period wh