Researchers are investigating the support available to new mums in Melbourne’s west.

Victoria University’s Dr Carolyn Deans said the project would investigate the options available to mothers who felt they were struggling to cope.

She said they would specifically focus on postnatal depression, which is a common mental illness affecting both mother and baby.

“Postnatal depression interferes with a mother’s ability to enjoy – and give joy – to her baby in the important period after birth,” Dr Deans said. “It can also affect a mum’s ability to get the support she needs to make the transition to being a mother.”

Dr Dean said experts know the first year of a baby’s life is both a stressful and extremely important time, making it crucial to understand what support exists for new mums and how effective they are.

Mothers with a baby under 12 months of age who live in Brimbank, Wyndham, Melton and Moonee Valley may be eligible to participate.

Half of the women in the study will be given access to free group therapy for depression, a gold standard treatment that most women find helpful. Participants allocated to this group attend a therapy group in their local area, with free childcare while they attend.

 “This research study does not replace treatment or care; rather, it looks at the options women in western Melbourne have when they have postnatal difficulties and the impact of those options for support on their lives,” she said. “It is being run in cooperation with Maternal and Child Health Nurses, focusing on the options for referral that Nurses commonly use.”

Dr Deans said by participating in this study mums could find out more about available services but also help other women in western Melbourne as the project findings will be reported back to government.

This project is being conducted by Dr Carolyn Deans at Victoria University and Professor Anne Buist at The University of Melbourne.

If you would like information about the trial please contact Dr Deans on 03 9919 2334 or visit the website at www.mumsandbubsmelbourne.wordpress.com  

A select group of students have spent three weeks researching and designing innovative cricket products during a study tour in Sheffield, England.

The Victoria University sports engineering students collaborated with students from Sheffield Hallam University and equipment manufacturer B3 Cricket.

The students were split into two groups: one to design better fitting and more light weight batting pads and the other using sensor technology to determine where the bat connected with the ball for manufacturing purposes. At the end of the three weeks, the students presented their projects to key members of the B3 Cricket development team.

Sports Engineering course coordinator, Dr Daniel Lai, said the project gave students an opportunity to work with a commercial client in researching, designing and producing a creative and potentially marketable design solution for the company.

He said with the success of this study tour in its second year, they were now hoping to make it an annual event and cement VU’s relationship with Sheffield Hallam University.

“It’s such an excellent opportunity for the students to broaden their education and research experience and get a real taste of a career in sports equipment design to consider after graduating as a sports engineer,” Dr Lai said.

The group of second-year students included Georgie Bevan, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Glen Charlton, Kaitlyn Waldie, Edward Carr and Josh Hocking with lecturer Tony Elgueta.

Each student received a stipend of $2,000 to contribute towards the study tour, sponsored by Victoria University International Study Abroad and the College of Engineering and Science.