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The Table of infantile mortality on p. 14 shows the deaths of children under one
year arranged according to monthly age periods. From this it will be seen that no less
than 30 per cent. of these deaths occurred in the first month, 60 per cent. within the
first three months, and 70 per cent. during the first six months of existence.
NOTIFICATION OF BIRTHS ACT, 1907.
The work under the notification of Births Act has been continued. During the
year 185 births were notified belonging to the City, including eight still-births.
235 other notifications, relating to children not belonging to the City, were forwarded
to the Medical Officers of their respective districts.
Of the 185 City Births:—
99 were notified by Medical Practitioners.
54 „ „ by Hospitals, &c.
10 „ „ by Midwives.
22 „ „ by Parents.
The Care of Infants.
During the year 669 visits were paid to the homes to give instruction in the care
and feeding of infants. The visits are appreciated by the mothers. Of the babies
visited:—
83 per cent. were breast-fed.
11 „ were hand-fed.
6 „ were partly hand-fed and partly breast-fed.
On the whole the children were well cared for, and in many cases the poorer
mothers deserve praise for the care bestowed on their children. During the year, ten
deaths occurred of infants under one year of age.
A grant of l1/2 pints of milk daily has been allowed to necessitous nursing mothers.
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This grant of milk has enabled many mothers to continue nursing their babies who
otherwise would not have been able to do so. Breast feeding cannot be successful
unless the mothers are properly nourished.
During the year 47 mothers have been granted the milk for periods varying
from one month to six months. Forty of the mothers were asked to bring their babies
to a room at the "shelter" (a building belonging to the Corporation) each Monday to
be weighed; the total attendances were 270. Great improvement was noted in most
cases, both in the health of the mother and child, and this fact has clearly demonstrated
to the mothers the value of milk and the need of sufficient and adequate nourishment
being taken during the nursing period.
In a few cases where great poverty has existed the milk granted has been the chief
nourishment the mother has had. Such cases are not satisfactory.
The babies generally were found to be in a healthy condition; it was necessary
only in six cases to advise that a doctor should be called in. The mothers appear to
bring more intelligence to bear in caring for their babies than formerly; they are
recognising the necessity of warm clothing, fresh air and regular feeding.