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pregnancy and child-birth, which were 10 in number
during 1926, compared with 11 in 1925, do not reflect
the true position as the incapacity and invalidism
resulting from child-birth must also be taken into
consideration, hence the importance of ante-natal
work and efficient midwifery practice.
In addition to the care of infants and expectant
and nursing mothers, which forms the basis of Maternity
and Child Welfare work, Sir George Newman, in a
memorandum to the Minister of Health entitled "An
outline of the Practice of Preventive Medicine," points
out the importance of the care of children at the preschool
age. He states : "In this pre-school age there
is, however, great need for preventive measures dealing
with measles and whooping cough, rickets, mouth
breathing, squint and certain special children's maladies
particularly catarrhal and glandular conditions, due
to overcrowding, airless rooms, contact, infection,
faulty diet, etc. A rich harvest will reward the
careful supervision and nurture at this age period."
Notification of Births.—Under the Notification of
Births Act, 1907, 2,540 births of living children and
76 births of still-born children were notified. 356 or
13.6 per cent. were notified by doctors, 2,092 or 80.0
per cent. by midwives, and 168 or 6.4 per cent. by
fathers or persons in attendance at the birth. The
still-births during 1926 were equal to 2.84 per cent.
of the registered live births.
By means of notification the Health Visitors are
able to get into touch with mothers and children and
the 1907 Act is therefore the first step in the Maternity
and Child Welfare organisation.
Home Visitation of Mothers and Children.—This
is an essential feature of the work. Health Visitors
must see that the doctor's instructions are carried out
and must have cognisance of the hundred and one
things necessary for the care and upbringing of infants
and older children and the health of mothers. Housing
conditions and accommodation and questions relating