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83
About half the cases were notified by midwives, one-sixth
by doctors, and one-third by the fathers. I do not find that
many of the mothers are aware of the notification, consequently
the way is not prepared for my visit in the manner in
which I thought it would be wheu the Act came into force
Although the Notification of Births Act gives a kind of indirect
legal sanction to the visitation of homes where births have
occurred, it does not confer any power of eatry upon the
Health Visitor, nor is it at all desirable that it should do so.
But, at the same time, the very absence of definite legal
powers, and definite legal limitations, increases the responsibility
and difficulty of the work. I make it an invariable
rule never to enter without asking permission, and once inside
one has to use much tact and sometimes diplomacy if it
becomes necessary to make suggestions where the feeding and
treatment are unwise; and still more so in calling attention
to such serious matters as a dirty feeding-bottle or a general
lack of cleanliness.
A full account of the work was given in the Beport for 1906,
but briefly the matters on which one concentrates attention
in visiting new-born infants may be summarised as follows:—
Feeding (especially urging the importance of breastfeeding);
clothing; the cleanliness of the child and
its surroundings; the need of fresh air; the danger
of giving drugs and alcohol (except under doctor's
orders); and the risks attending the use of teething
powders and soothing mixtures.
Where it seems necessary, some simple advice on the
hygiene of the home, including (if opportunity is given) the
choice and preparation of cheap and nutritious food, is offered.
At a time when distress is so prevalent, it is most important
that the money which is available for food should be spent to
the best possible advantage.
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