Evaluation and results
The unit has admitted mothers with a variety of mental health diagnoses including postnatal depression, postnatal psychosis and postnatal anxiety. Approximately 57 mothers have been admitted in the unit during the first twelve months of opening. Mothers stay in the unit for approximately 21 days (Min = 4 days, Max = 74 days). Referrals are received from all around Queensland and from a variety of practitioners.
Majority of babies that are admitted are under 6 months old. Following discharge, mothers generally return home and are discharged to a range of services such as public mental health services, private psychiatrists, private psychologists, community child health, family support services, and general practitioners. Results on clinical outcomes measures indicate that there are significant positive effects from admission to the Lavender Mother-Baby Unit regarding mental health, mother-baby bonding and parental confidence.
Lessons learnt
The Lavender Mother-Baby Unit is the first, public psychiatric unit that admits new mothers from around Queensland with severe mental illness and their baby. Prior to the implementation of this service, mothers and infants were routinely separated when women with severe mental illnesses were admitted to public psychiatric units. The Lavender Mother-Baby Unit focuses on providing treatment and management to a mother’s mental illness whilst also supporting the mother-baby relationship and infant mental health. The data and information indicates that the Lavender Mother-Baby Unit is beneficial in managing the mental health and well-being of new mothers with young infants. This innovative new service will continue to establish linkages with non-governmental and governmental agencies both intra-state and nationally.
References
Further Reading
