PARENTHOOD PROBLEMS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 207, 2 September 1938, Page 6

PARENTHOOD PROBLEMS.

A MOTHER'S POINT OF VIEW.

(To the Editor.)

! I agree with "Mother of Tiro*' that the 'expense of bringing !>abies into the world is. a mighty financial hurdle for parente these days. I have two young children, the Youngest aged fourteen months, and am expecting a new arrival early in the New Year. I am seriously considering doing without the comfort and confidence of a doctor in attendance, simply to save expense. How many mothers must have to do this? The maternity benefit being provided by the Government socia 1 security plan, as from April 1, 1U39, will bo a wonderful help, but it does seem hard to those who will not receive the benefit during the few intervening months. I am receiving what is considered a fair living wage nowadays. over five pounds per week. This appears to be a goodly sum on the surface, but it leaves scant margin for high maternity charges. Doctors' fees, home and baby's clothes alone cannot be covered by less than about .€2O, not counting pram, bassinet, etc. There is a lot of concern about the falling birth rate, but those who do their Christian duty of bringing children into the world so far have had little help with the financial burden. I'nworried, contented mothers produce healthy, happv babes. Te Kuiti. ' ' T. WILSON.