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frequent. A large number of mothers work until quite late in pregnancy and
this very often precludes them from obtaining sufficient rest during the day
time and may be a contributory factor towards these abnormalities.
There is a marked improvement in the realisation of the importance of
dented hygiene and care during pregnancy.
The majority of the mothers have been most co-operative and have attended
regularly. Those who do not appreciate the value of ante-natal care are now
in the minority.
The mothercraft and exercise class is of great value and would probably
be better attended if many mothers did not have to work during the early
months of pregnancy.
I cannot speak too highly of the excellent work done by the health
visitors, midwives and clerical staff. No trouble is spared and their
interest in and care of the patients is devoted. I should also like to
express my thanks to the staff of the dental department who do such very good
work."
Maternity Hospitals. Those serving the locality are North Middlesex Hospital,
Mothers' Hospital, Clapton, Wiittington Hospital, City of London Maternity
Hospital, Bearstead Memorial Hospital and the Alexandra Maternity Home. The
latter only takes normal deliveries.
The Alexandra Maternity Home has 30 beds and is a training school for
midwives. It is staffed by Dr. Harris and Dr. Briggs, both of whom work at
the ante-natal clinics in the Hornsey area. The pupil midwives also attend
the clinics and get instruction. In this way a very close bond is kept
between the Home, the clinics, and the domiciliary midwives who take these
pupils for their cases in. the district.
Any patient considered unsuitable for the Home is referred to Mr. Scott,
Obstetrician at the St. Mary's Wing, Archway Group of Hospitals.
Mothercraft Classes, These are held at all the centres by health visitors.
They consist of simple exercises, breathing exercises and relaxation, the last
being considered very important. Talks are given and questions answered and
finally the mothers are introduced to the gas and air machine which most of
them use when they are actually in labour. This last talk is given by a
midwife and each expectant mother can try out the apparatus for herself before
she comes to have to use the instrument while in labour.
Every woman is apprehensive about her confinement and the mothercraft
classes do a great deal to reduce the rising anxiety.
The hazards of child bearing today are much reduced by the better feeding
of the school girl, by the open air life and games which so many of them
enjoy, and by the knowledge gained of the psychological approach to child
birth.