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1928]
20
At the Duncan Terrace Branch the use of the ground floor room as a Dispensary
was obtained, and this obviated the mothers having to climb stairs.
The Canonbury Branch draws mothers from the Buildings recently erected
in the neighbourhood, and relieves the pressure on the main Centre.
As in former years, massage and "Sunlight" treatment was carried out by the
Almeric Paget Massage Corps at Britannia Row.
Convalescent Treatment: 245 mothers were sent for Convalescence through
the Centre's help. Each case is assessed and money collected from the mothers.
The mothers and babies are sent for a fortnight, either to the Centre's Cottage at
Flamstead, Bedfordshire, or to the seaside through the help of the Women's Holiday
Fund. The children were either sent to Miss Fleetwood's Home for four or six weeks
or sent away through the Invalid Children's Aid Association. As regards mothers,
19 went to the seaside, 68 to Flamstead, and as regards children and babies, 72 to
Flamstead, 60 to Miss Fleetwood's Home and 26 elsewhere.
"Health Week": During "Health Week" "Health Talks" were given
during each consultation afternoon.
East Centre.—During the past year an extra Consultation has been carried
on on Friday afternoons. Advantage was taken of the possession of a garden by
the Centre by allowing the children the benefit of the sun during the warm months
of July, August and September, the children being selected by the Medical Officers.
The results were justified by a definite improvement in the general health.
The Special Department of the Centre for "Observation and Test-feeding" has
proved very successful and is now being held on two days a week. The mother
brings the child at 9 a.m. and calls to take it away at 5 p.m. She goes at mid-day
for baby's feed and in this way she nurses it three times at the Centre. Baby is
weighed before and after each feed, and the quantity taken is recorded. Should the
amount be insufficient, the mother is taught how to increase her supply of milk
and a suitable supplementary feed is prescribed for the baby should this be required.
Should the case absolutely call for artificial feeding, the method of preparing and
giving the food is taught the mother. At the same time that the mother is attending
regarding the test-feeding, opportunities are taken of instructing her respecting the
bathing and handling of the infant and other details of infant care.
The Medical Officer of this Centre reports that following the instruction of
mothers in feeding the babies most gratifying results have ensued for the percentage
of breast-fed babies is very high and is steadily increasing and undoubtedly the
department for test-feeding has proved of great service.
During the year arrangements were made for 70 mothers and 150 children
to go to the seaside or country. The numbers were as follows : Mothers—Centre
43, Branch, 27 ; Children—Centre 92, Branch 58.
Health Week.—The Activities of this Centre during "Health Week"
included a lecture by Dr. Vance Knox of the North Centre on " The General Care
of the Mother's Health during Pregnancy." After the lecture an opportunity was
given for discussion, in which the mothers took part.
West Centre.—The balcony at the Centre was, during the year, fitted with
" Vita Glass."
Convalescence.—This year 26 mothers and 56 children were sent for convalescence
during the summer. In a large number of cases the mothers contribute
towards this, the others are helped from various agencies.