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The first hour is spent on the exercises and relaxation. Cups of tea are then handed
round and the class settles itself for the second half of the morning. This is
devoted to a variety of topics of interest to expectant mothers. The health visitor
starts with a talk on the particular topic for that day and this leads to an interesting
discussion in which the mothers join with eagerness. Sometimes we show a
film-strip or pass round a series of pictures and then have comments and questions.
The topics for the talks and discussions are decided by the doctor and health
visitor and come under many headings. Examples of these are diet and exercise;
how my baby grows; preparation for breast feeding; old wives' tales and how true
or false they are. There is a great variety and sometimes the discussions take a
very interesting turn as many of the mothers-to-be have read all the latest literature
on the subject and wish to check up on the accuracy of what they have read.
Holding these classes has been a great help to the staff also, and we have
gradually discovered that their importance to the mother has not been so much in
the exercises, as in the talks and social contacts that have followed afterwards.
We do not attempt to claim any marvellous results from the exercises, but explain
the benefits of relaxation and breathing control. It is with the talks and general
discussions that we find such excellent results and it is very gratifying to see young
anxious girls gradually becoming sure of themselves. Taking part in the discussions
and activities of a group of similar women gives mutual support and
encouragement and brings out all their anxieties. This group therapy is used a
great deal in religion, psychiatry, and education.
Quite often, after a mother has had her baby, she brings it back to show it to
the class where she has made friends. After it has been admired she is always
eagerly questioned about her experiences. Of course she is always asked what had
helped her most from the classes. To this, the health visitor listens as eagerly
as the class and it is nearly always that the fear is much less through knowing
something of what is happening even if the knowledge is not wholly complete.
We all feel that this part of our work is some of the most valuable we do.
We meet the mothers at a most receptive time, can make friends with them and
gain their confidence, so that after the baby arrives we are already friends. This
makes for a happy relationship straight away. All of us in the clinic have noticed
that it has been much easier to help them in their early difficulties with the new
baby and to give them the confidence so essential to successful motherhood.
WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT
CHILD WELFARE?
I sometimes get a letter from a parent as follows:
"To the Medical Officer of Health.
"Dear Sir,
"Please do not send any health visitor here. I do not want any of your
pamphlets either. I shall not be bringing my baby to the clinic, I know all
about babies.
Yours faithfully,
(Signed) Mrs. X."
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