The Washington times., 1918-09-04

The world usually the slgnal
for experts the bringing of babies to gather from all
quarters of the neghborhood and give the mother good
advice about its care.
Most grown women, whether they have children
Of their own convinced that they know just exactly
what should be done for a newly born infant
Nowadays, when books on the food and raiment and
habits Of babies have become plentiful young women also
qualify as experts in this important subject
4 And there not few who convinced that
they know far about it than any woman ever born
As a consequence the poor young mother has a hard
time indeed.
Maiden aunts tell her that the baby is getting too much
food
Elder sisters assert solemny that doesn't get enough
Grandmothers say that newangled methods certain
death and that the only to insure health and happiness
is by returning to the methods that in vogue fifty
years ago.
Professional contend that the odfashoned ways
practically steps toward nfancde and that it stands
that the modern scientific methods better than
those of ignorance and mere experience.
With all this advice the mother is dumfounded What
she does for her child to bring down her
storm Of criticism
If she tries to please relative friend she antag
She told cody by those who do approve of the
action she has adopted that she is slowly but sure
" killing her baby
Naturally this alarms her. and she turns to the next
person for advice, with no better success.
This process occupies the greater part OF the first six
months.
After that it begins to dawn upon the mother that she
knows few things about babies herself.
She doesn't know how she found them out but she be-
certain that they have become part of her now
edge and she has the force of character that developed
in most mothers she proceeds to apply them dsregarding
what the other people say or think about it.
As result, the baby becomes cheerful less dis
trustfu Of the food that is offered him
In fact he grows into well behaved, normal child
who knows his duty only to live and laugh and love- and
who discharges faithfully with only and then an
interval Of naughtness
This newspaper is very sorry discourage the well
meaning relatives of young mothers but it feels called upon
to inform them that the person best qualified to bring up
child is the childs mother.
She may not be wise In many things, she may not be
bright witty possessed of good taste in dress but one
thing she does know and that is how to bring up her own
child
This knowledge is not acquired from books or doctors
although of mother learn many useful and i'm
portant things from both.
But understanding of child and his needs comes
to the mother naturally does the milk with which he
is fed
Relatives of both sexes and all ages may crcse and
condemn all they please but almost invariably in case of
disagreement they will be wrong and the mother will be
right
She may have had far less experience than they with
children in general, but far THAT ONE CHILD is
concerned, she is the best Judge.
Her instinct has already taught her great deal her
intuition teaches her and her mother love shows her
the way to make the most of her limited experience
The wise mother of new baby will listen politely to
what her elders say but ask them allow her treat her
child in the way that seems best to her.
Of course she will know enough to take good medical
advice and to good in feeding and clothing her
baby.
But she can well afford to ignore all the conflicting sug
gens that made and not to be terrified by the threat
that unless this that plan is adopted her baby will
surely be in its grave in very few weeks.
She is the mother, and nature intended her to know
what to do for her baby.
she does it, and insists that her way is the best she
will be happier and the baby will stand far better chance
to grow up than he is made to follow all the different
rules of baby culture by turns.