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55
Mothercraft and relaxation classes
Relaxation classes and talks and discussion groups on pregnancy
and allied subjects are held for expectant mothers in several
centres, and one or two evening sessions are held to which fathers
are invited. These activities, together with the showing of films
covering every aspect of maternity and child care, are always
greatly appreciated and are becoming an increasingly important
part of the work of the clinics.
Sessions held during the year 217
First attendances of mothers 453
Total attendances 1,919
Average attendance at each session 8.9
Child Health Clinics
All centres have had a very busy year and attendances at all
sessions have been steadily maintained.
The child health sessions provide much more than advice and
immunisation. For many mothers the visit is a social occasion and
they receive a great deal of help and support which in other
circumstances might have been given by the extended family group.
We are now planning to hold an evening child health session for
mothers who are at work during the day.
In order to ensure that health visitors can give all their time
to essential work with mothers attending child health sessions we
now have at each centre a state registered nurse to assist with
immunisation and a clinic auxiliary to assist with preparation of
centres, records, etc. In several centres there are also voluntary
helpers, who give valuable service and for whose help we are most
grateful.
Mothers' Clubs
Mothers' Clubs are held in three centres and these are run on a
partly social and partly educational basis. They meet a real need
especially in new housing areas. We find that a group of mothers
will meet together for about two years and then will dissolve
itself and a new group is formed.
Toddlers' Clinics
Special sessions for toddlers (children aged from two to four
years) are held at 12 child health clinics. The children are given
routine medical examinations and if necessary they are referred
for treatment.
Toddlers' sessions held during the year 302
Total attendances 3,682
Average attendance at each session 12.2