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HEALTH EDUCATION. The teaching of parentcraft is the main function of the Health
Visitor and the basis for most of her activities. With the decline in infant and maternal
mortality this teaching can now be directed to the promotion of full health and happiness
in the parents and their children. Personal advice given in the home or at the clinic is,
and will probably remain, of paramount value in helping the mother to attain this goal,
but experience has shown that other equally effective methods are available.
Short informal talks go small groups of mothers, illustrated and enlivened by some '
form of visual aid are much enjoyed and discussion if skilfully led can be of assistance in
solving problems and relieving apprehension.
This year, with some of the necessary equipment at their disposal and with a little
time to spare from routine duties, the staff have made a start in this type of health
education. Their efforts have been much appreciated by the mothers and it is hoped to
extend the programme in subsequent years. This will be made easier and more rewarding if
the talks can be accompanied by suitable films or film strips.
The Superintendent Nursing Officer has, on the invitation of the hospital staff,
given a number of talks to the Mothers' Club at Plaistow Maternity Hospital.
The Deputy Superintendent Nursing Officer began a series of talks at the Friendship
Club with an outline of "Physical Development".
At the municipal clinics expectant mothers have been invited to attend a series of
6-8 sessions at which the teaching of relaxation has been combined with a planned but
flexible syllabus of talks, demonstrations and discussions.
This work has been undertaken by a member of the Health Visiting staff who is a
trained Physiotherapist and who has had practical experience both of physiotherapy and of
midwifery. The subjects have included a simple explanation of the physiology of pregnancy
and labour, hygiene in pregnancy with special emphasis on diet and preparation for breast
feeding, provision of suitable pram, bedding and cot for the expected baby and the care of
the new-born infant.
The number invited to each session is kept small so that the atmosphere may remain
informal, and the mothers are encouraged to ask questions and to discuss their problems.
In this way they derive much comfort and learn much from a shared experience as well as
from the factual information which is given in a way adapted to the needs of each group.
It Is Intended to extend the facilities for this type of education to a larger
number of mothers, and perhaps to arrange some sessions specially for fathers.
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