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72
Post-natal Consultations.
Twenty-eight mothers attended the post-natal consultations at the Centre,
10, John Street, 16 of whom had attended the Centre as ante-natal cases. They
made 60 attendances in all.
The chief defects found were two cases of venereal disease (both referred to
hospital); one case of retroverted uterus (referred to hospital); and five cases of
prolapse, one of which was referred to hospital and four were treated at the Centre;
four of cervicitis (treated at Centre); two cases of anaemia., two of laceration of
cervix (treated at Centre); four cases of pruritus valvæ (treated at Centre); in the
remainder no abnormality due to pregnancy was found.
Six mothers attended the post-natal clinic at the Short's Gardens Centre.
The defects found included two cases of cervicitis (both referred to hospital); one
case of retroversion of uterus (referred to hospital); and one case of slight prolapse
(referred to hospital); and one case of mastitis required reference to private doctor.
Instruction in Mothercraft and Hygiene.
For some years, both in the home and in the Centres, we have made use of
leaflets written in non-technical language dealing with the hygiene of infancy and
maternity and have hung the walls of the Centres with pictures and mottoes to
give point to our teaching and to draw attention to the series of leaflets.
Propaganda posters are pasted on the outer walls at the Centres. There is
also a glass-fronted case for the display of a special poster; this poster is changed
frequently.
Miss Mary Carter and Miss Edith Joyce have continued to give us a groat deal
of valuable assistance during the year by making children's garments for busy
mothers from materials supplied by the mothers and from their own resources.
Miss Audrey Stables has also given assistance at the Centre on Wednesdays whenever
required. Mrs. Haywood, Honorary Secretary of the Infants Welfare Guild,
continued to supply us with knitted and sewn garments made by her workers,
until the end of March, 1934, when the Guild was disbanded. Assistance
is given at the Centres in cutting out garments at any time; patterns of the
most suitable woven garments are given away, also directions for making
knitted garments and advice as to the choice of suitable materials. A sewing
machine is available for use of the mothers at 10, John Street and instruction in
its use is given at any time. Up-to-date model garments for babies and young
children are always on view at the Centres.
Four hundred and eighty-eight hanks of wool of a special quality were sold at
cost price to the value of £18. 6s. 7½. '
Maternity outfits are placed on sale at the Centre at cost price, 5s. l0d. Only
one outfit was sold. It is to be regretted that the price of these puts them beyond
the reach of the poorest, who are often the least well equipped, and therefore most
in need of the outfit.