Research Re-start
UT Austin has approved in-person research study visits to restart beginning September 23, 2020. The Widen Lab will continue to conduct some research activities remotely and virtually, but has also worked to adjust our protocols so that both our team members and research participants will be safe.
We will be following the procedures listed below:
- Complete daily symptom surveys and participate in proactive community testing
- Disinfect all surfaces and equipment before and after use
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment (includes gloves and medical grade surgical masks)
- Getting vaccinated for COVID-19
We ask our participants to do the following:
- Complete symptom screening surveys the day before and the day of a study visit
- Sign an informed consent form and complete a COVID-19 history/vaccination form
If you would like more information about the COVID-19 vaccines, please visit https://www.austintexas.gov/covid19-vaccines
COVID-19 Resources
The COVID-19 pandemic has upended “normal life” and the Widen Lab recognizes that families with little ones are navigating several major life events all at once: welcoming and adjusting to life with a baby, a pandemic, and societal and social changes and discussions that are happening in our communities. So, we have put together a list of resources that may help people manage or cope with these changes, or just provide some extra information on a variety of topics:
| Resource | Infant Related | Child & Teen
Related |
Maternal Health Related | COVID-19
Related |
Description |
| American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) | X | X | COVID-19 recommendations and information about the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for individuals are, or are planning to be, pregnant or lactating. | ||
| Postpartum Support International | X | Resources on mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. | |||
| University of Illinois at Chicago COVID-19 Tool Kit | X | X | X | Includes multiple videos, articles, and tips on how to stay physically and mentally well during COVID. | |
| American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | X | X | X | Includes tips for parents to help families deal with challenges related to COVID-19, such as decreased social interactions and doing school at home. | |
| City of Austin | X | X | X | X | Has links for multiple assistance programs, free virtual entertainment, and community wellness programs. |
| Mental Health America | X | X | X | Has ways to learn more about maintaining maternal mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. | |
| Pregnancy and Postpartum Health Alliance Texas |
X | X | Local organization that has resources on perinatal mental health for parents in the Central Texas area, as well as links to multiple virtual support groups. | ||
| American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Parenting | X | X | X | X | Has information for parents on precautions and current recommendations to ensure that children stay safe and healthy. |
| American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology (ACOG) | X | X | X | Includes information on COVID-19 and best practices during pregnancy, baby’s birth, and the postpartum period. | |
| American College of Obstetricians and Gynecology (ACOG) | X | X | Conversation guide for patients and health care providers to talk about the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. | ||
| Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics | X | X | X | Has tips for food safety during COVID-19, tips for cooking at home, and information about programs that increase food access. | |
| UT Health-Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Clinic | X | X | Information about a clinic that is part of UT Health Austin that specializes in helping moms and moms-to-be deal with challenges. | ||
| UT Health-Women’s Reproductive Mental Health Information Bulletins | X | Has links to bulletins on different topics related to pregnancy and postpartum. | |||
| Center for Mindful Self-Compassion | X | X | X | Article on ways you can be kind to yourself during challenging times. | |
| The MamAttorney | X | Resources compiled by an employment attorney to help answer common questions about employment and COVID-19. | |||
| Help for Parents Hope for Kids | X | X | X | Includes tips on how to handle having children at home and ways to handle different challenges parents may face with kids of different ages and information on where people can access baby supplies. |
If you are a participant in one of our studies, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about anything included on this list.
This list of resources is not static and we may add any other resources over time. Additionally, this list is not an exhaustive list of available resources for pregnant and postpartum individuals and their families. If you think we should consider adding to our list of resources, please feel free to reach out and let us know.
