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45
[1913
old were fed on their mother's breast alone, while 75.6 per cent, of the mothers
whose infants had died were in good health, and, therefore, it is to be supposed
were capable of suckling their children. It is a calamity that so many
young infants should be reared artificially, for at their age they, with a few
exceptions, should have had the breast and the breast alone, whereas the
figures show that 82.5 per cent, had been fed on artificial foods.
In the following statement is shown the ages at which infants died from
all causes in Islington, during the past 8 years, the number at each age, and the
percentage which these numbers bear to the total infant deaths.
Ages of Infants. No. of Deaths. Percentage of Deaths.
Under a week old 1,429 died, or 19.7 per cent, of the infant deaths
1 to 2 weeks„ 391„ 5.4„ „
2 to 3„ „ 306,, 4.3„ „
3 to 4„ „ 262„ 3.6„ „
Total under a month 2,388„ 33.0„ „
1 to 3 months 1,402„ 19.3„ „
Total under 3 months 3,790„ 52.3„ „
3 to 6 months 1,342„ 18.5„ „
6 to 9 „ 1,068„ 14.8„ „
9 to 12 „ 1,039„ 14.4„ „
Total 3 to 12 months 3,449„ 47.7„ „
Total 7,239„ 100.0„ „
These figures, especially those relating to the earlier weeks of existence,
need no comment, for any person who seriously studies them can arrive at no
other conclusion than that they indicate an enormous waste of life. It is
shocking to think that practically 20 per cent, of the deaths are those of infants
under a week old, and that 33 per cent, had not attained their first month.