London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London

Heston and Isleworth 1911

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Heston and Isleworth]

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Table: BIRTHS VISITED.During the year, 384 births were visited, and the following table gives certain particulars as regards these at the time of the Health Visitor's visits :—

BIRTHS VISITED.

During the year, 384 births were visited, and the following table gives certain particulars as regards these at the time of the Health Visitor's visits :—

No. of births visited384
No. being fed naturally320384
,, naturally and artificially33
,, artificially31
No. using comforter114
No. sleeping with parents183

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FEEDING.
The above facts are important as shewing that during the
first fortnight after birth, no less than 320 out of 384, or 83 per
cent., of infants are naturally fed. This is in marked contrast to
the number so found to be fed at the time of death—only three
out of 44 cases enquired into, or just 7 per cent. These facts
shew the enormous importance to be attached to the correct
feeding of infants and how essential it is for natural feeding to
be maintained.
THE USE OF THE COMFORTER.
114, or 34 per cent., of the babies visited had been provided
with comforters. A comforter is either used alone or dipped into
sweetened water or milk. But however it is prepared it is
essentially a dirty article and should not be given to the baby.
The following conditions of ill-health arise from its use:—
1. Thrush mouth.
2. Sore throat, tonsillitis and enlarged tonsils.
3. Enlarged neck glands.
4. V shaped or gothic palate.
5. Laryngitis and bronchitis.
6. Diarrhoea.
I trust that as the result of the work of the Health Visitors
the comforter will soon disappear from this district.