London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Willesden 1904
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Willesden]
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satisfied. But the remedy lies not in putting more food into the stomach, but in less frequent feeding. The following table shows the frequency of nursing according to the age of the child:—
| Age. | No. of Nursings in 24 hours. | Interval during the Day. Hours. | No. of Night Nursings between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. |
|---|---|---|---|
| First day | 4 | 6 | l |
| Second day | 6 | 4 | l |
| Third to twenth- eighth day | 10 | 2 | 2 |
| Fourth to thirteenth week | 8 | 2½ | 1 |
| Third to fifth month | 7 | 3 | 1 |
| Fifth to twelfth month | 6 | 3 | 0 |
At first, and when a change in the time of feeding is made,
so important is it that regularity be established that during the
day at least baby should be awakened if necessary in order to
be fed. Only by placing baby in the cot between nursings can
regular nursing be established. Where baby is kept in bed with
its mother it is restless and disturbs the mother frequently in
order to be fed and the harm to both resulting from this would
in itself be sufficient reason for sleeping separate. During the
First Six Months nothing but breast milk should be given.
After that, bread and milk, milk pudding, biscuits or rusks soaked
in milk may be added. During the second year eggs slightly
boiled, gravy, broth, and as the teeth develop fresh meat and
vegetables may be given. William Buleer
Medical Officer of Health.
Printed at the Brondesbury Press, Kilburn, N.W.