BC Rural & Remote Health Research Network

Rebecca Stanley is a student in her third year of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo, British Columbia. Since the birth of her daughter Gabriella in 2006, Rebecca has become passionate about the need for additional breastfeeding support in her community. In August 2007, Rebecca and Karyn-Grace Clarke, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), embarked on a research project to explore the breastfeeding experiences of 10 women in the community from the third trimester of pregnancy until weaning. Part I of the study, entitled Exploring the Breastfeeding Experience through the Lactation Management Model PART I: Antenatal Perceptions and Expectations, received funding through a Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) Health Professional Student Research Award (HPSRA).

In Rebecca’s opinion, the process of applying for a student CIHR award was quite straightforward and reasonable. The most difficult part of the initial process was the ethical review, which was very detailed and time consuming; however Rebecca appreciates the fact that this process forced her to look more closely at many aspects of the proposed research and she feels that the study was ultimately strengthened because of it.
 
The most rewarding aspect of conducting research has been the opportunity to hear the stories and perspectives of the women in the study. In addition, Rebecca has received significant support from VIU Faculty, especially Lynn Rollison who is supervising the research and has provided Rebecca with a tremendous amount of guidance and encouragement. Rebecca believes that conducting research as a student is an excellent way to develop strong research and writing skills in a supportive environment. The most challenging side of conducting research has been balancing school work, family, and research deadlines.

Rebecca and Karyn-Grace are still involved in research with the 10 women in the study and are currently working on the data analysis phase of Part II: The Breastfeeding Experience. Part II of the study received additional funding through another CIHR HPSRA in August 2008.