Comparison of public mother–baby psychiatric units in Australia: similarities,strengths and recommendations

Abstract

Background:

Mother–baby units are innovative and important models of care that allow inpatient treatment of postpartum maternal mental disorders whilst preserving and promoting the attachment relationship with their young infants.

Objectives:

To report data across five public mother–baby units in Australia in order to explore similarities and distinguishing features of each model.

Method:

Each unit also provided 12 months of data on key characteristics of their unit.

Results:

Despite the geographic differences, the diagnostic profiling, length of stay, and child protection involvement were similar across the units.

Conclusions:

Acute care for perinatal mental illness offered in public mother–baby units in Australia shows consistency across units, raising concerns for where such treatment is unavailable.

Keywords

mother–baby units postpartum depression perinatal mental health

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