About ORIGINS
The ultimate goal of The ORIGINS Project is to reduce the rising epidemic of non-communicable diseases through 'a healthy start to life'.
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The ultimate goal of The ORIGINS Project is to reduce the rising epidemic of non-communicable diseases through 'a healthy start to life'.
As well as ORIGINS long-term core research, there are a number of clinical trials, early interventions and shorter-term research studies that sit within ORIGINS. Known as sub-projects, these studies look at multiple aspects of child and family health and development.
The ORIGINS Project provides researchers, students, clinicians and universities with a unique opportunity to play a crucial role in changing the health of future generations.
The Antenatal Colostrum Expression (ACE) Study aims to determine whether hand expressing of colostrum in the last few weeks of pregnancy can help new mothers to breastfeed.
The ACE Study aims to determine whether hand expressing of colostrum in the last few weeks of pregnancy can help new mothers to breastfeed. We are comparing two education approaches - hand expressing education by a midwife and watching an instructional video. Results of this study will better inform how we provide pregnant mothers information on antenatal expressing of colostrum.
The study is looking to recruit pregnant women from ORIGINS families who:
If you meet the criteria and agree to participate, you will be randomised into one of two groups for hand expressing instruction;
You will be asked to have a go at hand expressing according to the instructions given (2 to 3 times per day, from week 37 gestation) and asked to keep an online expressing diary.
We will also ask you to complete a questionnaire (5-10 minutes to complete) to determine your thoughts around breastfeeding prior to birth and again when your baby is four-weeks-old.
From your medical records, we will be collecting information on you and your baby’s medical information, and how you feed your baby.
After your birth, we will give you a call at around one, four, eight, 12 and 16 weeks after the birth of your baby, to collect some more information. Calls will take approximately five minutes each.
Participants will also be given the opportunity to take part in an optional component of the study. This involves collecting a sample of colostrum or ‘first milk’ after the birth of their baby. The sample will be frozen for analysis at a later date to compare the nutritional profile of colostrum of mothers who hand express against colostrum of mothers who do not hand express. You will be asked at around 36 weeks gestation if you would like to be a part of this component of the study.
This project is being conducted in collaboration with Edith Cowan University.
Download the Participant Information Brochure
Visit our Facebook Page: The ACE Study
Contact: Julie Hill, Project Coordinator
email: ace@ecu.edu.au
Ph: 08 6304 5697 m: 0480 158 664