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21
of the poorer classes, and one deserving of far more support
and encouragement from the residents of Bromley than it has
hitherto received-
The objects of the Society are chiefly to assist the mothers
of the working classes to bring up their children healthily.
Meetings at three centres are held every week, at which mothers
are individually instructed in every detail of Infant Bearing,
such as feeding, clothing, and nursing. The babies are weighed
regularly, and a register is kept of all particulars, any deviation
from the usual health of the child is noticed, and advice
is given with regard to the smaller ailments or disorders by a
doctor, who attends the meetings regularly.
In 1911 there were 165 mothers on the books, and 1,179
attendances were made, and the present year has started with
an average of 40 attendances per week. In addition, pregnant
women are advised as to their health, and in necessitous cases,
proper infant clothing has been sold at a much reduced price.
In special cases, on the recommendation of the Committee,
milk has been supplied to mothers for their children by a supporter
of the Society.
At each of the mothers' meetings, a plain tea is provided,
and two or three ladies, who take an interest in the mothers
and children, attend regularly to entertain and assist in details
of the work.
By recommendation, the Society is enabled to send mothers
with or without their baby for a rest to the seaside, to obtain
admission of children into Hospitals or Convalescent Homes,
and to hire women to keep the house clean during illness.