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38 deaths of infants occurred from causes accurately known to the
Medical Officer, and nearly all within the first fortnight of their lives.
There has been no epidemic amongst infants, though there were
many cases of summer diarrhœa in September with 4 deaths.
Bronchitis and pneumonia have been prevalent since the autumn, but
the 4 deaths from this cause occurred early in the year. This particular
form of illness seems very common, too, among the parents.
76 names have been removed from the register owing to removal to
other districts. When possible, these have been transferred to the local
visitors, and every effort is made not to lose sight of them.
The great majority of babies are breast-fed, the mothers being
encouraged by all means to continue this—if not wholly—then partially;
cow's milk or some form of dried milk being used as an alternative.
Great watchfulness has been exercised over the artificially fed babies
with excellent results.
The Weighing Centre, having now 69 mothers in attendance, helps
greatly in keeping up the interest in the babies' welfare. The weights
are recorded every week : or in cases of older children, at longer intervals.
The health of both mothers and babies is discussed at these gatherings,
and if there is any sign of flagging, the doctor may be consulted the
next day.
At these consultations careful inquiry is made into the family history
of each patient to find the cause of the backwardness. If necessary, the
mother is sent to her doctor or to a hospital for treatment either for herself
or the child. Simple cases of improper or irregular feeding are left in
the hands of the visitors.
No medical treatment is given at the Centre.
Many backward babies have made conspicuous improvement under
this care.
Malnutrition of the nursing mothers has been remedied by sending
them to the Invalid Kitchen for dinners, and in some cases milk has been
supplied.
Convalescent Treatment has been given to nine mothers, who, with
their young babies, have been sent for a fortnight's holiday, with good
results in every case.
Sanitary Defects in the homes of mothers with young children have
been remedied immediately on their being brought to the notice of the
Medical Officer. There have been 12 such instances.