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39
Birth 134. Except from Whooping Cough and Congenital Defects,
there was a distinct fall in the numbers of deaths from these causes,
and attention has been directed previously to the necessity of enlisting
upon a campaign against infectious and congenital diseases.
Our School for Mothers has rendered valuable assistance in
caring for the young, and a short sketch of the work done in that
institution is appended.
"Report re Tottenham School for Mothers—
October 1st, 1913, to October 1st, 1914.
During this year we have had 521 babies on the Register, and
they have made 2,695 attendances at the Baby Clinic and Weighing,
held once a week. This is an increase of 1,064 attendances over last
year, and makes an average of 55 babies per week, our maximum
attendance being 85.
The mothers show their appreciation of our work by coming again
with the next baby (12 have done so this year) and by bringing their
friends and neighbours.
A Lady Doctor attends on these days and gives advice and
simple drugs. If a case is too complicated to be dealt with here, a
letter is given for the Hospital.
The Sewing Class was started in November, 1913, and continues
to flourish. This also is held once a week with an average attendance
of 20 mothers. The babies are taken to the Nursery upstairs (furnished
with banana crates, etc.), and left in the charge of lady voluntary
workers, and the mothers are then at liberty to do their sewing. They
pay for their materials by instalments, and take the finished garments
home as soon as paid for. Simple talks are also given on hygiene, etc.
The Board of Education has recognised this Class, and made us
a grant of half our working expenses.
On both Weighing and Sewing afternoons, a cup of tea and cake
are provided for each mother, and are greatly appreciated.
During the year, 1,288 dinners have been provided for Nursing
and Expectant Mothers, an average of 10 mothers per day attending.
In a few cases they pay 1d. or 2d. each, but the majority of dinners,
especially since the War, have been given free.