On Monday, 13th April, our Research Team will be launching the Born and Bred in Calderdale and Huddersfield Study (BaBi). It is part of a group of BaBi research projects all about families and children to help us to learn more about how families in our area and beyond can live healthier, happier lives.

Women booked for maternity care at CHFT will be invited to become part of the study by one of our midwives during routine antenatal appointments. If they are happy to participate, health researchers will join data about mothers and children, looking into ways to improve healthcare and services through research and planning in our region.

Consultant Midwife and local Principal Investigator, Michelle Jones, said: “As a Consultant Midwife, I’m proud to support the launch of the BaBi project. Through data, BaBi, helps us better understand the needs of local families to strengthen the care we provide from the very start of life. It’s an exciting step toward improving health and wellbeing for every baby born in our community.”

Research midwives, Melanie Struthers and Rachel Walker, will be rolling out training to all midwives in the Trust. They said: "We are excited about BaBi in our community, bringing research home at the start of life, using routine data potentially from everyone who has a baby with CHFT. BaBi looks to include every pregnant person and their babies, thus encompassing a very inclusive philosophy to improve the health and wellbeing for future families in our local area.”

For more information you can see the leaflet below or email the Research team at R&D@cht.nhs.uk