La Institución de la Gota de Leche en la provincia de Toledo (1906-1966)

Abstract

The objective of this historical investigation is to discover if the Institution called "La Gota de Leche" existed in Toledo. Methodology by means of the heuristic method, the historical press is analyzed and other primary archival sources are reviewed. Results, although its creation was tedious and its operation was subject to criticism, its benefits were soon seen through the maternal and child health indicators. The institution between 1906 and 1966, was present in both the urban and rural areas of Toledo. Since the creation the mother received health care throughout the gestational period; she acquired habits on child hygiene and obtained health education to establish adequate breastfeeding. Conclusion La Gota de Leche Toledana was a School of Childcare and Maternology, a fact that allowed to carry out prevention, care and education activities throughout the gestational period. Thus, the results obtained were extremely satisfactory, since it was possible to reduce infant mortality during the first half of the 20th century, through the improvement of maternal and child health indicators.