London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972

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Paddington 1932

[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Paddington, Metropolitan Borough of]

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37
THE HYDE PARK BABIES' CLUB.
94, Lancaster Gate, W.2.
This is an infant welfare centre on a contributory basis for better-class mothers and
"nannies." It has completed its second year's work with an increase of membership and a steady
extension of the Club's activities. Weekly weighing and consultation sessions have been
held as heretofore on Monday afternoons, with test-feeding for breast fed infants at 2 p.m.
Evening lectures for mothers and nurses have been held in each session, in houses lent by
members, and have been attended by an increasing circle of friends who, becoming interested
in this way, have in many cases joined the Club. An intensive class in infant hygiene and
dietetics, covering the care of the infant in the first year of life, was held for expectant
and other inexperienced young mothers by the medical officer of the Club, and is to be
followed by further courses dealing with the care of toddlers and older children.
The Club is managed by an Executive Committee consisting mainly of mothers of
members of the Club, and the Countess of Limerick and Mrs. Laura Henderson are respectively
Club President and Chairman.
Dr. Margaret Emslie is the medical officer in charge of consultations.
The Centre works in co-operation with the Medical Officer of Health.
INVALID CHILDREN'S AID ASSOCIATION.
A grant of £10 in aid of the funds of the local branch of the Invalid Children's Aid
Association was made.
CONVALESCENCE.
No cases of nursing mothers with babies were referred to St. Mary's Convalescent Home,
Birchington-on-Sea, for convalescence.
In 22 instances the Council made grants towards the cost of children convalesced by the
Invalid Children's Aid Association, the total amount being £43 9s. 7d.
MATERNAL MORTALITY.
During the year eight maternal deaths were enquired into by Dr. E. Dorothy Fenwick,
the Council's medical investigator, and reports thereon forwarded to the Ministry of Health.
THE PADDINGTON INFANT SAVING CAMPAIGN.
This campaign, to which allusion was made in last year's report, came to an end on
August 31st, 1932, owing to lack of funds.