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Research at NMBS
Society Objectives:
Nanaimo Mother and Baby Society is committed to ongoing research as it relates to the following society objectives:
- Staying current on scientific and social research as it relates to the physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being of mothers and babies
- Staying current on government and community services, objectives, and strategic planning initiatives as they relate to mothers and babies
- Analysis of government, community, and society services and programming to identify and bridge gaps in services
- Analysis of programming, parenting methods, and empirical research on an international level to identify and implement strategies and techniques that may be appropriate for women and babies served by the society
Research Objectives:
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To assess gaps in services for mothers and babies in Nanaimo
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To create and implement projects that fill gaps in services for mothers and babies in Nanaimo
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To test research predictions that:
- Equipping mothers with the skills, knowledge and support they need to give their babies the best possible care will result in more satisfaction in this relationship and thus more stable and well adjusted children.
- Babies given a positive start in life will be more likely to succeed and better able to become contributing members of society
- The physical health of mothers and babies is directly connected to emotional health, which in turn affects the family unit and ultimately, the community
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To contribute to research and social success in our community
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To involve direct recipients of social services in the development of solutions to the barriers they face
Projects:
Research and develop sustainable solutions to labor market issues in the non-profit sector. Specifically exploring not for profit member owned co-ops as a potential model for sustainability.
Provide fully funded birth and postpartum doula support to families in our community through our Doula Outreach Program. Included pre and postnatal yoga classes, prenatal education, and parenting groups.
Research and Development of a Mommy Map for Nanaimo, Online Community Forums, a Motherhood Mentorship Program and a Doula Outreach Program
Non-profit society structure and development
Funding and grant writing
Community mapping
Service gaps and assessment
Social services referral and assessment |
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Funded LMP Project to research sustainability solutions
Funded JCP Project to pilot society programming
Funded, JCP project to develop society infrastructure and sustainability
Funded, 8-month JCP project to develop society infrastructure and sustainability
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Physical and emotional benefits of yoga
Various types of yoga
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Weekly drop-in yoga series, $5, sliding scale |
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Centering Pregnancy theory
Peer-based learning / group therapy models
Pre natal education, nutrition and clinical care
Community resources and referral
Community partnerships |
On-going Centering Pregnancy prenatal education, clinical care, and support program, universally available, but aimed at vulnerable pregnant women Weekly prenatal drop-in |
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Doula services and care
Pre and post natal care
Doula training and certification
Therapeutic birth theory |
On-going doula outreach program universally available, but aimed at supporting vulnerable pregnant women and their babies |
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Stages of infant development
Attachment parenting
Post-partum care and support
Current community outreach
Resource referral
Outreach training |
Community outreach program including in-home post-partum visits and mother/baby gift baskets
Partnerships with other agencies for resource referrals, food component, and equipment |
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Housing requirements / in-home programming
Recovery model and therapeutic programming
BC Housing and other potential funding |
Sustainable transitional housing for women and their babies, focusing on women with high needs in active recovery from addiction or sex trade |
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Surveying / interviewing
Ethnographic vs. socioclinical research
Demography and service availability
Focus groups
Result interpretation |
Comprehensive survey and focus groups with the aim of assessing services, needs, and gaps as they relate specifically to our target audience |
Maternal bonding
Infant development and stimulation
Nutrition
Baby massage
Baby care
Parenting skills |
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Funded, 12-week, intensive parenting course by referral
Universally available, but geared toward high-risk mothers |
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