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53
The predominating importance of artificial feeding in the
causation of infantile mortality requires emphasis. Artificial
feeding produces a general enfeeblement and reduces the
power of resistance in the child. When this condition operates
in conjunction with insanitary conditions, in the summer months
deaths from Diarrhœal Diseases result, and in the winter
months deaths from Respiratory Diseases.
There were 28 deaths from Prematurity, compared with
25 in 1908. There were also 21 deaths from Congenital
Debility and Marasmus, seven from Congenital defects, three
from want of breast milk and two from injury at birth.
Prematurity and Congenital Debility arise in the main
from disease in the parents, or ill-health or ill-nutrition in the
mother. In a former Annual Report the effect of married
female labour was discussed, and the investigations made last
year point to the same conclusion as was arrived at on the
previous occasion. The deaths from Prematurity were investigated
into, and in four instances the mothers were employed
in industrial occupations. One worked as a charwomen, and
the hours of work were from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The other
three mothers were employed as laundresses, and the hours of
work were stated to be about 12 hours a day. It is doubtful
if work is injurious to the expectant mother, provided it is not
heavy or prolonged. The influence of industrial employment
is largely masked by the general state of poverty. Possibly,
the improved food and greater comfort which their work
means, more than counteract its disadvantages to the mother.
Out of 29 children born out of wedlock five died before
reaching the age of 12 months.