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I. Notifications of Births.
As in previous years this branch of the work has occupied the principal part
of my time ; the most noteworthy event in this connection has been the
establishment of a weekly instruction class held at the Town Hall.
It has been apparent from the first that although home visiting is of paramount
importance and cannot be replaced, it can be very usefully supplemented
by giving those visited an opportunity of assembling to learn some things, which
can then be taught more conveniently and effectively than in the home.
Since April of this year, I have, when visiting for the first time, invited each
mother to come and see me at the Town Hall on Wednesday afternoon each week,
and bring the baby to be weighed, that she may have some idea of the progress
made. Mothers are encouraged to bring even healthy breast-fed babies regularly,
though not necessarily frequently, in order that any sign of deterioration
may be discovered, and medical advice obtained, before any further harm
results.
Wednesday was chosen as the day since it was then possible for me to have
the use of a room at the Town Hall, but it is not the most convenient day for
those who come. Some are unable to come on account of the day, others have
very young children besides the baby, who can neither be left alone nor brought ;
the majority gladly accept the invitation, and a certain number of these have
attended.