SCHOOL FOR MOTHER AT CHARLOTTENBURG.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 115, 20 June 1914, Page 7

SCHOOL FOR MOTHER AT CHARLOTTENBURG.

The German authorities, who carry out an admirable system of training boys and girls by. means of schools and of compulsory continuation classes after the. school ag^ ; ;4 r e^ now devoting their attention^/to- 'more important years of a child's life that come before the school age. One of the most admirable schools for mothers is at Charlottenburg. The aim of this institution is to reduce infant mortality. Expectant mothers enter the institution at an average rate of one a day. They are kept'.there: for six weeks after their babies are born, and are; called upon not only to suckle their own child, but, if another. . The latter provision seems open to grave objections, but doubtless- -the. little .stranger is medically examined, so that it will not infect its foster mother with any disease. The Charges' vary from 10 marks (shillings) to 3; .marks per week. The babies are -weighed before and after each meal, and arrangements;;4re often made for the babies, to remain even for a year. But, whatever happens, the babies born in the institution are obliged to be brought back every fortnight to be weighed, examined, and reported; upon up to the age of six years, when, they go into the elementary school. While; in the', 'institution the tabie3 are f,ed : according to the direction of ; the .doctors,-arid all the charts' show that the fir&t Effect of a change of diet is to cause, a loss of weight. These tests confirm the belief that it is wrong for mothers to feed their babies on a variety of patent foods, thus causing a constant change of diet. The result-of all this carets that the doctors at Charlottenburg are getting a wide experience. Everything is done according to a most , elaborate system of hygiene. The cows are bathed before being milkjed, disinfectants are .used everywhere, land allv the linen is washed on the.preImises by;; machinery. ."...' .' ■■■■:"^