Me and My Baby: MaMB
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The measurement properties and acceptability of a new mother-infant bonding tool designed for use in a universal healthcare setting in the UK.
IRAS ID
273708
Contact name
Tracey Bywater
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 31 days
Research summary
This study has been established to assess the measurement properties and acceptability of a new self-report tool designed to measure mother-infant bonding. The tool is called 'Me and My Baby' (MaMB).
The research questions are:
(1) What are the measurement properties of the MaMB?
(2) Is the MaMB acceptable to mothers of infants (aged 6-8 weeks) and health visitors when administered in a universal healthcare setting?Mother-infant bonding is a key area of focus for health visitors (HVs) because of links between bonding and subsequent child development. However, there are currently no agreed standard methods to identify mother-infant dyads who would benefit from additional support. Research on existing tools highlighted issues with reliability and acceptability.
The MaMB was co-developed by the research team, mothers, health visitors, clinical psychologists and service managers. It comprises 11 statements about a mother's feelings towards their baby, each item has four response options: never, sometimes, often or always. There is also a free text box for any additional comments by mothers when completing the tool.
The tool will be implemented universally to all mothers of infants aged 6-8 weeks in a routine health visitor contact. All biological mothers of infants aged 6-8 weeks living within the study site will be eligible.
The study will be conducted in two localities (Doncaster and North Lincolnshire) of one NHS site (RDASH) in the north of England.
The study has a 12 month duration, including a period of 10 weeks during which the MaMB will be implemented. Mothers will complete the MaMB with their HV during routine contact and alongside usual care involving assessment/discussion around perinatal relationships and mental health. The MaMB takes 10 minutes to complete.
MaMB data and basic demographic information will be shared with the study team in a fully anonymised dataset for statistical analysis in line with research questions.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SC/0266
Date of REC Opinion
5 Aug 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion