Here you can find the Impact and Evaluation Reports for our various projects.
Evidence suggests that more openly LGBTQ+ people are having children each year, yet little is known about their needs or experiences. This research project used funding from the Garfield Weston Foundation, in partnership with LGBT Mummies and the University of Huddersfield, to find out more about the needs of LGBTQ+ women and non-binary parents who had babies in the last two years. Read more
This research project was focused on capturing women and birthing people’s lived experiences of pregnancy and their transition into parenthood whilst at work. We explored key elements of becoming a parent including pregnancy, maternity leave, pregnancy loss, abortion, surrogacy, and fertility issues. Nine semi-structured interviews were carried out with women who were employed and living in the United Kingdom. Read more
The Theory of Change outlines the priorities and goals for Baby Buddy app. Baby Buddy seeks to reduce health inequalities by identifying the needs of parents on the perinatal journey. Baby Buddy provides accurate, up to date, relevant information on pregnancy and early parenthood to parents and seeks to motivate parents to engage in positive behaviour change. Read more
The childbearing years are a demanding period in a woman’s life. Mothers still seem to fare poorly in comparison with women who do not have a dependent child, indicating inadequate policies to support women’s continued employment post childbirth. This literature review highlights the varied experiences of working women in the context of pregnancy, motherhood, pregnancy loss, infertility, or other reproductive issues. Read more
With the steady increase in the number of people from the GBTQ+ community becoming parents, there is a growing need to address the mental health concerns of fathers within this community to equip them with the necessary support to navigate the unique challenges posed by the perinatal period. This systematic rapid review was carried out to collate the findings of the literature available on the experiences of GBTQ+ dads during the perinatal period. Read more
The communication strategies employed to convey wellbeing messages has a significant impact on help-seeking behaviour, access to appropriate care and experiences in the healthcare system. This highlights the need to uncover effective ways to structure wellbeing messages for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly the parents. An editorial review was undertaken to identify the best practice and guidance for constructing effective health information messages to cater to the LGBTQ+ community. Read more
In pregnancy, eating well, keeping active, and avoiding excessive weight gain are associated with better maternal and foetal health outcomes. Baby Buddy is a free pregnancy and parenting app, designed to support parents, improve health outcomes, and reduce inequalities. The app is actively used within the UK National Health Service and it offers an ideal platform for delivering and evaluating a new prenatal dietary and physical activity intervention. Read more
In 2020, Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System (ICS) - now NHS Surrey Heartlands - commissioned Best Beginnings to work with them to make the ICS the first Baby Buddy 2.0 Trailblazer site in the UK. Funding for the programme of work was agreed to take place in two phases over two years. Phase 1 was focused on research, engagement and planning with Phase 2 focussed on delivery of services and promotion of the app to reach parents and families across Surrey Heartlands. Read more
Baby Express magazine is designed to support parents in the first year of their child’s life providing practical advice guidance tips and signposting to additional support. Read more
Impact and Evaluation report for our Small Wonders project. Read more