Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-04-03

Actual demonstrations upon living
babies, and moving pictures depict
ing the proper methods of care of
mothers and babies are shown at the
BABY Clinics" which are held
weekly at st. Jean de Baptiste hall
on kendall street, for the benefit of
the French mothers and children of
inns city. These meetings are con-
Quoted by the Augusta Public Health
nurse, Miss Jennie Ballantvne. and
two French doctors, Or. d. T. Berube
and DR.. A. J. Gingras, and they are
assisted by Mrs. Joseph Laliberte
The average number of babies who
are brought to these clinics is be-
tween 20 and 25. There are about
135 babies who are receiving the su-
pervision of the public health nurse,
who makes every effort to see each
one of them at least once in every
two weeks. Each is examined and
weighed at that time and the mother
is advised as to the best diet and
methods of caring for the young one.
In cases of serious trouble the moth
er is referred to the family doctor
for further advice and treatment.
Timely Health Education
AS a result of this supervision by
the health nurse, the doctors report
that they have received less emer-
gency calls for treatment of the
youngsters. the mothers calling them
in earlier in case of illness. Thus in
the past ten months, with an aver
age of at least 1876 children under SUI
pervision, but two of them have
died.
The work was commenced last
June and the weekly clinics are
showing their worth in other ways.
The general health of the babies is
better as they are receiving better
care from their mothers and the
mothers themselves are showing the
results Of better pre- natal care. They
are much interested in the meetings
and those who can, bring their
babies, although there is usually a
greater number of mothers than
babies.
At a meeting held last Wednesday
afternoon there was present a gath
ering of about 60 babies and about
rs mothers. a moving picture was
presented showing the proper meth
DDS of care of the mother before the
birth of the child. This was followed
by the regular clinic work at which
the children were weighed and ex-
amined.
Rev. FIR. Casavant, of st. Angus
tines church, is much interested in
the work and helps in every way
possible. He was present at the
"wednesday meeting for some time
and was very much pleased with the
appearance of the kiddies.
Systematic Examinations
In connection with the clinic,
group of the children attending st.
Augustine's Parochial school have
been examined each week and
large percentage of the 5S8 pupils at
the school have already been exam
ined. The parents of each child are
given a record blank upon which are
noted the findings of the nurse ana
doctors with regard to the health OF
the child. and they are given advise
as to what course to pursue in
rectifying unhealthy conditions. 1t
was found that there was large
percentage of the children that need
ed some kind of attention.
In the past year Miss Ballantyne
has made about 400 calls in this city
and she estimates that at least one
quarter of this number has been 10
the homes of the French speaking
residents. upon work directly con-
and babies.
Appreciative Of Clinic Aid
The mothers are coming to look
more and more to Miss Ballantyne
for assistance and advice with regard
to their children, and the interest In
the clinics is very great. 1t is in
deed interesting to watch the work
as the various children are examined
and to see the little tots running
around or sitting in their mothers
laps. watching the proceedings with
interest.
Work like this is Of tremendous
Importance in the building of strong
mon and women, who will make bet
fer citizens because of their better
health. In earring it out as they
have Miss Ballantyne and the doc
tors and members of the Augusta
pnbIic Health Association have
served unselfshly, getting their re-
ward in the growth and good health
their charges are experiencing.