View report page

from five months (in the ease of twins) to eight months; four
were certified as due to atelectasis (want of proper expansion
of the lungs); two were due to Icterus Neonatorum (jaundice
of the new-born); and one each to convulsions, congenital
debility and want of attention at birth—the last infant found
dead in Belvedere Grove (inquest).
Any conclusions drawn from the above figures merely
emphasise the necessity for increased ante-natal visitation and
instruction, and for Maternity Homes wherein mothers and
infants can receive adequate attention. Only two of the twenty
mothers had received advice as "expectant" mothers. It is
difficult to see how ante-natal work can be increased, for it
is a matter for the expectant mothers themselves and is purely
voluntary. The question of a maternity home is also one which
requires full consideration. With the 12 premature babies,
some effort could have been made to preserve their lives under
proper conditions in a Home, but prematurity must be regarded
as a condition that cannot always be foreseen and provided for.
Until this question of a Maternity Home has been thoroughly
investigated, ante-natal work must be carried as far as
possible, and teaching of the mothers in any case must continue.
Classes for Mothers.
Classes were held at each Centre in 43 weeks during the
year. At these classes, Mothercraft, Domestic Science, Sewing
and Knitting arc taught, and short "talks" or lectures are
given on elementary physiology and hygiene. The Mothercraft
class deals with the health of the expectant mother, the preparation
for confinement and nursing of the infant, and with the
care and rearing of children through infancy to school years.
This teaching qualifies the class to compete in the National
Mothercraft Competitions organised by the Association of
Infant Welfare and Maternity Centres and a team entered
from each Centre. The Wimbledon teams were bracketed equal
in the fourth place out of 87 competing centres, and each team
gained two honours certificates, two first class, and one second
class, certificates.
The sewing and knitting classes were well attended, ,'and
the garments made by the mothers are either bought by the
mothers for the cost of ithe materials or are retained at the
Centres for future demonstration purposes. The garments
made during 1923, were exhibited at the "Health Week"
Exhibition and attracted considerable attention.
Probably the best practical results are obtained from the
discussions following the Health talks and lectures. The
mothers choose their own subjects and the questions asked
show how keenly the discussions have been followed.
17