Sex efficiency through exercises : special physical culture for women / by Th. H. van de Velde ; [photos, by E. Steinemann].
216/426

be an inlet strip of elastic beneath the breasts so that the belt portion of the garment gives easily to the movements of lungs and arms. And the shoulder straps should be wide enough not to " cut " or pull, and adjustable so that they may be " reefed " or loosened as the breast is emptied or filled again with milk. In these respects, I am of one mind with Erna Gldsmer and R. Amersbach,but must express some reserve about their view of shortening the duration of breast feeding. I must admit my need to overcome certain inhibitions and preconceived views on this topic, having been for so long accustomed to consider the welfare and needs of the baby alone. But I now realise that this was, in principle, for many of the mothers inadequate. If the child's needs can be fully met, i.e., if the child is healthy and has received in the first months mother's milk, and if supplementary food- stuffs of good quality are available, there are grave reasons for refraining from any avoidable burden and strain on the organs concerned. Gldsmer and Amersbach conclude that lactation should not last longer than three months if the child is healthy. This is not an arbitrary pronouncement, but the result of observation and inquiry ; and Nature supports the suggestion, as a rule, for, after three months the flow of milk begins to dwindle in many cases. The tempo at which the weaning of the baby and the resultant involution of the mammary glands takes place is decisive for their subsequent condition and appearance. Here, too, it is wise to follow Nature's hint and let the change be gradual. If the child is " taken off the breast " suddenly, the organ becomes full and tense with milk, and this has great disadvantages.* * In order to avoid this repeated distension and overstrain, which can have a most unfortunate effect on the shape of the breasts, Gldsmer and Amersbach recommend five " meals " in the course of the twenty-four hours, and that both breasts should be used at every meal. They are of opinion that this avoids distension and enables each breast to function fully and without strain. They point out, however, that no rigid system is possible in this matter, for the details must vary in each case with the functional activity of the breast and the child's appetite and stage of development. I would emphasise this reservation, but, on the whole, I should agree that their suggestion is better for the mother than the method formerly practised, and cannot harm the child ; in fact, it is often beneficial to the latter as well.