Clare Maxwell
Public and Allied Health
Faculty of Health
Email: C.Maxwell@ljmu.ac.uk
Telephone: 0151 904 1074
I am a Reader in Maternal and Infant Health and a Registered Midwife. My areas of interest include Infant Feeding, Midwifery Education and Conscientious Objection to Abortion. I am currently undertaking funded research around these areas and collaborating with a number of midwifery colleagues across Europe (France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Latvia). I am interested in research methodology, in particular mixed methods, qualitative and online research methods and I am joint lead for the ARCNW NIHR Qualitative Research Sub-group. My research aligns with a varied audience including health professionals, academic staff (in a number of European countries), ethicists, students and service users and it has been cited globally.
I have led/been involved in a number of service/project evaluations across Cheshire and Merseyside, including the 'Holding Time' breastfeeding project, the PSS 'Growing Together' programme, Everton in the Community 'Dads Club' and a Joint Service Needs Assessment of Maternity Services.
I supervise a number of Masters and PhD students, all who are undertaking work related (directly or indirectly) to Maternal and Infant health. I also teach across a number of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and led the LJMU UNICEF BFI Gold award for the Midwifery programme. In line with this, I also led the successful LJMU application for the Liverpool BAMBIS Mayoral award, establishing breastfeeding/expressing rooms and spaces across LJMU. This was recognised at the Patient Experience National Awards (2022) where I was a finalist in relation to my submission of 'Making LJMU a Breastfeeding Friendly University’.
I am a Florence Nightingale Scholar having been awarded the Florence Nightingale Scholarship to undertake my MSc and a former WHO Technical Advisor for Maternal and Infant health (UKHSA).
Degrees
LJMU, United Kingdom, PhD
Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom, MSc
Certifications
Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, PGCert in HE
Academic appointments
Reader In Maternal and Infant Health, Midwifery, Liverpool John Moores University, 2023 - present
Senior Lecturer Midwifery, Midwifery, Liverpool John Moores University, 2004 - 2023
Journal article
Maxwell C, Robinson A, Donaghy-Binks P, Fleming V. 2024. A qualitative evaluation of a student midwife placement teaching English to speakers of other languages (ESOL) European Journal of Midwifery, 8 :1-8 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Fleming V, Maxwell C, Hanlon C, Robb Y, Vermeulen J, Dobrowolska B. 2024. To participate or not to participate: The troublesome question of nurses' conscientious objection to abortion: A qualitative study Journal of Advanced Nursing, :1-11 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Ali M, Fleming V, Maxwell C. 2024. Emerging trends in research on perineal trauma management: A bibliometric analysis of articles published since 1985 Midwifery, 134 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Fleming V, Frith L, Maxwell C. 2024. Understanding the extent of and limitations to conscientious objection to abortion by health care practitioners: A hermeneutic study. Cioffi A. PLoS One, 19 :1-14 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Self B, Maxwell C, Fleming V. 2023. The missing voices in the conscientious objection debate: British service users' experiences of conscientious objection to abortion BMC Medical Ethics, 24 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Maxwell C, Hudson T, Lotto R. 2023. Key changes in the cardiovascular system during uncomplicated pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period: an overview British Journal of Cardiac Nursing, 18 :1-4 DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Maxwell C, Fleming V, Porcellato LA. 2023. Why have a bottle when you can have draught? Exploring bottle refusal by breastfed babies. Maternal & Child Nutrition, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Ramsayer B, Maxwell C, Fleming V. 2022. Qualitative Studie aus Großbritannien zum Schwangerschaftsabbruch (Qualitative study from the UK on abortion. Midwives respect and support each other) Habammen, Publisher Url Public Url
Ramsayer B, Maxwell C, Fleming V. 2022. Vier Beusche in sechs Wochen Habammen, 9 :84-91 Publisher Url Public Url
Maxwell C, Ramsayer B, Fleming V. 2022. It's about finding a balance…exploring conscientious objection to abortion with UK midwives Midwifery, 112 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Maxwell C, McKendrick J, Hanlon C, Penson P, Fleming V. 2021. Exploring pharmacists' views surrounding conscientious objection to abortion and implications in practice. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Maxwell C, Ramsayer B, Hanlon C, McKendrick J, Fleming V. 2020. Examining Researchers’ Pre-Understandings as a Part of the Reflexive Journey in Hermeneutic Research International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 19 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Maxwell C, Fleming KM, Fleming V, Porcellato L. 2020. UK mothers' experiences of bottle refusal by their breastfed baby. Maternal and Child Nutrition, :e13047-e13047 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Fleming V, Maxwell C, Ramsayer B. 2020. Accommodating conscientious objection in the midwifery workforce: a ratio-data analysis of midwives, birth and late abortions in 18 European countries in 2016. Human Resources for Health, 18 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Harris J, Germain J, Maxwell C, Mackay S. 2020. The Ethical Implications of Collecting Data from Online Health Communities SAGE Research Methods Cases: Medicine and Health, DOI Publisher Url Public Url
Spiby H, Sheen KS, Collinge S, Maxwell C, Pollard K, Slade P. 2018. Preparing midwifery students for traumatic workplace events: findings from the poppy (programme for the prevention of posttraumatic stress disorder in midwifery) feasibility study Nurse Education Today, 71 :226-232 DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Germain J, Harris J, Mackay S, Maxwell C. 2017. Why Should We Use Online Research Methods? Four Doctoral Health Student Perspectives Qualitative Health Research, DOI Author Url Publisher Url Public Url
Sprawson E, Maxwell C. EXPECTANT MANAGEMENT FOR PREMATURE PRE-LABOUR RUPTURE OF MEMBRANES 34-36+6 WEEKS A RETURN TO MIDWIFERY-LED CARE MIDIRS Midwifery Digest, 27 :191-197 Publisher Url
Maxwell C. Grand Designs: Students’ use of a ‘Room Planner App’ as a learning tool. Working Papers in the Health Sciences,
Maxwell C. • A Reflexive Exploration of Researcher Pre-Understandings in Hermeneutic Research Publisher Url
Poster
O'Connor S, Hayes JA, Maxwell C, Foster S. 2024. Exploring the challenges associated with the doctoral journey specific to mental health Institute of Mental Health Research Day 2024 Author Url Public Url
O'Connor S, Hayes JA, Maxwell C, Foster S. 2024. Capturing the Student Experience of the Doctoral Journey Postgraduate Research Festival LJMU Author Url Public Url
O'Connor S, Hayes JA, Maxwell C, Foster S. 2024. LJMU Faculty Health PGR Research Day - Capturing the Student Experience of the Doctoral Journey LJMU Faculty Health PGR Research Day Author Url Public Url
Sprawson E, Maxwell C. 2016. Women’s experiences of satisfaction with birth following induction of labour for postdates pregnancy: an interpretive phenomenological study Royal College Of Midwives Conference, Harrogate
Maxwell C. 2016. Bottle refusal by breastfed babies: A mixed methods study exploring mother’s experiences and the support they receive Royal Colle of Midwives Conference
Maxwell C. 2016. An online questionnaire investigating bottle refusal by breastfed babies Liverpool John Moores Research Conference
Maxwell C. 2016. I loved Breastfeeding but..... A UK online survey of mothers' experiences of bottle refusal Liverpool John Moores University, Faculty Research Conference
Maxwell C. 2015. Grand Designs: a study of student midwives’ use of a room planner App to create a birthing environment Royal College Midwives Conference
Report
Maxwell C, Porcellato L, Hanlon C, Fleming V. 2024. An evaluation of the PSS Growing Together parent-baby relationship service and Everton in the Community’s Starting Well Dads Club 2024 An evaluation of the PSS Growing Together parent-baby relationship service and Everton in the Community’s Starting Well Dads Club :1-42
Maxwell C, Mahdi A. 2023. An Evaluation of the Holding Time Breastfeeding Project: Cheshire and Merseyside 2023 Publisher Url Public Url
Weber K, Porcellato LA, Fleming V, Maxwell C. 2023. Joint Maternity Services Needs Assessment Cheshire and Merseyside 2022 Public Url
Conference publication
Maxwell C. 2023. Your wish is my command: Developing an employer-led advanced clinical practice masters apprenticeship programme for midwives Eur J Midwifery 2023;7(Supplement 1):A182, European Midwives Association 7 DOI Publisher Url
preprint
Self B, Maxwell C, Fleming V. 2023. The Missing Voices in the Conscientious Objection Debate: UK Service Users’ Experiences of Conscientious Objection to Abortion. Research Square DOI Publisher Url
Fleming V, Maxwell C, Ramsayer B. 2020. Accommodating conscientious objection in the midwifery workforce: a ratio-data analysis of midwives, birth and late abortions in 18 European countries in 2016 Research Square DOI Publisher Url
Dataset
Fleming V, Maxwell C, Morecroft C. 2021. Understanding the extent of and limitations to conscientious objection by health care practitioners to abortion DOI Public Url
Fleming V, Maxwell C, Hanlon C, McKendrick J. Understanding the extent of and limitations to conscientious objection by health care practitioners to abortion: interview data Publisher Url
Thesis/Dissertation
Maxwell C. 2019. A mixed methods study exploring UK mothers' experiences of bottle refusal by their breastfed baby Porcellato L, Fleming V, Kane R. Public Url
Conference organisation:
ARC NWC MIDAS Qualitative Sub-Group Networking Event July 2024, Co-lead of Sub-Group, Joint organiser of conference event. 2024
International Conference 'Diabetes and Pregnancy' Saint Mary's Hospital Manchester, Organiser, presenter. 2003
Research Grants Awarded:
Liverpool John Moores University, A scoping review of infant feeding methods outside of breast and bottle for term healthy babies up to 1 year old, Kathryn Bould, Christelle Keacher, Grant value (£): 2850, Duration of research project: 6 weeks. 2024
Liverpool Jonh Moores University, Addressing Black Maternal Health Outcomes through Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Decolonising the LJMU Midwifery Curriculum through understanding historical context, Dr. Andrea Livesey, Grant value (£): 6000 (approx), Duration of research project: 6 months. 2023
Liverpool John Moores University, The Breast bottle in the world? Investigating the evidence around bottles and teats marketed for breastfeeding, Grant value (£): 3500, Duration of research project: 5 months. 2023
Liverpool John Moores University, The student midwife online global buddy study, Professor Valerie Fleming, Grant value (£): 10,000, Duration of research project: 9 months. 2022
British Academy, Clarifying the confusion surrounding conscientious objection to abortion, Valerie Fleming LJMU, Grant value (£): 9333.90, Duration of research project: 6 months. 2022
Public Health England, Implementation and evaluation of a child weight e-learning toolkit (HealthyWEY) for maternity and health visiting workforces, Watson, P M, Foweather, L, Maxwell C, Porcellato, L, Timpson H, Harrison J, Wolfenden B, Isaac N, Bradbury D, Abayomi J, Hassan S, Chisholm A, Nugent M, Grant value (£): 105042.31, Duration of research project: 9 months. 2021
NIHR, Exploring alternative ways to feed a health breastfed baby breastmilk, Valerie Fleming, Grant value (£): 250.00. 2020
Liverpool PCT, 2 Day Breastfeeding Training & Updates, Una Goodall, Grant value (£): 20,000. 2011
Conference presentation:
The breast bottle in the world? Exploring the marketing and advertising of bottles and teats developed for breastfeeding, iHV Evidence-based Practice Conference – A Healthier Future, Kings House Conference Centre Manchester, Oral, https://events.ihv.org.uk/w/event/65ca0ff16b5c905290da812e?page_id=65ca0ff5be45092e221a29eb. 2024
Conscientious Objection (CO) to Abortion in UK Healthcare Practice: Is it fair?’, Institute of Medical Ethics National conference, Institute of Medical Ethics, Horizon Centre, Leeds, Oral presentation. 2023
Conscientous objection to abortion: polarising the field of women's health, Oxford Global Health and Bioethics International Conference, University of Oxford, Oral presentation. 2023
Is conscientious objection to abortion really a problem?, Oxford Global Health and Bioethics International Conference, Univdrsity of Oxford, Oral, https://www.ethox.ox.ac.uk/events/oxford-global-health-and-bioethics-international-conference. 2023
Its about finding a balance: UK midwives views on conscientious objection to abortion, All Ireland Maternity and Midwifery Festival, Dublin, Ireland, Oral presentation. 2022
An online questionnaire investigating UK mothers' experiences of bottle refusal by breastfed babies, 9th International Conference on Nutrition and Growth, Virtual, Poster presentation. 2022
Exploring Bottle refusal by breastfed babies, 9th International Conference on Nutrition & Growth. Online., Online, Abstract recording. 2022
UK Mothers' experiences of bottle refusal by their breastfed baby, National institute for health visitors evidence-based practice, online, Oral presentation. 2021
Easing the conflict of conscientious objection to abortion, Liverpool Peace Symposium, Online, Oral presentation. 2021
Expectant Management for Premature Pre-Labour Rupture of Membranes 34-36+6 Weeks: A Return to Midwifery-Led Care, RCM Conference, Harrogate, Poster presentation. 2021
Striving for Perfection: Investigating predictors of stress and anxiety in pre-registration nursing and midwifery students, RCN Education Forum National Conference, Virtual, Oral presentation. 2021
Mothers' experiences of Bottle Refusal by their Breastfed Baby, Royal Society Of Medicine: Maternity and the Newborn . Infant feeding: Polices, politics and best practice, Royal Society Of Medicine: London, Oral presentation. 2018
I loved breastfeeding but…..A UK online survey investigating mothers’ experiences of bottle refusal by their breastfed baby, RCM Conference, Harrogate, Poster presentation. 2016
Grand Designs: a study of student midwives’ use of a room planner App to create a birthing environment, RCM conference, Telford, Poster presentation. 2015
Follow the Yellow Brick Road: setting out on the PHD Journey, LJMU Faculty Research Conference, Oral presentation. 2015
Grand Designs: a study of student midwives’ use of a room planner App to create a birthing environment’, Innovations in Midwifery Education Conference Bournemouth University, Bournemouth University, Oral presentation. 2015
Award:
Vice Chancellor Teaching Excellence Award - University Winner, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion, LJMU. 2024
Vice Chancellor Award for Excellence - Faculty Winner Rising Star, LJMU. 2022
PhD Studentship, Liverpool John Moores Univesrity. 2015
Msc Scholarship, Florence Nightingale Foundation. 2000
Media Coverage:
Interview with 'Consumer Reports', New York, USA re: Bottle refusal by breastfed babies 2024
Interview with Washington Post about my research on bottle refusal by breastfed babies 2023
External PGR examinations performed:
University of Chester, Professional Doctorate, Exploring engagement: A Constructivist grounded theory study of pregnant woman’s engagement with antenatal care health services in rural India. 2023
University of Salford, PhD, Student midwives and international placement learning outcomes: an ethnographic study. 2023
Salford, PhD, Exploring Cultural Competence as a learning outcome of midwifery international placements in Uganda. 2020
University of Salford, PhD, Student midwives and International Placement Learning Outcomes: An ethnographic study. 2020
Other invited event:
East Lancashire Maternity BFI Champions meeting, Online, Presentation of research around bottle refusal by breastfed babies. 2022
Lancashire Health Visitors group, Online, Presenatation of research on: Uk Mothers' experiences of bottle refusal by their breastfed baby. 2021
Lancashire and South Lancs Infant feeding network, online, Presentation of research: UK Mothers' experiences of bottle refusal by breastfed babies. 2021
External committees:
India Birth Network, University of Liverpool, Sanyu Research Centre, Member, https://sanyuresearch.org/indian-birth-network-improving-care-for-all/. 2022
WHO Collaboration Centre, Public Health Nursing and Midwifery, PHE, Technical Advisor, https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/Health-systems/nursing-and-midwifery/partners/who-collaborating-centres/who-collaborating-centre-for-public-health-nursing-and-midwifery. 2018
External PGR Supervision - completed students:
Liverpool John Moores University, PhD, Health Volunteers knowledge of diabetes in Thailand. 2021
External collaboration:
Nursing Research Foundation/ The Finnish Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care: A Joanna Briggs Institute Centre of Excellence / WHO Collaborating Centre for Nursing Asemamiehenkatu 2, 00520 Helsinki, FINLAND, Heidi Parisod and Arja Holopainen,. 2021
Teaching qualification:
Post Graduate Certificate IN Higher Education - Distinction. 2006
Membership of professional bodies:
Registered Midwife, Nursing and Midwifery Council. 1996