Our Projects
With Lab brings together researchers, health professionals and community partners to work across a range of projects that aim to improve care for women, mothers and babies. Each project focuses on a different part of the care journey, but they are all connected by a shared goal - to listen to lived experience, use strong evidence, and create practical changes that make a real difference. Together, these projects help us understand what matters most and how services can better support families.
MyTIME Clinical Trial
The MyTIME clinical trial is a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study led by Curtin University that is investigating whether taking melatonin from 39 weeks of pregnancy can help first-time mothers go into labour naturally and reduce the need for induction of labour. Around 530 women are taking either melatonin or a placebo each night until birth, with researchers also examining effects on sleep and blood glucose. The study aims to provide a safe, evidence-based way to support spontaneous labour and improve birth experiences.
Sweet Mum + Baby Study
The SWEET mum + baby study is a major research project examining the impact of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) on both mothers and their newborns by comparing outcomes among babies born to women with GDM, those who tested negative, and those who declined screening.
With GDM affecting about one in six pregnancies in Australia and its incidence rapidly increasing, the study explores how GDM and decisions around screening influence perinatal health outcomes, including birth complications, infant health risks, feeding practices, and long-term vulnerability to chronic conditions. The findings are aimed at guiding improvements in antenatal screening, care and early intervention strategies to better support the health of at-risk mothers and their babies.
Measuring What Matters to Australian Mothers (MMAMs)
Measuring what Matters to Australian Mothers (MMAMs) is a national research project in Australia focused on developing the first consumer co-designed Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) and Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) specifically for maternity care. By engaging women who have experienced pregnancy, birth and early motherhood alongside healthcare professionals, the study aims to identify and validate the outcomes and experiences that matter most to those receiving care, creating practical tools that can guide improvements in the quality, safety and person-centredness of maternity services across the country. These measures will support consistent evaluation of maternity care from the mother’s perspective, helping to benchmark performance and drive meaningful enhancements across services and systems.
BEACON Study
This descriptive, cross-sectional study will be conducted nationally employing an anonymous online survey designed to collect quantitative and qualitative data aligned from 300+ Endorsed Midwives.
With Lab PhD Program of Research
Our PhD students are undertaking innovative research projects focused on improving women’s health outcomes across the reproductive life course. Their work spans key areas including early pregnancy, abortion care, mental health and wellbeing, pregnancy and sleep, postpartum care, and rural maternity sustainability. Using a range of methodological approaches and working closely with clinical and community partners, their research aims to generate meaningful evidence to inform policy and practice, ultimately improving care and outcomes for women and families.