Disorder of the stomach and bowels is one of the most fruitful sources
of the diseases of infancy. Only prevent their derangement, and, all
things being equal, the infant will be healthy and flourish, and need
not the aid of physic or physicians. Experience daily proves, that a
large proportion of the children who die in infancy are lost from
derangement of these organs, as the primary cause.
There are many causes which may give rise to these affections; many of
them appertain to the mother's system, some to that of the infant. All
are capable, to a great extent, of being prevented or remedied. It is,
therefore, most important that a mother should not be ignorant or
misinformed upon this subject. It is the prevention of these
affections, however, that will be principally dwelt upon in this
chapter; for let the mother ever bear in mind, and act upon the
principle, that the prevention of disease alone belongs to her; the
cure to the physician.
For the sake of clearness and reference, these disorders will be
spoken of as they occur:--
To the infant at the breast.
At the period of weaning.
And to the infant brought up by hand.
1. TO THE INFANT AT THE BREAST.
UNHEALTHY MILK.--The infant's stomach and bowels may become deranged
from the breast-milk becoming unwholesome.
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