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66
Report of the Medical Officer of Health.
another, 128 mothers passed through the home during the year,
the number of births being 120. In the fourth, 18 mothers passed
through the home, the number of births being nine.
One hostel, also in connection with rescue work, does not receive
pre-maternity cases, but makes arrangements for the confinement.
The mother is expected to remain 12 months—she has three months'
training in the home in domestic work, and then goes out to daily
work. Twelve mothers and 12 babies passed through the home
during the year, the home being closed for six months.
In all the above hostels arrangements have been made for a
medical man to attend when necessary. Some of the infants
attend at the most convenient Infant Welfare Centre.
Still-Births.
Investigations were made into the cases of 57 still-births, seven
of which were premature and 25 were difficult labours, 22 were
delivered by midwives, 11 occurred in institutions, and 24 were
doctors' cases.
Advice was given as to the care of the health of the mother,
and in the event of her again becoming pregnant she was invited
to attend the Ante-natal Clinic.
Convalescent Homes.
During the year, 12 mothers with infants, and two children:
were sent to Convalescent Homes. Five mothers and infants were
sent to the Mothers' Rest Home, Hampstead, five mothers and
infants to the Burnett Cottage Home, Heme Bay, one mother and
two children to the Church Army Home, Bexhill, one mother tothe
Catherine Gladstone Home, Mitcham, and one child to the
Marjorie Lumley Home, Maidenhead.
Illegitimate Births.
Of the 188 illegitimate births belonging to the Borough, 112
have been visited, 13 were above the standard of visiting, 22 had
removed before visit, nine died before visit, eight were boarded out
under the London County Council, three were adopted, 10 mothers and
children went to homes, four wrong addresses were given, and seven of
the mothers came to the Borough for confinement only. Of the
112 visited, four died. In the majority of cases no assistance was.
required, as arrangements had been made for the care of the children.