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to which mothers are subjected when maternity units are used for
a rapid succession of deliveries.
For detailed figures see Appendices, pages 97 - 100
Midwives Acts, 1902-51
The number of Midwives who notified their intention to practice
as midwives within the Borough (including those in hospitals)
and who were practising at the end of the year was 83.
All held the certificate of the Central Midwives' Board. The
Medical Supervisor of Midwives visits midwives in private
practice and nursing homes, and the Superintendent Municipal
Midwife carries out these duties for the domiciliary midwives.
Child Welfare Centres
Attendances at these centres increased. Opportunities for
general health education of mothers were still further developed
and are described elsewhere. We have always recognised the
mother in the family as the most important, receptive and influential
member upon whose wisdom and care the health of the
children depend. Advice to individual mothers is being augmented
by talks, lectures, and especially by group discussion.
For other detailed figures see Appendix, page 102
Welfare Poods
It has always been the policy in Croydon to distribute at
the Infant Welfare Centres only National Dried Milk and Vitamin
preparations, and there has never been any question of mothers
being attracted to the Centres because a large variety of proprietory
supplies are available at special prices. In Croydon
the final distribution of National Dried Milk and Vitamin
preparations to the mothers concerned is performed almost entirely
by Voluntary Workers. The central office in Part street,
which is open for 5½ days a week is staffed by members of the
Women's voluntary services. At the Infant Welfare Centres it is
usually the duty of one or other of the voluntary workers
regularly attending at the Centre. No difficulties arose from
the change to payment by cash.
Total issues of Welfare Poods during 1961:-
National Dried Milk 64077
Cod Liver Oil 10301
Vitamin A and D Tablets 11917
Orange Juice 85855