Mothers' Educational Center

[3] The need of the work became apparent when early in 1914, a test of the birth registration was made by Dr. Maud Wilde, chair of public health department, Los Angeles district, California Federation of Women's Clubs, in cooperation with the Children's Bureau, Department of Labor, Washington, D.C. At this time, it was evident to Wilde that parents were seeking knowledge they might apply in order to better raise their children.

[4] The city, county, civic and child welfare organizations joined forces for infant conservation at this time and a committee was named to establish a permanent center.

The purpose of the organization was to place within the reach of all parents, practical and scientific knowledge in the care and development of the child and to awaken a civic consciousness and elevate the status of motherhood.

Two days of each week were devoted to examinations of infants and lectures on child welfare in the hall provided by the Chamber of Commerce, which also contained pictorial exhibits illustrating the effects of improper methods of handling babies.

Where faulty conditions exist, dates for subsequent examinations were set in order that both mother and child could be kept under observation.

From these cards, the mothers whose children showed the same characteristics of under-development were formed into groups and the lecture and conference work was planned so that they could receive help in their individual cases.

[3] By 1919, it held conferences at county fairs and other gatherings, providing to mothers needed instruction as to the food, clothing, habits, play, and general training of the child.