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Premature births, pneumonia, diarrhoea, marasmus and convulsions were
responsible for most of the deaths.
243 mothers were employed in factories, &c., and 169 were engaged as outworkers.
In the above cases where the mothers worked away from home, they usually
worked to within four weeks of the birth, and resumed work in four to eight
weeks after. When the mother resumes work at the factory the child is looked
after by a woman in the same house or taken to a neighbour to be nursed. These
women keep the babies clean and give them the bottle during the day. They
unfortunately give " bits of everything going " to even quite young infants.
Where the mothers are employed at their own homes they frequently work to
within a few hours of confinement, and resume work fourteen days later.
74 premises in various parts of the Borough were visited at the request of the
Almoners of the London Hospital, and a report sent on the home conditions.
54 insanitary premises were referred to the Sanitary Inspectors.
3 cases of neglect of children were reported to the National Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
33 newly-confined mothers were recommended for extra nourishment to the
Stepney Invalid Kitchen, and granted in every case.
1,556 re-visits were made. The infants were found to be fairly well cared for.
In the instances where neglect takes place it is usually owing to the necessity of
the mother having to earn the money for the next meal. The mothers do their best
to carry out the instructions given.