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our medical and nursing staff in March, 1950. Since then we have
been carrying out his teaching, the rationale of which is, that by
the expression of this fluid, the milk ducts are opened up, creating
a free passage for the flow of milk later. This avoids the condition
of breast tension, which is not only uncomfortable and sometimes
extremely painful for the mother, but may also by pressure on the
milk forming part of the breast tissue, cause a complete cession of
milk formation by the second or third week after delivery.
At present we have not enough figures available to show
statistically the value of this teaching, but the general impression
gained by the mid wives and health visitors has been very favourable.
Those expectant mothers who are to be confined in Perivale
Maternity Hospital are, by permission of the Matron, allowed to
visit the hospital in order that they may be acquainted with the
premises and the staff. These expectant mothers are enabled
therefore to approach their confinement in confidence and with a
full understanding of what lies ahead.
Mothercraft Teaching of School Girls in Day Nurseries.
For many years now the day nurseries, seven in number,
within the Borough of Ealing (administered by the County Council
as Local Health Authority since July, 1948) have been recognised
for the training of nursery nurses. It was felt, however, that in
these nurseries there is a wealth of practical material which could
be put to a wider use.
In the summer of 1948 I suggested to the Chief Education
Officer that the teaching of mothercraft to the elder girls in the
secondary modern schools should be included as part of the
curriculum, and that both the theoretical and practical training
could be given on day nursery premises. Classes were accordingly
started at four of the nurseries—at Cuckoo nursery for Costons
School, at Stanhope nursery for Wood End School, at Culmington
Road nursery for Northfields School, and at Perivale nursery for
Perivale School.
Each class, consisting of 20-25 girls between 14 and 15 years
of age, attends at the nursery for one hour a week for six weeks.
They are given simple talks on diet and the value of breast feeding
is stressed. They are also given practical demonstration on making
up a baby's bottle of cow's milk and of dried milk, and are shown
how to cleanse the bottles and teats afterwards. Practical demonstrations
are also given on bathing a baby and a toddler ; on hair
washing, on how to make up a baby's cot and pram, and valuable
hints are given to them in the making of improvised toys.
About 1,400 girls have already attended these classes.