istance to begin
with; the five mile walk will follow in time. Many young mothers get into
the habit of taking baby out in his carriage for an airing, and regard this
as exercise for themselves. They join the baby brigade and parade up and
down the block, or select a sunny spot where there are others on a like
quest, and sit around exchanging confidences. These outings usually
degenerate into gossiping parties and are a dangerous and questionable
practice. They are no doubt good for the baby, but they are morally and
physically bad for the young mother. This daily habit is called exercise,
but it is in no sense physical exercise. The young mother should select a
certain time each day, immediately after a nursing when baby is likely to
sleep, and devote this period to walking. One hour each day will accomplish
much in regaining and establishing health and strength, and appetite for
the mother. No indoor work can take the place of a walk out of doors. It is
a duty on the part of the nursing mother to do this. It will enable her to
supply better milk; it will banish her tendency to nervousness; it will
ensure a good appetite, good spirits, and sound sleep. It will make her a
better mother and a better wife. Many young wives sow the first seeds of
discontent, and ultimate failure during the natural depression that follows
maternity.

She must adopt system in the performance of her household duties. A good
plan is to set aside a certain definite time for meals, when to begin
cooking and when to end washing the dishes. Then arrange regarding the
general household duties. Make a schedule for a week devoting each day to a
certain task so that at the end of the week all the essential work will
have been completed. By systematizing work in this way a great deal of
ground can be covered and as time passes it will become easier, as many
helpful ways will suggest themselves whereby time will be economized. [136]

Adopt a system with the baby. Many mothers are worn-out, nervous wrecks for
no other reason than a lack of system in the management of the daily life
of their offspring. If system is not adopted in feeding and caring for an
infant it becomes irritable. To a sick, tired, weary mother an irritable
child is an unspeakable torture. Begin right. Give it adequate, but no
unnecessary attention. Nurse it every two hours, and at no other time. Wake
it to nurse at its regular time. It will in a few days acquire the habit of
feeding r