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
Battersea 1907
Report on the health of the Metropolitan Borough of Battersea for the year 1907
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42
The ages of the infants when they commenced taking the
milk are shown in the next table:—
| Under 1 week. | 1 week & under 1 month. | 1-3 months. | 3-6 months. | 6-9 months | 9-12 months. | Over 12 months. | Total. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 156 |
The large percentage (88.3 per cent.) at the earlier ages
under six months is noteworthy, having regard to its bearing
on the death-rate. It is during this period, more especially so
during the first three months, that the highest death-rate occurs
among infants.
In the next table is shown the length of time during which
these children were fed from the Depot up to 31st December,
1907 :—
| Under 1 week. | 1 week & under 1 month. | 1-3 months | 3-6 months. | 6-9 months. | 9-12 months. | Over 12 months. | Total. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
It will be noted that nearly 90 per cent. used the milk for
periods from one month to six months and over, while only 10
per cent. used the milk for short periods varying from one week
or under to one month.
The reasons assigned for discontinuing the milk were
various, such as :—(1) Unable or too far to send; (2) milk
unsuitable; (3) unable to afford to pay; (4) by order of the
medical attendant; and (5) in the case of older children, now able
to take other food. In a large number of cases the milk had