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15
Where the necessary accommodation is available a
course of instruction in cookery may be arranged for about
8-10 mothers. The work should be largely practical, the
mothers themselves making varions inexpensive dishes
suitable for ordinary consumption in the homes. Instruction
should also be given in the preparation of infant foods,
barley and albumen water, whey and raw meat juice.
The experience gained would, in all probability, tend to
produce more comfort in the homes and later a beneficial
effect upon the nutrition of the children.
A School for Mothers has not yet been established in
Willesden, but it is hoped that this will shortly be included
in the work carried out at the Maternity and Child Clinic.
Mothercraft.
Instruction in Mothercraft may also be given to the
older girls in the Public Elementary Schools.
Girls of 12-14 years, even as young as 8 years, frequently
assist at home in the care and management of younger
brothers and sisters, thus becoming familiar with the handling,
washing and dressing of an infant. Frequently, however,
the children are instructed by mothers who are themselves
ignorant of the most important details of infant
management. Therefore, at an early age they become
familiarised with wrong methods, difficult to correct in later
years.
The best way to counteract this is by the introduction
of class instruction in infant care as part of the school curriculum
in Public Elementary Schools.
This should include, not only the nursing, washing and
dressing of an infant, but also the correct method and intervals
of feeding a baby and the care of the feeding bottle.
Where possible this should be followed by simple practical