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19
The Parents.—In some of the poorer districts the mother is
ocasionally the chief, or, indeed, the sole support of the family
In these circumstances her lot is an undeniably hard one, and
it is not to be wondered at if the baby suffers in health, wastes,
and eventually succumbs.
However, even when weighted with this grievous and double
load the mothers struggle bravely on, suckling their children
during the short intervals when they return home at meal times.
Some mothers were ill, with ulcerated legs, abscess of the
breast, heart disease, asthma, bronchitis, anaemia, or paralysis ;
two mothers were epileptic, one was of unsound mind, others had
sore or dirty nipples. Some mothers had insufficient food. Many
were inexperienced and were very grateful for the help of the
lady Health Visitors—a few were extremely careful in carrying
out all instructions.
Advice was given as to the best food for the mother, so that
she might continue breast-feeding and defer weaning. The
mothers who were dirty and untidy were encouraged and shown
how to do better. Generally speaking, it was found that mothers
who had before marriage been domestic servants were more
careful and of more cleanly taste and discrimination than the
others.
ILLUSTRATIVE CASES.
1. Mother an epileptic, left with young baby and a child
6 years old. The husband had gone to America, and
was said to have made no provision for the mother.
2. Mother had had four children and lost three. She now
expresses herself as eager to learn and willing to take
advice.
3. Mother with a child a few months old has to return to
her work at making artificial flowers as her husband is
unemployed.
4. Mother with a baby has to return to work as a ragsorter,
as the father is out of work.