Pre Birth Initial Child Protection Conference

[BettyBlue712]

Hi Mumsnet

I hope this is posted in the correct place.

I was recently referred children’s service whilst pregnant. This initially began as a ‘section 17 assessment’. I have been told they are now holding a strategy meeting for a ‘section 47 assessment’ and it will be going to a pre birth initial child protection conference.

I have been told that even before the strategy meeting, assessment and conference my child will be placed on the minimum of a child protection plan whilst pregnant and after birth.

I’m slightly confused as I thought the next step after child protection was removal at birth?

Could anyone advise me on what to expect over the next couple of months, I’m in my second trimester so a little bit to go…

Does the confirmation of a cp early on in pregnancy pretty much mean removal at birth? It’s difficult as I’m trying to predict what the social workers are going to do before they tell me.

OP I agree an advocate would be really helpful here. I don’t think it matters if your mum isn’t neutral as most advocates are there to represent your interests. I have a lot of medical appointments & I often take my mum as I sometimes forget what was said or forget to ask questions. If your mum views your pregnancy positively & can help put across that you would be able to care for your baby with support then I think that would be hugely helpful. Would your mum be part of your support network when you have the baby?

It’s probably just a coincidence ? Many places have gardens. I don’t think it’s helpful to fixate on these details what I think would be helpful is if we actually support OP so that she can get the support she needs

I think I was meant to be getting one but would need to follow it up.

I just feel completely battered. I effectively have a 50% chance of getting puerperal psychosis as I have a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder and every time I try to explain a positive I have done they just come back with ‘it’s still a significant risk’.

Unfortunately, like people with a physical health problem there’s always going to be a risk. I just wish it was about managing it instead of the ‘we’ll take your baby’ threat…

Cancelling antenatal care is not the behaviour of someone who is ready to be a parent.

They ARE trying to help you manage it. You just can’t accept the reality that at some point your child’s needs may exceed your capacity to safely care for her.

Ok. Previous poster isn’t me and there’s not much more I can say about it

You sound acutely aware of the risks which is actually really good and shows that you can safeguard your baby as you can see potential issues - this would be a really excellent point to raise and ask for a place in the MBU tell them you are aware of your increased risks so want to be supported and monitored to ensure safety.

My Mum has offered to let me live with her or move in with me. She absolutely adores her grandchild already.

My Mum isn’t a massive fan of children’s services as she’s seen how difficult they have made things.

I completely agree. I just panicked.

We don’t know when ANC was stopped - OP may not have even missed an appt yet so could still be on track / get back on track with ANC easily 🤞

This would be another excellent idea to put to social services - if they can’t get a MBU place let them know you can live with your mum and she can be there to make sure everything is ok

I am really aware of my risks! I spend most evenings looking into risks and how I can manage them as effectively as possible.

I really care. I’ve just made a stupid decision in a massive panic as I’m scared. I think it’s easy for other posters to judge but until you’re been in a situation where you’re carrying a baby someone could remove from you I don’t think anyone could contemplate the kind of blind terror it causes.

Today. I cancelled it today in a panic. I don’t have another appt until end of next week.

I have attended every single appointment given to me so far (and that’s a lot as I have a physical problem with pregnancy too)

I’m deleting my post as I don’t think its useful. I wish the OP will accept the help that is being offered her.

I understand , just let them know it was a mistake and you do want to continue after all. Panicking under stress doesn’t make you a bad person so please don’t worry.

It's possibly the behaviour of someone who is fairly vulnerable and being threatened with the potential removal of their child. That's an extreme amount of pressure to force onto someone, and it's wholly unfair to then use it as "evidence" they can't cope. I'm a great mum but living under this looming threat would push me to my limits and I'm sure I'd make some questionable choices too.

Sorry OP not really answering your question but regarding being in a MBU a neighbor (and close friend) of ours recently gave birth a year ago and received excellent care. She was at high risk of postpartum psychosis (family history) and deteriorated quite quickly after the birth but quick action was taken. She was moved to an MBU with the baby, stayed there 40 days and then came home, mum and baby are healthy and continue to thrive.
She and her DP have only positive things to say about her time there baby was well looked after.

If you look on the royal college of psychiatrists website there is a table of the likelihood of puerperal psychosis.

It’s 1 in 1000 for ‘normal women’ and goes up accordingly. As I have both bipolar and schizophrenia and my maternal Aunt was diagnosed with it my psychiatrist has given a risk of around 50%

I did not say anything about a fever?

Thank you.

I understand my situation is different and it can come across like I’m not trying to be a great mum but I really am. Hopefully I will get some support.

Oh op, you’re clearly the other poster.

I’m going to do this tomorrow.

Do I call children’s services ask to speak to a manager and ask to re engage with a new social worker?

Then call midwifery services and ask to be reinstated? Will I need to go for new scans/booking or will they just reinstate my appointments as they were only cancelled today?

Do you think it’s ok if I call mh team and ask to be put back on medication? From research I know there’s safe medication. I am experiencing some breakthrough psychosis at the minute due to stress? Is it ok to tell children’s services this and ask for medication which means in a couple of weeks I should be fighting fit again? Or will they use it against me?

I’m not but even if I was what’s so bad about a pregnant woman asking for advice and support from other (most likely more experienced) mums?

Nothing, you’re not being honest though, that’s the point. You do have another child, who is raised by their father,

Honestly if you conceal the pregnancy you are very likely to end up in care proceedings. Go back to them and be honest. A child protection conference absolutely does NOT mean removal at birth. You need to request a mother and baby unit. But do not try to conceal the pregnancy, that way lies disaster.

Yes, to all of that, and no they won't use it against you