They are caused by the mother eating improper food. If the stools are very
yellow, foul, greasy or ropy the mother is eating food that produces too
much fat (cream) in her milk. If curds appear there is not enough fat, and
too much of the proteids (skim milk). When the stools are very green with
much mucus in them, the food should be reduced.
If a nursing baby is constipated, what can be done? More boiled water
should be given between nursing. The mother should take exercise at least
two hours each day out of doors; her bowels should move every day, even if
she must take a laxative. She should take plenty of pure, rich milk,
cocoa, oatmeal and cornmeal gruels, and some kind of tonic if she is weak.
Tea and coffee should not be used. Ripe fruit (not tart), some green
vegetables and a little meat can be eaten. Starchy foods should be
avoided. Sometimes baby does not get enough nurse. Then she should be fed
and given plenty of pure water between meals.
If a nursing baby has frequent colic attacks, what should be done? The
food is probably too strong. The mother should eat food that will produce
less fat (cream) in her milk. The baby can be nursed at longer periods for
a time; or give an ounce of hot water just before nursing. The mother
should take plenty of exercise, enough sleep and have a free movement of
her bowels, so as to keep well and free from nervousness.