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26
The basis of most ameliorative work in connection with
infant life is the Notification of Births Act, 1907, which was
adopted in this district on May 25th, 1909. During the year
1,534 births were, notified under the Act. The percentage of
births notified by the various responsible persons is as
follows:—
By Medical Practitioners 47 per cent.
By Certified Mid wives 21 „
By Parents and others 32„
The small proportion notified in this district by midwives
is noteworthy. The number of midwives in Ilford is small
as compared with other districts, and most of the confinements
are attended by a medical practitioner.
The Health Visitor visits the home about three weeks
after the birth of the child if a doctor is in attendance, and
from 10 to 14 days after birth if a midwife has been in
attendance. Only in a few cases where the home circumstances
are known to be satisfactory is the visit omitted.
1,325 primary visits were paid during the year. Subsequent
visits are paid whenever they are asked for by the parent,
and it is satisfactory to note the frequency with which it is
asked that visits may be repeated. Whenever the infant is
thought to be weakly or the parent in need of advice
subsequent visits are also paid.
An important step was taken on April 2nd, when the Ilford
School for Mothers was commenced. This institution has
been brought into being by a small committee of interested
ladies, funds being supplied from voluntary sources. The
School meets from 2.45 p.m. to 3.45 p.m. every Wednesday
at the Friends' Meeting House, Albert Road. The mothers are
welcomed by the lady helpers, made to feel at home, and
encouraged to ask questions. Tea is also provided. With
the consent of the Council the Medical Officer of Health and
the Health Visitor attend during the Session. Each baby