CARE OF BREASTS WHILE WEANING CHILD.--The process of weaning should cause little or no discomfort. If the weaning is gradual it is necessary to press out enough milk to relieve the tension from time to time. It usually takes three or four days. If it is necessary to wean abruptly, as it is occasionally, there may be considerable distress. In these cases it is necessary to massage the breasts completely,--until all the milk is out, or as much as it is possible to get out,--then rub the breasts with warm camphorated oil, and bind them firmly. When the breasts are massaged for any reason, the rubbing should be toward the nipple and it should be done gently. If there are any hard lumps, or caked milk, in the breasts, they must be massaged until soft, and the binding renewed. It may be necessary to repeat this process for a number of days. In binding the breasts use a large wad of absorbent cotton at the sides, under the arms, to support the breasts, and another wad between the breasts. This renders the binding more effective; permits the binder to be put on tighter; and prevents it from cutting into the skin. When weaning has to be done quickly the patient should absolutely abstain from all liquids. A large dose of any saline, Pluto, Apenta, or Hunyadi Water, or Rochelle salts, or Magnesium Citrate, should be given every morning for four or five days. [Page 126] If the weaning is gradually undertaken the child should be allowed to nurse less frequently. One less nursing every second day until two nursings daily are given. Keep the two daily nursings up for one week and then discontinue them, after which the above measures may be adopted. To dry the milk up, the breasts may be anointed with the following mixture: Ext. Belladonna, 2 drams; Glycerine, 2 ounces; Oil of Wintergreen, 10 drops.