[MomtoLeesi]

Hi folks! This is cross-posted in the May 2012 DDC that I am apart of. Just thought to post it here too:

I just signed up for the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Study and I am super excited about it. I heard about it from a girl I used to volunteer with before I became pregnant and just decided to call today. Thought I would share the info here in case anyone is interested.

It is looking at allergens and asthma in infants and children. It is the first of its kind (at least in Canada). It follows you over the course of your pregnancy with 1 appointment (blood sample, breathing test, and questionnaires), and then at the birth they collect a meconium sample and cord blood sample. I asked about if that will be a problem as we want to delay cord clamping and they said no. Then three months later, they come visit your home and take a diaper sample and breastfeeding sample if you breastfeed. Then another appointment at 1 year, 3 year, and 5 year point.

I wanted to join because as a Master's student I think it's really important to be apart of stuff like this if you agree with the principles ethically and everything is sound. Butttt she also told me that they are giving an honorarium- $500! This is spread over $100 gift certificate amounts to Walmart or Superstore (your preference) over your visits. The amount/gift certificate place might be different across Canada, I don't know though.

Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised about the honorarium and my first appointment will probably be at 14 weeks.

If you want more info, here is the website:

Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development Study: Home

Note: I hope no one thinks this is trolling or soliciting or whatever. I promise it isn't! I am not affiliated with the study AT ALL and just wanted to pass it on to you ladies in case anyone else is interested.