Local nurse, Debbie Scully, who is both working on, and taking part in, Southampton’s pioneering Women’s Survey, has just given birth to a baby boy. Debbie, whose pregnancy was monitored as part of the study, gave birth to Jeremiah at the Princess Anne Hospital.

The Southampton Women’s Survey is studying 20,000 women in the city, aged 20-34, to assess their health, diets and lifestyles. Those who subsequently become pregnant, receive extra scans and the growth of their babies is related to their own health prior to pregnancy.

Debbie is the first mum on the Survey to be presented with a special bib for her baby from the Survey team. The specially designed bibs, donated by Babyneeds Nursery Centre in Bitterne, will be given to all the babies born to women taking part in the Survey. ‘I am delighted both to be working on and be part of, such an exciting study, which is so important for the health of women today and for future generations,’ said Debbie. ‘I also really appreciated the extra scans offered to pregnant women in the survey since it let me see my baby growing. And the bib is a lovely gesture.’

Survey co-ordinator Dr Hazel Inskip commented: ‘We are very grateful to Debbie and all the women participating in this study. They are giving us very valuable data, which will help improve the health of women and children in the future. Babyneeds has been very generous in donating the bibs and we are pleased to be able to give the mothers something to say “thankyou” for helping us in this important survey.’