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75
Maternity and Child Welfare.
usually resident in the Borough, in the institutions of the
Association.
In December the Council decided to make a per capita
grant for each resident so maintained, the total amount in any
one year not to exceed £200.
Convalescent Homes.
During the year 19 mothers were sent to Convalescent
Homes, all of them taking their infants with them. Nine
other children were also sent. Both mothers and children
derived much benefit from the change of air.
Supply of Milk.
The Council decided on the 11th April, 1918, to supply,
under the Milk (Mothers and Children) Order, milk free of cost
to necessitous expectant and nursing mothers, and to children
under five years of age. This scheme came into force on the
1st May, 1918, and is now being operated in accordance with
the provisions laid down by the Ministry of Health in Circular
185, dated March, 1921.
During the year, 842 families were supplied with milk
under the above scheme:—170 in Clapham; 70 in Putney;
136 in Balham; 112 in Streatham; 89 in Tooting; 39 in
Southfield; 146 in Fairfield; and 80 in Springfield. The total
cost to the Council was £2,071.
Women and children in receipt of milk under the Council's
scheme are expected to attend the Welfare Centre during the
time that the milk is being granted, though this rule is not
enforced in cases where there is some very good reason for
the mother's non-attendance.
There is little doubt that many mothers and children have
benefited from the supply of free milk since the scheme was
instituted. In many cases the milk granted has enabled nursing
mothers to prolong the period of lactation, and the records kept
at the Welfare Centres show good results in the health and
general well-being of many infants.