Mother and Baby Unit

Programme Areas

Crisis / acute, Mental health, Maternal & infant - mental health & addictions

Programme Type

Acute services, Maternal mental health – clinical teams

Regions

East Auckland, South Auckland, North Auckland, West Auckland, Central Auckland, Northland

Age Groups

Child / Tamariki, Youth / Rangatahi

Referral Types

DHB clinical services

Referral Process

Referrals for the Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) are from the two metro Auckland Maternal Mental Health teams. These teams work Monday to Friday business hours only. There are no after hours or crisis admissions accepted into the MBU.

Description

The Child and Family Unit also manages the Mother and Baby Unit. Staff are integrated into the overall model of care and have specialised skills in supporting mothers and babies. The outpatient Maternal Mental Health teams act as gatekeepers to the small number of beds. Average length of stay is around 4 weeks. Common presentations are postpartum depression, anxiety and psychosis. 

Each mum has her own bedroom. Partners or supportive other are encouraged to stay overnight if they choose. The service has a paediatrician available to ensure thorough assessment of babies' physical health needs are addressed in a timely manner. Midwife support is available for women up until babies are 6 weeks old. 

There is weekly liaison with all of the Maternal Mental Health teams to ensure continuity of care is maintained.