Children in Wales Magazine Summer Issue 2024

One of the Welsh Government’s key ambitions is for all babies to have the best start in life. But what does that mean for families facing everyday challenges?

To understand these challenges, Born in Wales, a birth cohort study established in 2020 and funded by the National Centre for Population Health and Wellbeing Research, explores the current influences on health, wellbeing, and family life during pregnancy and the early years of life. This understanding is crucial for shaping future health, wellbeing, and educational outcomes for children in Wales.

Building a rich dataset

Born in Wales is a long-term study committed to comprehensive research and data collection. Through three parental surveys running from pre-birth to age five, the project gathers extensive data on the health, development, and wellbeing of babies, children and parents in Wales. This rich dataset goes beyond surveys. It incorporates electronic health records, national education databases, social care data, and ultrasound scans, with around 30,000 new births added to the cohort each year.

By analysing this wealth of information and data, researchers gain valuable insights into how factors like a mother’s health or social environment can impact a child’s development. This research is essential for developing evidence-based policies to support family health and wellbeing, especially for vulnerable populations.

Following the Journey

By leveraging data from HAPPEN (a primary school health and education network), Born in Wales, researchers can track children’s health and wellbeing from pre-birth through toddler and nursery years to primary school. This comprehensive, longitudinal approach provides a deeper understanding of how childhood factors impact development.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is a key component of Born in Wales. The project’s Patient and Public Involvement Healthy Families Feedback Group, consisting of 39 engaged parents, plays a vital role in shaping the research. Quarterly meetings allow members to share their insights and experiences, ensuring the project addresses real needs and concerns.

Born in Wales collaborates with hospitals and libraries to further engage the community, conducting awareness sessions and distributing informational materials. This outreach extends to local hospitals where team members, supported by research midwives, recruit expectant mothers and fathers for the surveys. This face-to-face interaction is invaluable, allowing parents to address any questions or concerns and understand the importance of their participation.

Reaching Out to Fathers

Recognising the unique needs of fathers, Born in Wales has made a concerted effort to involve them through outreach to dad groups. These discussions on parenting, health, and wellbeing have broadened the project’s impact by gathering critical information on the experiences and challenges faced by fathers in Wales.

Understanding family dynamics

The study also examines life events, including working life and stress on pregnant women and their partners. By linking health, school, and other data, it aims to better understand the family situations that can impact early childhood. This comprehensive approach aims to provide evidence on what works to support children and families from the very beginning.

Hope Jones Lead researcher at Born in Wales emphasises the significance reaching out into the community: “At Born in Wales, we believe research should reflect the diversity of our communities.  By actively engaging with groups in the community that do not normally participate in research, we ensure our findings are inclusive and represent the experiences of all families in Wales.”

Professor Sinead Brophy, Director at the National Centre for Population Health & Wellbeing Research, added: “Born in Wales is committed to inclusive, transparent, and community-driven research. By bridging gaps, empowering voices, and collaborating through in-depth research, we are paving the way for every child in Wales to have the best start in life. Our findings aim to empower families, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to make informed decisions on supporting families during this critical time.”

For more information on how Born in Wales is supporting families, visit: https://centreforpopulationhealth.org/projects/born-in-wales/