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BET 1
15
I replied that in my opinion the period of four weeks fixed by the
section quoted by Mr. Lakeman, is sufficient to safeguard the health
of the mother, but insufficient as regards the child. I am strongly of
opinion that the above period should be extended to at least twelve
weeks. It is all-important for the welfare of the newborn infant that
it should have the care and food provided for it by nature during
the first few months of its feeble life. If this start be given, it has
a much better chance in the struggle for existence. Should the
mother for any reason be unable to suckle her infant, it is certain to
get neglected and improperly fed. Probably it is trusted to the
tender mercies of a sister scarcely able to take care of herself. Then
the ignorance of women of the working classes on the subject of
infant feeding is colossal. Very few are aware of the physiological
fact that infants must be fed on milk alone, as they are unable to
digest starchy food.
Looking at the statistics of infantile mortality for 1893, I note
that Preston leach the way with the enormous figure of 27 infantile
deaths to every 100 births registered; Bristol and Huddersfield
have the lowest proportion, with 14 per cent., whilst the average
in 33 of the largest towns in the kingdom is 18 per cent. London
has 16 per cent., and Bethnal Green, 17.
In the following table are shewn some Statistics bearing on this
point, they are calculated per 1000, not per cent.