I spent three months in a mum and baby unit, AMA.

[BlueEden]

Subject really says it all, last year I spent three months (a lot longer than I thought I would) in a psychiatric ward. I never really found much information online when I was going and it made me wonder if it would help anyone to share my experience.

Ask away!

What were you in for?

You’ve obviously came a really long way since your diagnosis which is amazing no questions from me other than the fact you must be really strong mum to get through something like that. My mum had severe MH issues when I was young and she didn’t really get the help she needed until I was about 6 which was difficult but we have a lovely relationship now. Do you still get ongoing support?

How much practical support is there with looking after baby? For instance my DH would take our baby when she was awake over night after I fed her so I could sleep, is there support for those types of things?

PurpleFuschia4 I was in for my depression and anxiety, with what they thought was also OCD, which, as it happens, it was. Along with symptoms that I associate with these mental health issues like suicidal ideation, contamination fear, unable to go outside etc.

Bacardi101 Thank you, I like to think I have (although my recent post is accurate in my self doubt feelings that I haven't). I'm glad that you both have a nice relationship now, that's one of the things that I was worried about when I went in actually, being away from my other child and how that would affect them.
I do get lots of support, I was discharged with a consultant, a care co ordinator, a psychologist, a GP refferal to the gym, family solutions and Family group conferencing.

How old was your baby and what facilities did they have there for looking after him/her?

Bobbiepin They have a nursery on the ward for the babies of mums who aren't well enough to look after them and for those whose babies don't sleep in the room with them at home. I breastfeed but some nights if my medication was really taking it's toll and I had expressed they would take my baby for me for a couple hours so that I could sleep at night, I believe the same happened for those who bottle fed.

In terms of other practical support, if we were to go to one of the groups or have therapy in hospital, they would watch the babies for us in the lounge area and there was always a nursery nurse there who was in charge of the babies overall. They would help if you needed practical advice/support.

SpeedyBojangles My baby was only a couple months old when I went in. On the unit there were ensuite rooms for the mums with a cot and changing area for the babies. There was also a milk kitchen, a lounge with various toys/seats/highchairs etc, a communal bathroom with baby baths, a laundry room to wash and dry clothes and a normal kitchen to prep other bits.