View report page

12
on the feeding, rearing and clothing of infants. The home
talks are very much appreciated by the mothers and in many
cases the Health Visitor has been requested to call and see
their babies when visiting in the district where they live.
REPORT OF MEDICAL OFFICER OF HEALTH
ON MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
Gentlemen,—I desire to bring before the Committee
the circular letter of the Local Government Board to County
Councils and Sanitary Authorities regarding maternity and
child welfare, issued in July, and submit observations on the
suggestions of the Board for dealing with the subject.
The Local Government Board state in their circular that
an estimate has been laid before Parliament for a grant to be
distributed by the Board in aid of local authorities and voluntary agencies in respect of institutions or other provision for
maternity and child welfare. The amount of the estimate is
not given, but it is intimated that the grants of local
authorities may amount to half or possibly less of the
approved expenditure.
Institutions for Maternity and Child Welfare.
The clinics, dispensaries, etc., shall be primarily concerned with the provision of medical and surgical advice and
treatment for expectant and nursing mothers, and children
from birth, until they enter a public elementary school,
nursery school, creche, day nursery, school for mothers, or
other school.
Up to the present in their infant welfare work, local
authorities have concerned themselves more especially with
the child in its first year. The Local Government Board
suggest that this work should be extended, and in two
directions.
During Pregnancy.
The expectant mother should receive attention by means
of advice and treatment. Histories of previous pregnancies
may be obtained, and the possible occurrence of abortions
and miscarriages, with the presence of the underlying causes,
such as syphilis, lead poisoning, displacement of the womb,
etc. Where such conditions are found and require operative
interference, the patient will be referred to an appropriate
hospital.