Summer research ideas

[APMomOfKimmyN-Maya]

If you could be funded for a summer research project with opportunity to publish a report in a university book what would your topic be?

I am in to natural mothering, waterbirth, breastfeeding, attachment parenting, nutrition, etc..... I have been funded for a summer 2010 research project on a topic of my choice. it is hard to narrow it down to something practical and meaningful.

[staceychev]

What is your academic background, ie, your credentials? That will help dictate what you choose, won't it?

I think that natural mothering, while a fantastic concept, seems a bit broad for a research project. Breastfeeding, unless you're a scientist, might be a little too difficult on the metrics.

What questions do YOU want to answer? I always think that's a good way to go about research.

[Icehockey18]

I'm not sure how you would do this in one summer, but I would be curious if there is a difference between breastfed babies and those receiving bm from a bottle ( mom's pumped milk). I don't know what differences you would look for, but maybe look at the emotional benefits of bf'ing and see if those are met by bottle feeding bm, or if it is nursing that gives the benefits (closeness to mom, hormones, heartbeat, etc. ...).
Or another topic could be related to stress. I know you can measure cortisol levels in saliva so maybe you could test the possible benefit to baby wearing. Maybe have babies worn all day vs. Those with mom, but not in contact. See if babies are less stressed if they are in physical contact all day. If something like that has already been done then maybe you can do the same experiment but with different ages. Ie 1 mo, 2 mo, 4mo, 6, 9, a year, and see if there is a differences, and if it correlates with mobility.
Anyway.... If you don't like those I'm sure I could come up with more! And I would be curious of your results!