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These disadvantages are avoided if weaning is gradual.
The breast recovers and adapts itself to normal conditions
without loss of shape or texture. The baby is also best
served by gradual transition to artificial food : its intestines
are far less strained if adaptation is slow and gentle. There-
fore, I recommend that weaning should take from a fortnight
to six weeks to complete, according to the mother's supply
of milk. The bottle should take the place of an increasing
number of meals at the breast.
Even after the secretion of milk has dried up, the pro-
cesses of involution and recovery have not ceased, for the
majority of the special structures developed during preg-
nancy disappear and the supporting connective tissue slowly
regains firmness of texture. We have already explained and
urged the need of paying particular heed to the appearance
of the breasts during this transition, both by appropriate
exercises and the support of suitable garments which fit
snugly without undue pressure.
