Project summary:
Military-connected families often face additional challenges during pregnancy and early parenthood. This study examines the experiences and support needs of military connected women (non-serving partners) during the perinatal period. This is an ongoing study – data collection begins in September 2026 and will conclude in June 2027.
Research suggests military families face additional perinatal challenges, including poorer maternal mental health and a greater risk of intimate partner violence, alongside the demands of military life such as deployment and frequent relocation. However, little is known about the experiences and support needs of military-connected women in the UK.
This study explores the maternity care experiences of military-connected women who have accessed services within the past two years. Through a survey (n=150), interviews/focus groups (n=50), and three co-design workshops, the project aims to identify unmet support needs and develop practical recommendations to improve maternity care for this community.
This project is funded via a small grant from Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity.
Project team:
Dr Claire Hooks, Associate Professor, Midwifery and Women’s Health – also affiliated to ARU’s Health and Care Research Centre
Stephanie Roberson, Infant feeding specialist midwife – East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (NHS)
Dr Susan Walker, Associate Professor, Contraceptive, Reproductive and Sexual Health – also affiliated to the HCRC
