Born and Bred (BaBi) launches in Hull and East Yorkshire
Families across Hull and the East Riding are being invited to help shape a healthier generation by taking part in a unique study.
Born and Bred in (BaBi) Hull and East Yorkshire is a research project being run by Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and which launches on Tuesday 6th February 2024.
The BaBi project is looking at maternal health as well as children’s health in their early years. It wants to connect up all the information that health, education, social care and other organisations hold about young children and families to try and identify patterns that could drive improvements in the lives of the next generation and beyond.
Sarah Collins (left) and Eloise Taylor from the BaBi Hull and East Yorkshire study team
Sarah Collins, Research Lead Midwife based at Hull Royal Infirmary explains:
“Like many other northern towns and cities, Hull is subject to some stark health inequalities. We’re keen to use the BaBi study to look at the factors which may impact children’s health and then use this data to make service improvements or to highlight societal changes which could give future generations the chance to grow up healthier and happier.
“The BaBi project began in Bradford in 2019, and the routine data collected has contributed to bus route diversions in areas where pollution and childhood asthma were both noted to be particularly high. It has also helped to increase green spaces across the city, as study data showed that those with access to grass and parks had better mental health overall.
“BaBi Hull and East Yorkshire genuinely has the potential to help us improve the lives of future generations and it’s exciting to think where this study could take us.”
From 6th February, all pregnant women and birthing people booked for care with Hull Women & Children’s Hospital will be invited to take part in the study. People at any stage of pregnancy, up until the community midwife discharges them after birth, will be eligible to take part and you are welcome to ask any questions before you decide whether or not to give consent.
“We know life becomes a bit of a whirlwind for new and expectant families, so the great thing about this study is that it’s not time consuming for people to help out,” Sarah continues.
“There’s no need for us to ask questions, to weigh or measure the baby, or for parents to keep a diary; it’s as straight forward as giving us consent to access data for the purpose of our research. And if people later decide they don’t want to take part, that’s no problem either.
“We are hoping we’ll get a good uptake, as it’s a really easy way for local people to help make Hull and the East Riding a much healthier and happier place.”
The team is aiming to recruit 400 participants in the first year. Information leaflets about the BaBi Hull and East Yorkshire project will be provided by midwives in clinic or there is a short explanatory video online at https://www.hull.nhs.uk/maternity/babi/.
The study will be ongoing, with women and birthing people being asked to take part for each new pregnancy.
If you are interested in participating or wish to know more, please speak to your midwife or email the research midwives on hyp-tr.research.midwife@nhs.net