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  • Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture Unit (MAINN)

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The MAINN Unit is an interdisciplinary group that focuses upon complex political, cultural, psychosocial and economic influences upon maternal and infant nutrition and nurture. We adopt a bio-psychosocial perspective that recognises the interactions between biological, psychological and socio-cultural factors in relation to maternal and child nutrition. We are also interested in the nature of the relationship that is engendered between mother and infant as a consequence of various kinds of nutritive and nurturing behaviours with a particular emphasis upon breastfeeding. We also focus on care of the preterm infant and in ways of enhancing the parent–infant relationship in the neonatal unit context. The agenda of MAINN is firmly grounded in public health.

We have worked on WHO, UNICEF, EU, UK Government (DH), NHS, National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), British Council, Wellcome Trust and Australian Research Council (ARC) funded projects.

This research group contributes to the cross-disciplinary research sub-theme Evidence for Societal Change.

Strategic objectives:

  • To conduct distinctive, interdisciplinary, internationally recognised research and scholarship in maternal and infant nutrition and nurture.
  • To engage with local, national and international strategic initiatives.
  • To embrace the public health, social exclusion and diversity agendas with regard to the field of maternal and infant nutrition and nurture.
  • To maintain and build upon strong and stable external partnerships and collaborations to include the DH, NHS, NICE, UNICEF and WHO.

Expertise and Subject Areas +

Expertise and subject areas

With a team of multidisciplinary staff and PhD students working internationally, nationally and locally on a range of projects, areas of expertise include:

  • Global politics of infant and young child feeding
  • Supportive interventions for the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding
  • Maternal and child nutrition
  • Psychosocial perspectives on nutrition and nurture of infants and children
  • Parent–child relationships in Neonatal Intensive Care Units across Europe

Impact +

Impact

MAINN staff were involved, as facilitators, in the development of the WHO Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding (WHO 2003) and have engaged in a range of ways with the global WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative.

The editorship for the international journal Maternal and Child Nutrition (Wiley-Blackwell journal) is in the MAINN Unit.

Members of MAINN were recently among the 35 partners comprising more than 200 individual scientists from 17 European countries in the EURRECA (EURopean micronutrient RECommendations Aligned) Network of Excellence that developed building blocks to harmonise European micronutrient recommendations (funded by the European Commission).

The DH commissioned MAINN Unit to conduct an evaluation of 79 DH funded outreach projects focused upon infant and young child feeding.

The work was converted by the DH, in 2004, into a good practice guide for Primary Care Trusts based on the above synthesis. This guide was distributed and utilised across the UK to support achievement of government targets related to infant feeding policy and practice.

The synthesis was also referenced in the DH publication, Choosing a Better Diet.

MAINN Unit was commissioned by DH (NW Regional Public Health Group 2008) to co-ordinate a team in writing Addressing Health Inequalities: A North West Breastfeeding Framework for Action.

This is utilised widely in the North West to support those in both commissioning and delivering services related to infant and young child feeding.

A range of commissioned health- and social care-based evaluations have led to the targeting, initiation, re-design and implementation of service delivery and accountability systems in several Lancashire-based National Health Services.

Publications and Outputs +

Publications and outputs

Refereed journal publications

Flacking R, Dykes F (2013) ‘Being in a womb’ or ‘playing musical chairs’: the impact of place and space on infant feeding in NICUs. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 13:179. (IF 2.83)

Ericson J, Eriksson M, Hellström-Westas L, Hagberg L, Hoddinott P, Flacking R (2013) The effectiveness of proactive telephone support provided to breastfeeding mothers of preterm infants: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Pediatrics 13, 73.

Flacking R, Thomson G, Ekenberg L, Löwegren L, Wallin L (2013) Influence of NICU co-care facilities and skin-to-skin contact on maternal stress in mothers of preterm infants. Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare 4, 107-112.

Thomson G & Crossland, N (2013) Callers' attitudes and experiences of UK breastfeeding helpline support. International Breastfeeding Journal 8,3.

Byrom A (2013) Feeding Guilt, Practising Midwife, 16,18-26.

Wallace C, Holyoak L, Powell S, Dykes F (2013) HACCP - the difficulty with Hazard Analysis. Food Control, 35, 233-240

Lowe N, Dykes F, Skinner A-L, Patel S, Warthon-Medina M, Decsi T, Fekete K, Souverein O, Dullemeijer C, Cavelaars A, Serra-Majem L, Nissensohn M, Bel S, Moreno L, Hermoso M, Vollhardt C, Berti C, Cetin I, Gurinovic M, Novakovic R, Harvey L, Collings R, Hall Moran V (2013) Estimating zinc requirements for deriving dietary reference values Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 53, 1–14.

Thomson G, Hall Moran V, Axelin A, Dykes F, Flacking R (2013) Integrating a Sense of Coherence into the Neonatal Environment. BMC Pediatrics 13, 84

Thomson G, Dykes F, Singh G, Cawley L, Dey P (2013) A public health perspective of women’s experience of antenatal care: an exploration of insights from a community consultation. Midwifery. 29, 211-216.

Nissensohn M, Sánchez Villegas A, Fuentes Lugo D, Henríquez Sánchez P, Doreste Alonso J, Lowe NM, Hall Moran V, Skinner AL, Warthon-Medina M, Serra Majem L (2013) Effect of zinc intake on serum/plasma zinc status in infants: A meta-analysis. Maternal & Child Nutrition 9, 285-298.

Ericson J, & Flacking R (2013) Estimated Breastfeeding to Support Breastfeeding in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing 42, 29–37.

Dykes F, Lhussier M, Bangash S Zaman M, Lowe N (2012) Exploring and optimising maternal and infant nutrition in North West Pakistan. Midwifery 28, 831-835.

Thomson G, Crossland N, Dykes F (2012) ‘Giving me hope’: an evaluation of a breastfeeding peer support project in North West England. Maternal and Child Nutrition. 8, 340–53.

Hugill K. (2012) Auto/biographical method and its potential to contribute to nursing research. Nurse Researcher 20, 28–32.

Thomson G, Crossland N, Dykes F, Sutton C (2012) UK Breastfeeding helpline support: an investigation of influences upon satisfaction. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 12, 150.

Bergström E-B, Wallin L, Thomson G, Flacking R (2012) Postnatal depression in mothers of infants cared for in a Neonatal Unit – incidence and associated factors. Journal of Neonatal Nursing 18, 143–151.

Lhussier M, Bangash S, Dykes F, Zaman M, Lowe N (2012) Implementation and evaluation of a health promotion initiative in north Pakistan: a realist framework. Health Promotion International 27, 453–461.

Flacking R, Lehtonen L, Thomson G, Axelin A, Ahlqvist S, Hall Moran V, Ewald U, Dykes F (2012) Closeness and separation in neonatal intensive care. Acta Paediatrica 101, 1032–1037.

Hall Moran V, Skinner A, Warthon-Medina M, Patel S, Dykes, F, Souverein O, Dullemeijer C, Prez Rodrigo C, Lowe N (2012) The relationship between zinc intake and serum/plasma zinc concentration in children: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis. Nutrients 4, 841–858.

Thomson G, Dykes F, Hurley M, Hoddinott P (2012) Incentives as Connectors: Perceptions of women and peer supporters participating in a breastfeeding incentive intervention in a disadvantaged area of North West England. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth 12, 22.

Hall Moran V, Skinner A, Warthon-Medina M, Patel S, Dykes, F, Souverein O, Dullemeijer C, Lowe, N (2012) The relationship between zinc intake and serum/plasma zinc concentration in pregnant and lactating women: A systematic review with dose–response meta-analyses. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology 26, 74–79.

Lowe NM, Warthon Medina M, Skinner A, , Patel S, Souverein OW, Dullemeijer C, Serra-Majem L, Nissensohn M, Hall Moran V (2012) The relationship between zinc intake and serum/plasma zinc concentration in adults. A systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis by the EURRECA Network. British Journal of Nutrition 108, 1962–1971.

Dykes F, Richardson-Foster H, Crossland N, Thomson G (2012) ‘Dancing on a thin line’: Evaluation of an Infant Feeding Information Team to implement the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Midwifery 28, 765–771.

Wallace C, Holyoak L, Powell S, Dykes F (2012) Re-thinking the HACCP Team: an investigation into HACCP team knowledge and decision-making for successful HACCP development. Food Research International 47, 236–245.

Thomson G, Bilson A, Dykes F (2012) ‘Changing Hearts and Minds’: An evaluation of implementation of UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative in the community. Midwifery 28, 258–264.

Beake S, Pellowe C, Schmied V, Dykes F, Bick D (2011) A systematic review of structured versus non-structured programmes to support the initiation and duration of exclusive breastfeeding in acute and primary care settings. Maternal and Child Nutrition 8, 141–161.

Taylor C, Gribble A, Sheehan V, Schmied V, Dykes F (2011) Staff Perceptions and Experiences of Implementing the Baby Friendly Initiative in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Australia. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing 40, 25–34.

Flacking R, Ewald U, Wallin L (2011) Positive effect of Kangaroo Mother Care on long-term breastfeeding in very preterm infants. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing 40, 190–197.

Schmied V, Gribble A, Sheehan V, Taylor C, Dykes F (2011) ‘Ten Steps or climbing a mountain’: A study of Australian health professionals’ perceptions of implementing the Baby Friendly Health Initiative to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. Health Services Research 11, 208.

Thomson, G & Dykes F (2011) Women’s Sense of Coherence of Infant Feeding. Maternal and Child Nutrition 7, 160–174.

Schmied V, Beake S, Sheehan A, McCourt C, Dykes F (2011) Meta-synthesis of women’s perceptions and experiences of breastfeeding support. Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care 38, 49–60.

Dykes F & Flacking R (2010) Encouraging breastfeeding: a relational perspective. Early Human Development. 86, 733–736.

Hall Moran V, Lowe N, Crossland N, Berti C, Cetin I, Hermoso M, Koletzko B, Dykes F (2010) Nutritional requirements during lactation. Towards European alignment of reference values: the EURRECA network. Maternal and Child Nutrition 6, 39–54.

Thomson G, Dykes F, Bilson A, Putsey J, & Whitmore M (2010) Tackling the Infant Formula Industries. Public Health Nutrition, 13, 149–150.

Berti C, Desci T, Dykes F, Hermoso M, Koletzko B, Massari M, Moreno L, Serra-Majem L, Cetin I (2010) Critical issues in setting nutritional micronutrient recommendations for pregnant women: an insight. Maternal and Child Nutrition 6, 5–22.

Hermoso M, Tabacchi G, Iglesia-Altaba I, Sanchez-Villegas A, Brito N, Bel-Serrat S, Moreno-Aznar L, García-Santos Y, García-Luzardo M del R, Santana-Salguero B, Peña-Quintana L, Serrá-Majem L, Hall Moran V, Dykes F, Decsi T, Benetou V, Plada M, Trichopoulou A, Raats M, Doets EM, Berti C, Cetin I and Koletzko B (2010) The nutritional requirements of infants. Towards EU alignment of reference values: the EURRECA network. Maternal and Child Nutrition 6, 55–83.

Östlund Å, Nordström M, Dykes F, Flacking R (2010) Breastfeeding in preterm and term twins – duration and associated factors: a prospective population based study. Journal of Human Lactation. 26, 235–241.

Flacking R, Dykes F, Ewald U (2010) The influence of fathers’ socioeconomic status and paternity leave on breastfeeding duration: a population based cohort study. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health 38, 337–343.

Dykes F (2009) Applying critical medical anthropology to midwifery research. Evidence Based Midwifery 7, 84–88.

Skinner A, Smailes S, Raynor P, Small NA, Dykes F, Lowe NM (2008) Cultural aspects of weaning practice in South Asian women in the UK abstract - Proceedings of the Nutrition Society, Volume 67, Issue OCE9, May 2008, E434.

Hall Moran V, Edwards F, Dykes F, Downe S (2007) Systematic review of the nature of support for breastfeeding adolescent mothers. Midwifery 23, 157–171.

Hall Moran V (2007) A systematic review of dietary assessments of pregnant adolescents in industrialised countries. British Journal of Nutrition 97: 411–425

Hall Moran V (2007) Nutritional status in pregnant adolescents: a systematic review of biochemical markers. Maternal & Child Nutrition 3, 74–93.

Flacking R, Wallin L, Ewald U (2007) Influences of prematurity and socioeconomic status on breastfeeding duration in very preterm infants. Acta Paediatrica 96, 1126–1130.

 

Flacking R, Hedberg Nyqvist K, Ewald U. (2007) Effects of socioeconomic status on breastfeeding duration in mothers of preterm and term infants. European Journal of Public Health 17, 579–584.

Flacking R, Ewald U, Starrin B. (2007) “I wanted to do a good job”: Experiences of ‘becoming a mother’ and breastfeeding in mothers of very preterm infants after discharge from a neonatal unit. Social Science & Medicine 64, 2405–2416.

Flacking R, Ewald U, Nyqvist KH, Starrin B (2006) Trustful bonds: A key to “becoming a mother” and to reciprocal breastfeeding. Stories of mothers of very preterm infants at a neonatal unit. Social Science & Medicine 62(1):70–80.

Sachs M, Dykes F, Carter, B (2006) Feeding by numbers: an ethnographic study of how breastfeeding women understand their babies' weight charts. International Breastfeeding Journal 1, 29.

Renfrew M, McFadden A, Dykes F, Wallace LM, Abbott S, Burt S, Kosmala Anderson J (2006) Addressing the learning deficit in breastfeeding: strategies for change. Maternal & Child Nutrition. 2, 239–244

Dykes F. (2006) Education of health practitioners supporting breastfeeding women: Time for critical reflection Maternal & Child Nutrition. 2, 204–216

McFadden, A. Renfrew MJ, Dykes F, Burt S (2006) Addressing the learning needs for breastfeeding: setting the scene. Maternal & Child Nutrition. 2, 196–203.

 

Hall Moran V, Dykes F, Burt S, Shuck C (2006) Breastfeeding support for adolescents: similarities and differences in the approach of midwives and qualified breastfeeding supporters. International Breastfeeding Journal 1, 23.

Burt S, Whitmore M, Verncombe D, Dykes F. (2006) Development and delivery of a practice based breastfeeding training package for general practitioners in the UK. Maternal & Child Nutrition 2, 91–102

Sachs M, Dykes F, Carter B (2006) Weight Monitoring of breastfed babies in the United Kingdom: interpreting, explaining and intervening. Maternal & Child Nutrition 2, 3–18.

Sachs M & Dykes F (2006) Infant feeding trends: early indicators. The Practicing Midwife 9, 15–18.

Dykes F (2005) A critical ethnographic study of encounters between midwives and breastfeeding women on postnatal wards in England. Midwifery 21, 241–252.

Hall Moran V, Dykes F, Edwards J, Burt S, Whitmore M (2005) An evaluation of the breastfeeding support skills of midwives and voluntary breastfeeding supporters using the Breastfeeding Support Skills Tool (BeSST). Maternal & Child Nutrition 1, 241–249.

Sachs M, Dykes F, Carter B (2005) Weight Monitoring of breastfed babies in the United Kingdom: Centile charts, scales and weighing frequency. Maternal & Child Nutrition. 1, 63–76.

Dykes F (2005) ‘Supply’ and ‘Demand’: Breastfeeding as Labour. Social Science & Medicine 60, 2283–2293.

Dykes F (2005) Government funded breastfeeding peer support projects: Implications for practice. Maternal & Child Nutrition 1, 21–31.

Hall Moran V & Dykes F (2003) Disadvantaged at birth or by life? An analysis of the relationship between socio-economic factors, in-utero environment and later health. Pediatric Research – abstract, 53 (6).

Dykes F, Hall Moran V, Burt S, Edwards J, Whitmore M (2003) Adolescent mothers and breastfeeding – experiences and support needs: an exploratory study. Journal of Human Lactation 19, 391–401.

Woods A, Dykes F, Bramwell R (2002) An intervention study using a breastfeeding positioning and attachment tool (PASS). Clinical Effectiveness in Nursing 6, 134–142.

Dykes F (2002) Western medicine and marketing–construction of an insufficient milk syndrome. Health Care for Women International 23, 492–502. Reprinted in full in Midwifery Information and Resource Service Journal (MIDIRS) 2002, 12 (4): 527-531.

Woods A, Bramwell R, Dykes F (2001) Teaching breastfeeding skills: time for a new approach? British Journal of Midwifery 9, 301–306.

Hall Moran V, Dinwoodie K, Bramwell R, Dykes F (2000) A critical analysis of the content of tools measuring breastfeeding interactions. Midwifery 16, 260–268.

Dinwoodie K, Bramwell R, Dykes F, Lang S, Runcieman, A (2000) The Baby Friendly Breastfeeding Management Course. British Journal of Midwifery 8, 362–366.

Wissett L, Dykes F, Bramwell R (2000) Evaluating the WHO/UNICEF Breastfeeding course. British Journal of Midwifery 8, 294–300.

Stein J, Dykes F, Bramwell R (2000) Breastfeeding ‘Midwives meeting mothers in the middle’. British Journal of Midwifery 8, 239–245.

Hall Moran V, Bramwell R, Dykes F, Dinwoodie K (2000) An evaluation of skills acquisition of WHO/UNICEF breast feeding course using the pre-validated Breastfeeding Support Skills Tool (BeSST). Midwifery 16, 197–203.

Dykes F & Williams C (1999) ‘Falling by the wayside’ A phenomenological exploration of perceived breast milk inadequacy in lactating women. Midwifery 15, 232–246.

Hall Moran V, Dinwoodie K, Bramwell R, Dykes F, Foley P (1999) The development and validation of the Breastfeeding Support Skills Tool (BeSST). Clinical Effectiveness in Nursing 3, 151–155.

Dykes F & Griffiths H (1998) Societal influences upon initiation and continuation of breastfeeding. British Journal of Midwifery 6, 76–80.

Lang S & Dykes F (1998) WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative – Educating for Success. British Journal of Midwifery 6, 148–150.

Dykes F (1997) Return to breastfeeding: a global health priority. British Journal of Midwifery 5, 344–349.

Dykes F (1995) Valuing breastfeeding in midwifery education. British Journal of Midwifery 3, 544–547.

In press:

Flacking R, Jerdén L, Bergström E, Starrin B. "In or out" - on the dynamic between acceptance and rejection and the influence on perceived health in adolescent girls. (in press) The Nordic Journal of Youth Research.

Aiken A & Thomson G. (in press) Professionalisation of a Breastfeeding Peer Support Service: Insights and Experiences of Peer Supporters. Midwifery.

Hugill K, Letherby G, Reid T, Lavender T (in press) Fathers early neonatal unit experiences and their emotion work. Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic, & Neonatal Nursing.

Books (monographs)

Dykes F (2006) Breastfeeding in Hospital: Midwives, Mothers and the Production Line. London: Routledge.

Books (edited volumes)

Hall Moran V (in press) (ed.) Maternal and Child Nutrition and Nurture: Controversies and Challenges, Second Edition. London: Quay Books.

Hugill K & Harvey ME. (2012) Fatherhood in Midwifery and Neonatal Practice. London: Quay Books.

Thomson G, Dykes F, Downe S (2011) (eds). Qualitative Research in Midwifery and Childbirth: Phenomenological Approaches. London: Routledge.

Dykes F and Hall Moran V (2009) (eds) Infant and Young Child Feeding: Challenges to implementing a Global Strategy. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Hall Moran V and Dykes F (2006) (eds) Maternal and Infant Nutrition & Nurture: Controversies and Challenges. London: Quay Books.

Book chapters

Dykes F (in press) Infant and young child feeding: culture and context. In: Deery R and Letherby G (eds) Sociology for Midwives. London: Polity Press.

Hall Moran V (in press) Nutritional needs during lactation. In Davies L & Deery R (eds) Food for Thought – Nutrition and Food Related Issues in Midwifery. London: Routledge.

Dykes F & Hall Moran, V (2013) Nurture and nutrition: dualisms and synergies. In: Hall Moran V (ed.) Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture: Controversies and Challenges. Second edition. London: Quay Books.

Hall Moran V & Whitham D (2013) Recruitment and Retention. In Walker D (ed.) Practical Guide to Health Services Research. London: Sage.

Crossland N & Thomson G (2013) Issues of Expertise: Professionals Views of a Breastfeeding Peer Support Service. In Hall Moran V (ed.) Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture: Controversies and Challenges: Second Edition. London: Quay Books.
Hugill K (in press) Oral feeding the preterm infant: some current challenges and debates. In: Hall Moran V (ed.) Maternal and infant nutrition and nurture: Controversies and challenges. Second edition. London: Quay books.

Hall Moran V (2011) Foreword. In Derbyshire E. Nutrition in the Childbearing Years. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell. pp xi-xvi

Downe S, Dykes F, Thomson G (2011) Authenticity and poetics: what is different about phenomenology? In: Thomson G, Dykes F, Downe S (eds) Qualitative Research in Midwifery and Childbirth: Phenomenological Approaches. London: Routledge.

Hugill K (2010) The neonatal environment and care of families. In: Meeks M, Hallsworth M, Yeo H (2010) (eds.) Nursing the Neonate. Second edition. Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.

Dykes F (2009) ‘Feeding all the time’: Temporal dilemmas around breastfeeding in hospital. In: McCourt C (ed.) Childbirth, Midwifery and Concepts of Time. London: Berghaun Books.

McCourt C & Dykes F (2009) Time: From Medieval to Enlightenment Europe. In: McCourt C (ed.) Childbirth, Midwifery and Concepts of Time. London: Berghaun Books.

Downe S & Dykes F (2009) Counting Time in Pregnancy and Labour. In: McCourt C (ed.) Childbirth, Midwifery and Concepts of Time. London: Berghaun Books.

Dykes F. (2009) ‘No time to care’: Midwifery work on postnatal wards in England. In Hunter B & Deery R (eds.) Emotions in Midwifery and Reproduction. London: Palgrave Press.

Bilson A & Dykes F (2009) A bio-cultural basis for protecting, promoting and supporting breastfeeding. In Dykes F & Hall Moran V (eds.) Infant and Young Child Feeding: Challenges to implementing a Global Strategy. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Hall Moran V & Dykes F (2009) Complex challenges to implementing the Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding. In Dykes F & Hall Moran V (eds.) Infant and Young Child Feeding: Challenges to implementing a Global Strategy. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell.

Flacking R (2009) Feeding preterm infants in Sweden: challenges to implementing the Global Strategy in a pro-breastfeeding culture. In: Dykes F & Hall Moran V (eds.) Infant and Young Child Feeding – Challenges to implementing a Global Strategy. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell

Dykes F (2007) ‘Resisting the gaze’: the subversive nature of breastfeeding. In Kirkham M (ed.) Exploring the ‘Dirty’ Side of Women’s Health. London: Routledge.

Henry S, Dykes F, Byrom S., Aitken M, Jackson E (2007) ‘Little Angels’: The story of a community based and led breastfeeding peer support project in North West England. In Edwards G & Byrom S (eds.) Essential Midwifery Practice: Public Health. London: Blackwells.

Hall Moran V & Dykes F. (2006) Nurture and nutrition: Introducing the challenges: In: Hall Moran V & Dykes F (eds.) Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture: Controversies and Challenges. London: Quay Books.

Dykes F & Hall Moran V (2006) Transmitted nutritional deprivation from mother to child: A socio-biological perspective. In: Hall Moran V & Dykes F. (eds.) Maternal and Infant Nutrition & Nurture: Controversies and Challenges. London: Quay Books.

Dykes F & Hall Moran, V (2006) Nurture & nutrition: dualisms and synergies. In: Hall Moran V & Dykes F (eds.) Maternal and Infant Nutrition and Nurture: Controversies and Challenges. London: Quay Books.

Dykes F (2004) What are the foundations of qualitative research? In: Lavender T, Edwards G, Alfiric Z (eds.) Demystifying Qualitative research: A Resource Book for Midwives and Obstetricians. London: Quay Books.

Events and News +

Events

Next MAINN Conference: Nutrition and Nurture in Infancy and Childhood: Bio-Cultural Perspectives

Three-Day International, Interdisciplinary Conference, Grange Hotel, Grange Over Sands, Cumbria, England.

10th,11th,12th  June 2019.

Call for abstracts out in June 2018

Conference enquiries to Professor Fiona Dykes, fcdykes@uclan.ac.uk

Proceedings from past conferences published in Maternal & Child Nutrition

• 10-12 June 2013 Volume 9, Issue Supplement S3 Pages 1 - 57
• 10-12 June 2015 Volume 11, Issue Supplement S2 Pages 3-129
• 10th ‐ 14th June 2017 Volume 14, Issue Supplement S2

 

MATERNAL & CHILD NUTRITION
© John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Maternal_and_Child_Nutrition_Cover5
Course and Postgraduate study +

Courses and Postgraduate Study

 

  • Professional Doctorate in Health (e-learn & on-campus) – Dr Victoria Hall Moran
  • MSc Midwifery (e-learn & on-campus)
  • Maternal and Infant Nutrition: Bio-cultural perspectives (MW 4109) – Dr Victoria Hall Moran
  • Psycho-social Influences and Impact on Maternal, Child and Family Health (MW4033) – Dr Gill Thomson

 

Members +

Members

Links +
Additional Information +

Additional information

For further information please contact: Professor Fiona Dykes fcdykes@uclan.ac.uk

Related Research Groups +
Related Projects +

List of projects

2015-2017 EU Horizon 2020 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND, Individual Fellowship for Dr Tanya Cassidy (Ireland). Dykes F (PI) 195,455.00 Euros to UCLAN.

2015-2017 Healthy Children Faculty (USA) - RESPITE postnatal study. Hall Moran V, Thomson G (Joint PIs), £15,000 to UCLAN (Employing RA from RST – 60 days).

2015-2017 Best Beginnings/DH - A realist evaluation into the implementation and outcomes of Best Beginnings interventions. Thomson G, Hall Moran V (Joint PIs), £45,000 to UCLAN.

2014-2015 Birth Companions Research Project. Thomson G (PI), Balaam MC. £5,250 to UCLAN

2014-2015 Best Beginnings/DH Evaluation of Parental Perceptions of ‘Small Wonders’ DVD in NICUs. Dykes F (PI), Thomson G, Crossland N - £30,000 to UCLAN.

2014-2016 Evaluation of BF Peer Support Provision – Gill Thomson (PI), Funded Blackburn with Darwen Council (£14,985).

2014-2017 NIHR Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research & Care (CLAHRC) Funded full-time Doctoral Studentship. Heather Ohly - An evaluation of the impact of Government funded Healthy Start programme on the infant feeding practices in NW England. Hall Moran V (DOS), Dykes F, Lowe N, Crossland N ~£60,000 to UCLAN.

2013: NIHR Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC). Improving Public Health and Reducing Health Inequalities. Theme Leader: Popay J (Lancaster); Co-applicants: Whitehead, Capewell, Barr, Milligan, Hollingsworth, Zucchelli, Hatton, Holland, Limmer, Downe S (UCLAN), Dykes F (UCLAN). Total Grant: £1,499,830.

2011-2013: NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme. BIBS; Benefits of Incentives for Breastfeeding and Smoking cessation: a platform study for a trial (Stirling, UCLAN, Aberdeen, Newcastle, Glasgow). Hoddinott P (PI - Stirling), Dykes F (PI - UCLAN), Bauld L, Campbell M, Ludbrook A, Sniettahotta F. Total Grant: £322,127 with £64,372 to UCLAN.

2011-2014: The Jirga and its potential for community engagement in research in North West Pakistan – an ethnographic exploration. Lowe N (PI), Lhussier M, Zaman M, Dykes F. Funded by Wellcome Trust: International Engagement Awards WT096707MA, £30,000 to UCLAN.

2013: The International Closeness Survey. Lehtonen L (PI), Hugill K and the SCENE group.

2013: The Emotional Closeness Project. Flacking R (PI Sweden), Thomson G (PI England), Axelin A (PI Finland) and the SCENE group.

2013: Evaluation of Baby Friendly accreditation: peer support and evidence of impact for building social capital. Thomson G (PI) NHS North Lancashire. £21,847 to UCLAN.

2013: Breast milk Demonstration. Thomson G (PI) Breastfeeding Network (BfN), £4,995 to UCLAN.

2012-2017: MAINN: Awarded Strategic Health Authority (Cumbria and Lancashire) Doctoral Studentship - Christopher Smith. ‘Obesity and complementary feeding: beliefs and practices in North West England’.

2010-2015: MAINN: Awarded Strategic Health Authority (Cumbria and Lancashire) Doctoral Studentship - Anna Byrom. ‘Macro-interventions into micro-cultures: WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative.

2009-2013: A study of contemporary family, social and cultural influences on first-time mothers' decisions about infant feeding and early parenting practices. Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant application number: LP0991564, Schmied V (PI), Fenwick J, Gribble K, McGrath D, Sheehan A, Dykes F. Grant to UWS: Aus $94,000.

2008-2012: Four year commissioned longitudinal evaluation of implementation of WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative (BFI), NHS North Lancashire. Dykes F (PI), Thomson G, Bilson A. £86,000 to UCLAN.

  • Thomson G, Bilson A, Dykes F (2012) Implementing the WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative in the community: a 'hearts and minds' approach. Midwifery 28, 258–264.
  • Thomson, G and Dykes F (2011) Women’s Sense of Coherence of Infant Feeding. Maternal and Child Nutrition 7, 160-174.
  • Thomson G, Dykes F, Bilson A, Putsey J & Whitmore M. (2010). Tackling the Infant Formula Industries. Public Health Nutrition, 13 (1), 149–150.

2009-2011: Commissioned longitudinal evaluation of breastfeeding peer support project (as part of WHO/UNICEF BFI) in NHS Blackpool. Dykes F (PI), Thomson G, (Year 1 funded by NHS Blackpool, Year 2/3 by BfN). £43,000 to UCLAN.

2009-2010: Perceptions of vulnerable groups re: Maternal and Child Health Services in NHS Central Lancs. Commissioned by NHS Central Lancs. Dykes F (PI), Thomson G. Income: £14,000 to UCLAN.

  • Thomson G, Dykes F, Singh G, Cawley L, Dey P (2013) A public health perspective of women’s experience of antenatal care: an exploration of insights from a community consultation. Midwifery. 29, 211-216.

2010-2011: Socio-cultural influences upon women’s perceptions and experiences of breastfeeding and associated maternity service provision. NHS Ashton, Wigan and Leigh, Dykes F (PI) £20,000 to UCLAN.

2010-2011: DH commissioned evaluation of the Information Feeding Information Team (IFIT) set up in North West England (to establish a national model). Thomson G (PI), Dykes F, DH £45,000 to UCLAN.

  • Dykes F, Richardson-Foster H, Crossland N, Thomson G (2012) ‘Dancing on a thin line’: Evaluation of an Infant Feeding Information Team to implement the WHO Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes. Midwifery 28, 765-771.

2010: Self Efficacy Evaluation of DH Antenatal packs. Thomson and Dykes DH £4,700 (Consultancy)

2010-2011: Expert Testimony – National Social Marketing Centre/NICE: Social marketing of breastfeeding: impact on breastfeeding at 6-8 weeks. Dykes F (PI) £5,000 to UCLAN (Consultancy).

2011: Commissioned Evaluation of the National Breastfeeding Helpline. Thomson G (PI), Dykes F. DH (National Breastfeeding Network) £40,000 to UCLAN.

 

2009-2011: Postdoctoral Research Fellow appt. Dr Renee Flacking. Comparative Neonatal Unit ethnography with focus on infant feeding practices (Sweden and England). RF received Visiting Fellowship from UCLAN. Dykes F (PI), Flacking R. Funding from Åkerham & Engström Foundation, Faculty of Medicine, Uppsala University £50,000.

2008-2010: University Western Sydney (UWS) Research Committee Competitive Grants. WHO/UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative: Exploring the implementation and dissemination of a global policy. Schmied V, Sheehan A, Dykes F (joint PIs). Grant: Aus $23,967

2007-2012: Eurreca Network of Excellence. Harmonising nutrient recommendations across Europe with special focus on vulnerable groups and consumer understanding. FP6036196-2(FOOD). Funded under the EC Framework 6. 13.2 million Euros for consortium over 5 years. Aggett P, Dykes F, Hall Moran V, Lowe N: £160,000 to UCLAN.

2007: Dykes commissioned by DH (North West Public Health) – to co-ordinate team in writing Addressing Health Inequalities: A North West Breastfeeding Framework for Action. £5,000.

2007-2008: Consultant on TrustTECH Service Innovation Project, East Lancs NHS Trust. Evaluation of Community Breastfeeding Peer support ‘Little Angels’ £1,200.

2006: Weight monitoring in infants and young children. Review for NICE - DH (Sachs M and Dykes F), DH. £4,363.

2005: Consultancy contract for Public Health Collaborating Centre for Maternal & Child Nutrition (funded by NICE), University of York. Project: Practitioner review and ratification of NICE Breastfeeding guidelines: £4,500.

2003: Synthesis of ~80 DH funded infant feeding projects. DH funded Competitive tender. Dykes F (PI) £20,000.

  • Dykes F (2005) Government funded breastfeeding peer support projects: Implications for practice. Maternal & Child Nutrition 1, 21-31.
  • Dykes F (2003) Infant Feeding Initiative: A Report Evaluating the Breastfeeding Practice Projects 1999-2002. DH, London, UK.

2001: Breastfeeding support: targeting adolescents. Competitive DH funded research grant. Dykes F and Hall Moran V. £20,000 (£5,000 additional funding from UCLAN).

  • Hall Moran V, Dykes F, Burt S, Shuck C (2006) Breastfeeding support for adolescents: similarities and differences in the approach of midwives and qualified breastfeeding supporters. International Breastfeeding Journal 1, 23.
  • Hall Moran V, Dykes F, Edwards J, Burt S, Whitmore M (2005) An evaluation of the breastfeeding support skills of midwives and voluntary breastfeeding supporters using the Breastfeeding Support Skills Tool (BeSST). Maternal & Child Nutrition 1, 241-249.
  • Hall Moran V, Dykes F, Edwards J, Burt S, Whitmore M (2005) An evaluation of the breastfeeding support skills of midwives and voluntary breastfeeding supporters using the Breastfeeding Support Skills Tool (BeSST). Maternal & Child Nutrition 1, 241-249.
  • Dykes F, Hall Moran V, Burt S, Edwards J, Whitmore M (2003) Adolescent mothers and breastfeeding – experiences and support needs: an exploratory study. Journal of Human Lactation 19, 391-401.