Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the purpose of the Network?
The Nottingham Maternity Research Network was formed to enable maternity service users to inform the research of the Maternal Health and Wellbeing Research Group at the University of Nottingham. We have been running for 10 years and over that time Network members have been invaluable in shaping research to ensure it is useful and relevant to maternity service users.
What does being a member of the Network mean?
By joining the Network you consent to being on the mailing list to be informed about our regular meetings and any opportunities to get involved in shaping maternity research. Our members need to have experience of using maternity services, live in and around Nottingham, and have a willingness to contribute to discussions. However, there is no commitment and we can remove you from the mailing list at your request.
Do I have to attend meetings?
Attending our meetings is important to be able to add your voice to the discussions to help shape new and on-going research and it is the main purpose of the group. However, we know people are busy and certainly don’t expect people to be available for every meeting we hold. Some people attend meetings regularly but others can only attend occasionally. We appreciate any level of input you are able to offer.
Are the meetings online or in-person?
Although our meetings used to be in-person, following the pandemic we have been holding meetings mostly online through MS Teams. We can offer some guidance to those unfamiliar with using MS Teams. We also hope to hold more in-person meetings soon.
Can I bring my baby/child to the meetings?
Yes, absolutely! Babies and children are welcome at all our meetings both in-person and online.
What if my baby starts crying or my children are making noise?
Don’t worry about it! We all understand that children are going to make noise and no one minds. For our online meetings we offer people the opportunity to write their contributions in the chat box if they are unable to speak. For our in-person meetings we understand people may need to leave for a short period if children are not settling, and that’s completely fine.
Do I have to stand up and speak? What if I don’t have much to contribute to the discussion?
We usually do a round of introductions at the beginning but it is very brief, just your name and perhaps something about where you are on your maternity journey (e.g. I have a 2 year old).
We find that some people contribute a lot to some discussions and have little to say on others. It may depend on the topics and the relevance to you. You will never be put on the spot to talk if you don’t want to. However, we do always try to make sure everyone who wants to talk has a chance to speak.
Is there parking or public transport available?
For our in-person meetings we try to find venues that are convenient for parking and public transport. We will send out venue information to our members in advance of the meetings.
Do you cover expenses?
We reimburse reasonable travel costs. We can also reimburse additional childcare costs incurred by attending a meeting. We always provide refreshments.
Do I need to be an academic or have research knowledge?
No, we do not expect you to have any prior knowledge of research. We try to avoid jargon in our meetings and use everyday language. We are also very keen to explain anything that is unclear so that the meetings are inclusive for everyone and not just for those with research experience.
How do I get involved in studies?
By attending regular meetings you will already be greatly contributing to research studies. However, there may also be opportunities to get involved in new/ongoing research in a more formal role, and these opportunities are usually advertised in our meetings or via our mailing list. These more formal public contributor roles are entirely optional and details of the commitment required will be explained so that members can decide if they want to be involved or not.
Do I have to live in Nottingham?
The Network was set up to inform the research at the University of Nottingham. As meetings are sometimes held in-person, we ask that people only join if they live in and around Nottingham. We are unable to pay travel expenses for those that live outside the Nottingham area.
I am a health care professional. Can I join the Network?
The Network is primarily for members of the public who have experience of using maternity services. You may, of course, be both a health care professional and a service-user. Contact us to discuss whether the Network is right for you.
I am a maternal health researcher. Can I join the Network?
The Network is a group for members of the public with lived experience of using maternity services. If you are a researcher by profession, you can find out more about the Maternal Health and Wellbeing Research Group at the University of Nottingham online or follow the group on Twitter to find out more.