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feeding on quite insufficient grounds. Many such cases are absolutely
cured by a few days' rest: in others, where the trouble is
more serious only skilled observation can put the
matter right. Single "test feeds" give only a very rough idea
as to the state of affairs. A centre near at hand, where the baby
could be left if necessary, while the mother had an opportunity of
going home between the feeds, would make the scientific method
of the "test feed" available for a much larger number of difficult
cases. Two or three beds for the admission of mothers whose
real trouble was nervous exhaustion, etc., would certainly save a
good many infants from being bottle fed."
Should it be found possible, at some future date, to establish such a
centre, the need, at times urgent, for temporary resident accommodation
for infants whose mothers are unable to look after them owing to illness,
or who, themselves requiring hospital treatment, would thus be enabled
to enter an institution with the knowledge that the baby would be cared
for in their absence.
8. Supply of Milk.
The Borough Council's scheme provides for the issue of fluid and
dried milk, at full cost, or free, or at half-cost, according to a Scale of
Necessity, to
(a) Expectant mothers during the last three months of pregnancy.
(b) Nursing mothers.
(c) Children up to three years, also, in exceptional circumstances,
to children between three and five years of age. The issue is in accordance
with the Minister of Health's Circular No. 185.
During the year, arrangements were made for the various brands of
dried milk issued, to be labelled specially to the Council's directions to
avoid the use of Trade names.
In 1929, the following free or half-price issues were authorised:—
Fluid Milk 8,406 fortnightly supplies.
Dried Milk 4,516 1 lb. packets.
There can be no doubt that the Council's provision of milk provides
much needed increased resistance to the debilitating effects of overcrowding
and the other concomitants of intensive urbanisation.