DR. FRITZ B. TALBOT'S PAPER 329 



frequently been able to completely nurse both babies 

 when the demand has been increased in this manner. 

 Secondly, the mother is usually happier when she has 

 her baby with her, and is thus more easily handled. 

 And lastly, New York has found that when babies are 

 separated from their mothers, about 90 per cent, die ; 

 while of the babies that have been under the care of 

 the Directory there has not been a single death up to 

 date (one baby whose mother was wet-nursing in the 

 hospital died during this time). The principal factor 

 which is responsible for these results is that the baby 

 is kept with its mother. 



During the period of wet-nursing the growth of 

 the mother's character is often remarkable ; the nature 

 of her work allows her a great deal of time with 

 her baby, and as a result she develops the respon- 

 sibility of motherhood. She comes to the Directory 

 burdened with the shame of her position and without 

 any hope for the future. She finds that other people 

 have been in a similar position, and with the help 

 of the Directory have found a new start in life. In 

 some cases she sees the love and anxiety of the 

 mother of the sick baby, and as a result her own 

 sense of motherhood begins to develop. With it 

 comes self-respect, because she is earning her living 

 honestly. After the first position is ended she always 

 comes back to the Directory, either for another position 

 or for advice for her future. Sometimes she is able to 

 wet-nurse in several families, and many women have 

 saved 150 to 200 dollars with which to start in life. In 

 those instances in which the mother is separated from 

 the baby she usually deserts it at the first opportunity, 

 with the result that another baby starts life in an 

 institution and is supported by the public. 



The social worker takes an important part in the 

 work of the Directory. She tries to learn the woman's 

 true story, becomes her friend, confidant, and adviser. 

 She is often able to get a settlement from the child's 



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