Hi, (X-posted)
I'd really appreciate anyone's thoughts on this or experiences if anyone has participated in something like this before.
www.mrc-hnr.cam.ac.uk/working-with-us/national-infant-diet-and-health-study.html
I received a letter to take part today as my baby boy is just four months and so within the age range. The letter is a lot lighter on info than the website (no mention of blood tests/ measuring breastmilk and urine output there!)and my first thought was that I might do it thinking it would involve a quick chat with someone and given that my baby is so young he's only on breastmilk so it would all be pretty painless.
That is clearly not the case from the website but the measurment of breastmilk output thing bothered me - I've emailed them to ask how they propose to collate this but as far as I'm aware there is no possible way to accurately establishing this (even if they got someone to express it wouldn't necessarily be a true indication of milk transfer). I also think it could have very negative consequences for some mothers if breastfeeding.
The more I've read the more I think I say No Thanks after all but I'd really like to hear anyone's thoughts about it.
Thanks!
Tara.