List Of Mother and Baby Units UK: mother and baby unit near me
If you are a mother with a young child and are experiencing serious mental health problems, it can be difficult to know where to turn. This is why mother and baby units (MBUs) exist–they provide a safe and supportive environment for mothers and their babies, where both can receive the care they need. In this blog post, we will list all of the Mother and Baby Units in the UK. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of these units.
What Is A Mother And Baby Unit?
A MBU is a place that provides a specialist in-patient service for woman who develop mental health problems after the birth of their child. Your local Perinatal Mental Health Service runs them.
MBU’s are designed to keep mothers and babies together. As it is important for mum and baby to not be separated. The mother can keep her baby with her to aid recovery and increase bonding. These units provide a safe and supportive environment for both new mothers and their babies, where they can receive the care they need.
Usually they treat mums with bipolar disorder, severe postpartum depression (postnatal depression), or postpartum psychosis as well as other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
What Happens In A Mother And Baby Unit?
The focus of a MBU is on your mental health and recovery, as well as the bonding and attachment between you and your new baby too.
You will receive support from mental health professionals, as well as other mothers in the unit. You will also have access to your baby at all times, which is important for bonding and attachment.
You will be able to participate in group therapy, individual therapy, and other activities, such as parenting groups. These support groups provide a great opportunity to meet other mothers in similar situations and to share your experiences.
- You will go through admissions, a doctor will provide you with an inpatient assessment of your mental illness.
- They provide each mum with their own bedroom and private bathroom. There is also a cot for your baby.
- They will provide you with drugs to help with the symptoms you are experiencing.
- Other forms of psychiatric care may include talking and congenital behavioural therapy.
- You will receive help and support from a member of staff 24/7 until you’re well enough to go home with your baby.
- They will offer you help with developing a relationship with your baby, as many women with a mental illness find this difficult.
- There are visiting times for your family members and friends to visit you and offer you support and reassurance.
- They can also offer support and advice to family and friends about how to help you with your recovery once you’re home.
How Can I Get Referred To A MBU?
If you are struggling to cope with your mental health and feel like you need some extra support, speak to your GP. They will be able to assess your needs and refer you to an MBU if they think it would be beneficial.
You can also self-refer by contacting an MBU directly. However, most units prefer referrals to come through a GP or other health professional.
If you are not sure whether an MBU is right for you, there are other types of support available, such as specialist perinatal mental health services, community mental health teams, and crisis teams.
Your GP should be able to advise you on the best course of action and signpost you to the most appropriate service.
Why Do People Go To Mother And Baby Units?
Mother and baby units are specialized inpatient units for mothers who are experiencing severe mental health issues during the perinatal period (which includes pregnancy and the first year after birth). The primary advantage of these units for women is that they allow the mother to receive the necessary psychiatric care while remaining with her baby, which can be beneficial for both the mother’s and the baby’s well-being.
Can You Visit A Mother And Baby Unit?
Visitation policies will vary depending on the specific unit and its regulations. Close family members might be allowed to visit, but there will probably be guidelines in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients and their babies. It’s essential to check with the specific unit regarding their visitation policy.
How Long Do You Stay In A Mother And Baby Unit?
The length of stay in a mother and baby unit varies depending on the mother’s individual needs and the severity of her mental health issues. Some mothers might only need a short stay of a few days, while others might require several weeks. The primary goal is to stabilize the mother’s mental health and ensure that both she and her baby are safe and well before discharge.
Where Are Mother And Baby Units Located?
Below is a complete list of all the MBUs in the UK. Find your nearest unit along with contact details, address and links to their web page.
If you require further information on any of these MBU’s, please contact them directly or speak to your Health Visitor and or GP. These health professionals are here to help you get better, not judge you or take your baby from you.
If you think someone requires immediate help as they are a danger to themselves or their child, please telephone the emergency services number. (for the UK, this is 999).
Mother And Baby Unit Near Me
Yorkshire and Humber MBU
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS2 9LN
Beadnell Mother & Baby Unit, Morpeth
Morpeth
NE61 2NU
Number of beds: 6
Brockington Mother & Baby Unit, Stafford
St Chad’s House
Corporation Street
Stafford
ST16 3AG
Tel: 01785 221560 (ward)
Tel: 01785 221554 (secretary)
Psychiatrist: Dr Kristina Hofberg
Number of beds: 8 (including 1 flat)
Derby MBU
Derbyshire Health Care NHS Foundation Trust
The Beeches
Radbourne Unit
Uttoxeter Road
Derby
DE22 3UQ
Website: Derby MBU Website
Tel: 01332 623828 (ward)
Tel: 01332 623800 (secretary)
Consultant Psychiatrist: Dr Paula Brownsett
Number of beds: 6
Winchester Mother & Baby Unit
Thumbswood Mother & Baby Unit
Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust
Melbury Lodge
Romsey Road
Winchester
SO22 5DG
Website: Winchester MBU Website
Tel: 01962 897711
Consultant Psychiatrist: Dr Alain Gregoire
Number of beds: 6
Herfordshire Mother & Baby Unit
Thumbswood Mother & Baby Unit
Hertfordshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Number of beds: 6
Bristol MBU
The New Horizon Mother & Baby Centre
Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership and NHS Trust
Southmead Road, Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS10 5NB
Number of beds: 4
Dorset MBU
St Ann’s Hospital
Manchester MBU
Andersen Ward
Wythenshawe Hospital
Southmoor Road
Wythenshawe
Manchester
M23 9LT
Fax: 0161 291 6821
Number of beds: 10
East London & Mother & Baby Unit
Mermaid Ward
Homerton Row
Hackney
London
E9 6SR
Number of beds: 10
Lothian Livingston MBU
St Johns Hospital
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Consultant Psychiatrist: Dr Fiona Murray
Central & North West London Mother & Baby Unit
Coombe Wood Mother & Baby Unit
Central Way
London
NW10 7NS
Consultant Psychiatrist: Dr Lewin
Number of beds: 10
Chelmsford Mother & Baby Unit
Rainbow Mother & Baby Unit
Puddings Wood Drive
Chelmsford
CM1 7LF
Number of beds: 8
South London Mother & Baby Unit
Bethlem Royal Hospital
Monks Orchard Road
Beckenham
Kent
BR3 3BX
Website: South London MBU Website
Tel: 020 3228 4265020
Number of beds: 12
Birmingham Mother & Baby Mental Health Unit
The Barberry
25 Vincent Drive
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2FG
Website: Birmingham MBU Website
Number of beds: 8 beds
Nottingham Mother and Baby Unit
Margaret Oates Mother and Baby Unit
Foster Drive
Nottingham
NG5 3FL
West Of Scotland Mother and Baby Mental Health Unit
Leverndale Hospital