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MATERNITY AND CHILD WELFARE.
Notification of Births.
The birth rate for 1929 was 18.7. There were 6,316 live
births, and 210 stillbirths officially notified in accordance with the
1907 Act.
Number of Births in the Borough in the last 5 years:—
1925 1926 1927 1928 1929
7017 6710 5991 5913 5766
These figures represent the net number of births of West Ham
residents.
All children born in the Borough are visited at intervals during
infancy up to 5 years of age, when the child usually passes
over to the care of the School Medical Service. Summary cards
are made out by the Health Visitors for all children at the age of
5 years—or earlier—when the children enter school. Notes are
made on these cards of the method of feeding in infancy, of the
physical development of the child in its early years, and of any
illnesses from which the child has suffered ; such notes are of great
service at the first and subsequent School Medical Inspection.
On receiving a notification of birth, the Health Visitor of
the district visits the mother and baby on the eleventh day, i.e.
after the doctor or midwife has ceased to attend. Thereafter,
visits are paid at regular intervals—3 months during the first year,
every 4 months during the second year, and every 6 months from
2—5 years of age. In cases of premature, delicate or ailing babies
more frequent visits are paid. Home visiting is of the first importance
in Maternity and Child Welfare Work. Advice is given
on the general care of infants and toddlers. In necessitous cases
the expectant or nursing mothers can obtain extra nourishment,
e.g. dried milk free or at a cheap rate. The mothers are encouraged
to attend the Infant Welfare Centres with their children, so
that each child may have the benefit of continuous medical supervision.