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71
taken for securing improved ante-natal and natal conditions;
and on the other, provision should be made for continuing the
work in relation to children beyond the first year of life."
The original scheme presented to the Committee contemplated
measures dealing with ante-natal, natal and post-natal conditions,
but it was thought more advisable to deal at first only with postnatal
conditions, the scheme presented to the Council comprising
measures for preventing infant mortality and the extension of these
measures to children beyond the first year of life, viz., the institution
of several Infant Welfare Centres in the Borough, and the
appointment of a sufficient number of Health Visitors for assisting
at the Centres and home visitations.
This part of a complete scheme has been in operation now
during a year and has more than realised the hopes and anticipations
of the Committee.
The experience gained during the year has revealed the fact
that the time is now ripe for the institution of the ante-natal and
natal part of the Welfare Scheme, and I strongly recommend the
Committee to consider the desirability of immediately extending
the Welfare work in the direction indicated.
At this point I think it is desirable to call the attention of the
Committee to some facts stated in my original report relating to
maternal mortality during child-birth and infant mortality before
and during birth which will, I am sure, help to convince them of
the immediate necessity for dealing with the welfare of expectant
mothers.
The Mother during Child-bearing and Child-birth.
Both mother and child are exposed to special perils during this
period which may lead to the death of either or both, or to subsequent
ill-health and suffering of the mother and feeble vitality of
the infant. The dangers threatening the mother are chiefly
puerperal fever and other complications.