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13
In these streets every birth that occurs is visited; in other
streets, only those births are dealt with that may reasonably be
expected to need special attention—such as first births, the
advent of twins, or births in homes where the parents are known
to incline to carelessness or negligence. Other households are
visited on request or on complaint as to ill-treatment, neglect,
or exposure.
The visits are planned to interfere as little as possible with
the mother's domestic duties. To this end they are made short—
an average time for a first visit would be 15 minutes, for a
revisit 10 minutes or less.
On these occasions the baby is undressed and inspected and
its general condition is noted, the character and sufficiency of
its clothing, its disposal during the day time and at night time,
the method of feeding, the preparation and storage of the milk,
the type and cleanliness of the bottle used, the cleanliness of
the feeding utensils, and the condition of the comforter, if any.
All these are ascertained and made the subject of useful and
practical lessons.
The child's body is examined, its condition, whether fat or
wasting, the state of the eyes, the mouth, navel, and buttocks
is investigated, the presence or absence of dirt, or of vermin
bites is observed, and the mother advised in kindly manner how
best to adopt preventive and curative measures.
She is shown how to wash, dress, and to clothe the child.
The observation "My baby used to flop about like a bit of
wet gristle. It was all ways and no ways till the lady came and
learnt me how to hold it proper," shows how much this work
is needed and appreciated.
She is advised as to the care of her own health and as to
the diet suitable for her while nursing, and if she has "lost
her milk" how best to "bring it back."
Breast-feeding is always encouraged.