Microbiome and the first 1000 days of life

The project

Researchers at Curtin want to create a resource to help mums and babies stay healthy by looking after the gut microbiome (the helpful bacteria that live in our bodies).

The project will focus on the first 1000 days of a baby’s life, which is when these bacteria are developing. It will look at things like pregnancy, birth, feeding, antibiotics, and the baby’s early environment to see how they affect the gut health of the baby.

The project aims to create a resource that will empower pregnant women so they can make informed choices to help their baby grow up healthier and lower their chances of getting long‑term illnesses like allergies, obesity, autoimmune diseases, gut problems, or learning and development issues.

The involvement opportunity

The research team are looking for pregnant women and mothers of children under two to help them refine the resource. They want to hear about their experiences of pregnancy and being a mother to a young child, so they can best design the resource for clarity and impact.

Skills and experience

The research team are looking for 2 women who are pregnant, as well as 6 mothers who have babies aged up to 24 months old. This opportunity is open to first time mothers and mothers who have had subsequent pregnancies.

You need to be living within the Midland catchment area. Pregnant women need to be receiving antenatal care through with Midland Public Hospital.

Other information

This opportunity will involve meetings in May, July and October 2026. The first meeting will go for no longer than 90 minutes and subsequent meetings no longer than 60 minutes.

There may be the opportunity to continue your involvement beyond this commitment, subject to funding

The meetings will be held at Midland Hospital

An honorarium of $37.50/hour will be offered

Applications close April 30 2026