Mother and baby unit

[Poppyflower674]

I hope I’m posting in the right place.

I’m being admitted into an MBU I’m really scared. I’m worried about my baby and what I should take for her? Will call unit tomorrow and ask but would ideally like to start packing tonight so as not to upset her.
Thank you

I have not been admitted to one but I was very unwell when I was pregnant so I researched what would happen. There is a little video about the one in Birmingham which shows what it is like. You and your baby will get your own room with a bed and cot. You will need clothes and toiletries for you both you might want to bring toys and anything that you use on a daily basis. I think the provide bottles and a steriliser but you might want to bring your own bottles.

www.bsmhft.nhs.uk/our-services/specialist-services/perinatal-mental-health-service/ I hope you feel better soon. This a scary time but it gets better.

It'd be reasonable to expect the unit to provide basic bedding/towels and food for you both, as well as laundry facilities and a kitchen for you to use.

So, for baby, I'd be thinking:

1. Toothbrush and paste, shampoo and baby wash
2. Nappies and ointment if you use it
3. Clothes (no need to take loads because you'll be able to wash)
4. Bag of favourite toys and books
5. Cosy blanket & favourite teddy

Remember: anything you forget can be brought up by visitors, so there's no pressure to make sure you've got absolutely everything.

I really hope everything goes very well for you.

Hi @Poppyflower674

Please don't be scared. I used to work in a MBU for years so I hope I can reassure you.
All meals and and bedding/towels will be provided. At the unit I worked in, baby formula and food was also provided.
Here's a brief list of things to pack -

Clothing for you and baby
Nappies and toiletries
Baby's bottles & dummies (if appropriate)
Phone charger! (We always got requests for these as they were forgotten and we never had spares).
Some personal items from home to make you more comfortable - a blanket/photo etc.
Baby's favourite toy/book.

Our unit has a playroom and lots of baby furniture & play equipment although it would be handy to have baby's pram with you. There is also laundry facilities and private bedrooms with en suite. I know all MBU differ so calling ahead is a good idea. Please message if you'd like to know anything and I'll try to answer as much as possible.

Thank you all, that sounds good. @ImAbsolutelyTwatted thank you for this info, really helpful.

I’m so worried I keep having mind blanks and forgetting what words to say . I’ve piled some of the suggestions together and will pack more neatly tomorrow