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paratively frequent. A large number of mothers work until quite late
in pregnancy and this very often precludes them from obtaining sufficient
rest during the day time and may be a contributory factor towards
these abnormalities.
There is a marked improvement in the realisation of the importance
of dental hygiene and care during pregnancy.
The majority of the mothers have been most co-operative and have
attended regularly. Those who do not appreciate the value of antenatal
care are now in the minority.
The mothercraft and exercise class is of great value and would probably
be better attended if many mothers did not have to work during
the early months of pregnancy.
I cannot speak too highly of the excellent work done by the health
visitors, midwives and clerical staff. No trouble is spared and their
interest in and care of the patients is devoted. I should also like to
express my thanks to the staff of the dental department who do such
very good work."
Maternity Hospitals
Those serving the locality are North Middlesex Hospital, Mothers'
Hospital, Clapton, Whittington Hospital, City of London Maternity
Hospital, Bearstead Memorial Hospital and the Alexandra Maternity
Home. The latter only takes normal deliveries.
The Alexandra Maternity Home has 30 beds and is a training school
for midwives. It is staffed by Dr. Harris and Dr. Briggs, both of whom
work at the ante-natal clinics in the Hornsey area. The pupil midwives
also attend the clinics and get instruction. In this way a very close bond
is kept between the Home, the clinics, and the domiciliary midwives
who take these pupils for their cases in the district.
Any patient considered unsuitable for the Home is referred to Mr.
Scott, Obstetrician at the St. Mary's Wing, Archway Group of Hospitals.
Mothercraft Classes
These are held at all the centres by health visitors. They consist of
simple exercises, breathing exercises and relaxation, the last being considered
very important. Talks are given and questions answered and
finally the mothers are introduced to the gas and air machine which
most of them use when they are actually in labour. This last talk is
given by a midwife and each expectant mother can try out the apparatus
for herself before she comes to have to use the instrument while in labour.
Every woman is apprehensive about her confinement and the mothercraft
classes do a great deal to reduce the rising anxiety.
The hazards of child-bearing today are much reduced by the better
feeding of the school girl, by the open air life and games which so many
of them enjoy, and by the knowledge gained of the psychological
approach to child birth.
The following table shows the attendances made at mothercraft
classes during the year. Towards the end of the year approval was given
to the adaptation of part of the former Lordship Lane day nursery
premises as a Mothercraft and Health Education Unit.
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