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months of age not see the doctor once a month, but some do not see
the Medical Officer for six, nine or twelve months. At the first
inspection it is often impossible to prescribe any food scientifically,
for the simple reason that the mother has not been taught to observe
important facts. Babies who do not see a doctor for six months
cannot be said to be under medical supervision. Too many babies
are artificially fed without the advice of any doctor. Emphasis
needs again to be laid on the fact that the primary object of an
Infant Welfare Centre is prevention, rather than cure.
"Many children see the Medical Officer when they have begun
to suffer from an ill-balanced diet after weaning, instead of the
mothers consulting the doctor before weaning. An increasing
number of mothers, however, now consult a doctor about the time
of weaning. In every case of Rickets come across, the diet has
contained excess of cereal and too little milk or its substitutes.
The lack of sunshine made matters worse.
"A memorandum of the Ministry of Health states: 'The kind
and amount of milk should always be prescribed by the Medical
Officer of the Centre, and should not be distributed at the discretion
of the Superintendent only.' Owing to some babies attending
the Centres on days when the doctor does not attend, this advice
has not been followed.
"Any doctor experienced in the treatment of infants will agree
that the doctor's work is rendered more difficult when different
foods and drugs have been experimented with, resulting in
digestive disturbances which may take months to cure.
"Bronchitis has been very prevalent, and many infants still
have short-sleeved vests. Classes in Health, Infant Care and
Cookery would be of value.
"Most valuable assistance has been rendered by the Voluntary
Workers, who are most reliable and punctual.
"The Superintendent and Health Visitors show continued
zeal and enthusiasm."