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In addition 349 lbs. of dried milk were supplied to holders of Public Assistance
Committee vouchers at a cost to that Committee of £29 Os. 7d.
The Borough Council supplies a full-cream or humanised milk prepared by the spray method
and similar preparations dried by the roller process. The digestibility of either form of dried milk is
greater than that of wet milk. Every mother whose infant is receiving dried milk at the clinics is
carefully and repeatedly instructed by the doctors and health visitors as to the necessity for adding
fresh orange or tomato juice to the diet. The composition of cow's milk differs from that of human
milk; and the modification necessary to render it a suitable food for human infants cannot be looked
for in the circumstances of many of those attending the clinics.
My very long experience of regular work at infant welfare centres has confirmed my belief
that dried milk and not wet milk should be supplied almost exclusively at such centres, and this is
my invariable practice in the sessions that I personally conduct. It is well known to all infant welfare
workers how easy it is for a free issue of wet milk to be used for the family tea !
At the infant welfare centres are kept nutrient preparations sufficient to ensure complete
balance of diet with the use of any milk. Medical research is constantly bringing to light new adjuvants
to diet such as are needed to meet the requirements of children suffering from the conditions of
modern life ; and at the clinics we, so far as is possible, keep up to date in the provision of such
dietetic preparations.
Dinners for expectant and nursing mothers are also provided by the Council at 170, Wandsworth
Bridge Road, the food being prepared on the premises by the resident housekeeper; this supplies
the southern area of the Borough. By arrangement with the Invalid Kitchens of London, similar
dinners at the cost of the Council, continue to be supplied for the northern area of the Borough, at
Bishop Creighton House.
A well-balanced meal, nicely served and not cooked by herself, is more useful, mentally and
physically, to a nursing or pregnant mother than the mere drinking of a glass of milk. The response,
however, to this provision is less than might be expected. There are many who are eligible for this
free service, and who do not apparently have home ties which would prevent them from going to avail
themselves of it, who yet refuse to do so.
CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS.
The Charity Organisation Society, the Invalid Children's Aid Association, and the Invalid
Kitchens of London have continued their helpful co-operation.
Each year the Women's Holiday Fund sends away for a fortnight many mothers who would
otherwise be unable to get away from home responsibilities. The women who are sent away to the
country or to the seaside, are expected to contribute towards the cost as they may be able. They
begin to save from the early spring for these holidays, and the joy of anticipation adds to the value
of the holiday.