London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Finsbury 1927
Annual report on the public health of Finsbury for the year 1927
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The average gain in weight per week while under observation
was 4.4 ounces. The highest weekly average gain was 6.3 ounces.
On their first visits 470 babies were fat and plump, 62 were thin,
while 9 were wasting. Only 16 per cent. were brought while they
were still under the age of 1 month. 33 per cent, attended under
three months. The number of premature babies kept under
supervision was 10, twins 7 sets.
The weights of the children at birth are not always known or recorded by the parents. As far as they are known they are given in the following table:—
| Weights at Birth. | District No. 1. | District No. 2. | District No. 3. | Totals. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Under 4 lbs. | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 4—5 lbs. | 5 | 2 | 7 | 14 |
| 5—6 lbs. | 27 | 32 | 18 | 77 |
| 6—7 lbs. | 73 | 74 | 63 | 210 |
| 7—8 lbs. | 151 | 137 | 115 | 403 |
| 8—9 lbs. | 140 | 126 | 127 | 393 |
| 9—10 lbs. | 55 | 55 | 64 | 174 |
| 10—11 lbs. | 14 | 18 | 24 | 56 |
| 11—12 lbs. | 5 | 7 | 3 | 16 |
| Over 12 lbs. | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| Totals | 471 | 455 | 425 | 1,351 |
The fathers were mainly of the working class, and chiefly
labourers, porters, carmen, printers, packers, fitters, street hawkers,
motor drivers, newsvendors, warehousemen and postal employees.
Milk and/or Dinners for Mothers and Milk for Children.
The Council makes grants of milk and/or dinners to nursing
and expectant mothers, and grants of milk to babies under 1 year
and children from 1 to 5 years of age.