Can family members observe sessions?
Unfortunately, we do not allow family or friends to accompany you into sessions, including ultrasounds. However, a friend or partner may join you for the consent process at your first session, when you will hear about our study and what participation will involve. After that, they will be asked to spend the remainder of the session in our waiting room.
Friends and family cannot observe the ultrasound session. You will receive photos and a DVD copy of your ultrasound to keep, so that you can share with friends and family at home.
Do you provide child care?
If absolutely necessary, we can provide child care for a visit that takes place at our study centers. We kindly ask for 24 hours’ notice. We cannot promise care for last-minute requests.
What if I don’t have transportation to your location?
We would be happy to arrange for an Uber or taxi to pick you up and drop you off to any of our study sessions. Just let us know ahead of time! Taxis with car seats are also available for you to bring your infant to our postpartum sessions.
Will my information be confidential?
A Certificate of Confidentiality (CoC) issued by the NIH covers this research. A CoC helps protect your identifiable information and biological samples. A CoC protects your private information from all legal proceedings. Unless you consent, information from this research study that identifies you will not be shared outside this research.
- No one can be forced to share your identifiable information or biological samples for a lawsuit.
- Your information can't be used as evidence even if there is a court subpoena.
Who should I contact when I’m on my way to the hospital to deliver?
You can contact 401-632-9129 to alert staff that you are on your way to the hospital to deliver.
What will the session with my newborn baby be like?
We will complete two infant exams, 1 about one day after birth, in the hospital, and another about one month after birth, usually at your home. These sessions are about 2 hours long.
The session includes a 25-minute neurobehavioral exam, similar to the type a pediatrician would conduct with your baby. This exam includes: looking at the baby’s reactions during sleep, waking up your baby to see how s/he likes to be held and soothed, examining how your baby pays attention to things like a ball, rattle, and the examiner’s face and voice, looking at the baby’s muscle tone, movements, and activity.
After the exam, we will observe the baby’s state (for example, sleeping, alert, and awake) for up to 40 minutes and may also ask you to complete a few surveys, and take samples of your baby’s saliva and/or urine.
What will the session with my 6-month-old be like?
When your baby is 6 months old, you will be invited back to our offices for a 2-hour session with your baby. During this session, we will see how your baby responds to a variety of different situations designed to mirror everyday tasks, such as seeing a new toy, playing with blocks, being restrained in a high chair, responding to changes in your facial expression, and to the presence of a person they do not know. We will also observe you playing with your baby and changing his/her clothes and diaper.
Who should i contact if I have questions?
Feel free to contact 401-286-6139 via text or call with any questions at all.
Will I be compensated?
You will receive an e-gift card upon completion of each session or cash if you prefer.
How long will the session take?
Sessions range in timing. The contact for each study will let you know what to expect based upon which study you are a part of.
Where will the ultrasound take place?
Ultrasound appointments take place at the Brown Center for Children, located at 50 Holden St, Providence, RI. If applicable, we will also remind you of this, and give you directions to the center as that appointment draws closer.
What do I do if I need to reschedule?
Feel free to contact 401-286-6139 via text or call and any staff member would be happy to reschedule your appointment.
Is my parking paid for?
Yes! We will provide you with a parking validation ticket at each session, with the exception of the Brown Center for Children appointment, where parking is free.
Can I ask for a home visit?
Unfortunately, due to COVID, we are not offering home visits at this time.