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11
(8). The chief means for a low infant mortality are efficient,
domestic and municipal sanitation, good housing and intelligent
and painstaking "mothering."
(9). Breast feeding is the greatest natural protection against
infant mortality. It is not a complete protection, in part
because breast-fed infants are often exposed to excessive
changes of temperature in air-polluted rooms; and in part
because mothers frequently give their breast-fed infants other
food of an unsuitable character."
"Recommendations.
(1). He emphasises the importance of more detailed investigation
of all deaths occurring in infancy as a guide to
administrative action.
(2). He states that experience is already showing the
value of the work being done by health visitors, who under
present conditions, form an almost indispensable aid in
influencing mothers in the management of their infants.
(3). The adoption of the Notification of Births Act, is a
necessary preliminary to the giving of such aid promptly ;
and the medical officer of the Board expresses the hope that
ere long this Act will be generally adopted in all districts.
(4). The adoption and efficient administration of the
Notification of Births Act and additional arrangements for
giving instruction to mothers in infant hygiene, are urgently
called for in districts in which infant mortality is excessive.
(5). The measures indicated above furnish an incomplete
remedy in districts in which insanitary conditions are rife.
Sanitary authorities in compactly populated districts should
decide to remove all dry closets, if a water-carriage system is
practicable, to introduce and maintain efficient scavenging,
and to provide for a satisfactory paving of streets and yards
when required. Doubtless these measures will be expensive;
but they are much more economical than the sickness and
impaired efficiency of the population which are their alternative;
and no sanitary authority can justify neglect in undertaking