Page images
PDF
EPUB

Five thousand dollars is given outright to each State accepting the Act. The remainder of this fund is apportioned among the States on a population basis, providing this given amount is matched by the States, with the exception of $50,000 which is used by the Children's Bureau at Washington for the necessary Federal Administration.

New Hampshire co-operating with the Federal Government receives from the Government $12,988.31 and from the State of New Hampshire $7,988.31.

PROGRAM

Following is the program and a brief resume of the various projects the Division has undertaken during the time it has been in existence.

1. Health Instruction. Since the work started, there has been a contact made in every home where a baby has been born. This contact comes through personal letters, pamphlets covering care of infant and preschool child, sample diet slips and leaflets on children's diseases. These are sent every three months starting with the birth of the child and ends when the baby reaches the age of one year, when each mother receives the final bulletins on child care, prenatal care and importance of breast feeding.

Thousands of prospective mothers have also received help and advice from our books and bulletins. These are sent at the request of physicians, nurses and interested women from all parts of the State. That this service is appreciated and is of value is shown daily by the large numbers of letters received from women who have benefited, thanking the Division and requesting special information or advice. These letters often contain the request that similar booklets be sent to relatives or friends. Many letters state the desire of a visit from the Maternity and Infant Welfare nurse.

The Division has received requests for educational matter from many of the states in our country, as well as from France and Canada.

2. Home Contacts. Nurses with a practical and thorough knowledge of prenatal and child care are placed in various sections of the State to help and instruct mothers and young women in matters pertaining to maternal and infant welfare. In these communities, the nurse makes periodic visits and keeps in close contact in every home where a baby or child of preschool age is found, rendering whatever help is needed in the way of advice, and in many instances material aid. Demonstrations consisting of preparation of food, baby's bed, baby's bath, layettes, obstetrical package, preparation of room for confinement, proper clothing for mother, etc., are an important part of the nurse's visits in the homes.

3. Prenatal Care. The prenatal work is of the first importance and has met with the approval of laity and physicians. Each prospective mother is immediately advised to go to a doctor, and, if he desires, the nurse continues to give proper prenatal care to the patient during pregnancy; visits the patient if necessary at time of confinment and after the baby is born. As a routine part of the prenatal program, properly filled out cards are sent by the nurse to the physician following each home call, in order to notify him exactly what advice has been given regarding care and the general condition of the patient.

4.

Demonstrations. Demonstrations have been and will be made in cities where the maternal or infant mortality has been unusually high, in order to show the value and need of a proper prenatal and infant welfare program.

5. Child Health Conferences. The conference work has been extended into every County of the State. This work is exceedingly valuable from all points of view. The future prosperity and welfare of the country depends upon the health and vitality of our children. The conference work is doing much to improve the children's health and keep it up to standard.

6. Group Teaching. An intensive, modified course in maternity and infant care has been arranged for classes.

This, with little change, may be given to groups of mothers, prospective mothers and young girls. More demands are being made for this course than the present limited staff can find time for. Health Teachers are very much in favor of this phase of the Maternity and Infancy program, as it gives definite instruction in home making and child care.

7. The Obstetrical Package. Material sufficient for three packages is given free of charge. A group of women is instructed in the making, preparation and correct method of sterilization of the package. This service is especially designed for the use of the physicians in emergency cases where no preparations have been made by the expectant mother for her confinement. In the city of Manchester and in many towns this work is actively being carried on.

8. Exhibit and Loan Department. An Exhibit Department is maintained for the use of health workers, schools, churches and women's organizations. This includes moving picture machine, films, stereoptican lantern, slides, stereomotograph, Chase Doll and complete layette, proper clothing for mother and baby, model clinic rooms, etc., colored posters and the best and latest books on prenatal, infant care and general health matters. All of this material is loaned free of charge, with the exception of expressage. Lists of books pertaining to general health, prenatal and child care are mimeographed and sent out upon request. At each Child Health Conference an instructive and interesting exhibit is arranged with some competent person in attendance to talk to mothers and give necessary information. This exhibit includes colored posters, miniature exhibits illustrating prenatal, infant and child care.

9. Toxin-Antitoxin Clincs. These clinics are now an important part of the program for the protection of the children of our State, and are arranged with the assistance of the Permanent Conference Committee. All parents of children under school age are interviewed, and a careful and concise explanation is given in regard to the hazard of diph

[graphic]
[ocr errors]

MAP OF NEW HAMPSHIRE SHOWING WHERE CHILD HEALTH CONFERENCES HAVE BEEN HELD

« PreviousContinue »