Spotlight on sleep

Any new parent understands the importance of sleep, for both babies and their parents. 

GenV field team member in East Gippsland, Leanne Clothier, regularly has conversations with new parents with sleep being the number one topic they have questions about. 

“In addition to my role with GenV at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service, I regularly meet new parents in my other role as a qualified midwife, and unsurprisingly sleep (and addressing the lack thereof!) is usually the top priority.” 

“Support for parents around sleep during the newborn phase is critical. Parents are regularly seeking information, which is why I started an online directory as a place where parents could access details for baby and toddler sleep consultants, as well as find articles to support sleep routines and health for parents during the busy and tiring newborn phase.”

“I recommend families trust information on sleep routines and tired signs in babies from organisations including the Raising Children’s Network, The Royal Children’s Hospital and the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.”

Leanne joined the GenV team earlier this year and is enjoying the opportunity to sign up local families to the project. 

“I am very excited that so many families from East Gippsland have been eager to join GenV, particularly those from our remote and rural communities. Their participation is helping GenV become truly representative of Victorians and will help future researchers address common child and adult health problems,” she said.