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221 mothers were employed in factories, &c., and 145 were engaged as outworkers.
In the above cases where the mothers worked away from home, eighteen only
worked to within four weeks of the birth, work being resumed 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.
105 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.
41 insanitary premises were referred to the Sanitary Inspectors.
4 cases of neglect of children were reported to the National Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
55 newly-confined mothers were recommended for extra nourishment to the
Stepney Invalid Kitchen, and granted in every case.
1,670 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, and some improvement is shown.
EMPLOYED AT FACTORIES, &c.
221 mothers were employed away from home at the following trades:—
Rope-making 42
Tent and Bag-making 33
Rag Sorting 21
Paper Sorting 12
Tin-plate Machining 21
Confectionery and Jam 42
Fish Curing 9
Bottle Washing 6
Laundries 9
Cigar Making 5
Office Cleaning 10
Hawking 8
Waitresses 3