COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28671, 22 August 1958, Page 2

COUNCIL OF WOMEN

Maternity Services Discussed After considerable differences in views had been expressed, the Christchurch branch of the National Council of Women decided last evening to send a remit concerning expanding maternity services to other branches for discussion.

The remit asks that as a contribution to improved mother-child relationships and mental health in New Zealand, the Minister /of Health be asked to provide for mothers who wish them adequate rooming-in facilities in hospitals for mothers and babies, domiciliary midwifery units, and an increase in the availability of hoptie aids for post-confinement purposes. Some members spoke of the advantage of a new baby rooming in with its mother as the establishment of a close relationship immediately after birth, and before the child was taken home. A disadvantage mentioned was the possibility of increased danger of infection. A midwifery service for mothers in their own homes was thought to allay infection by some members, while others feared the danger would be increased. Several speakers saw difficulties in obtaining a larger labour force for the home aids service, especially for work in country homes. A shorter stay in hospital for mothers was spoken of as being detrimental to mothers with several children at home. The following remits circulated by the Dominion Council were supported: The the Government be asked to grant local option polls on the question of licensing of liquor sales. (W.C.T.U.) That the Minister of Health be asked to name the Women’s Hospital in Auckland, the Dr. Doris Gordon Hospital in honour of her work to establish the hospital and in memory of her name. (Wellington.)