Mother experienced captivity-like feelings in hospital, forced to abandon newborn.
A new mom, Shelley Browne, shares her harrowing experience of feeling like a captive for five weeks in a psychiatric hospital, far from her baby. Diagnosed with postpartum psychosis, Browne was locked up under a mental health order following the birth of her child three years ago.
In the United Kingdom, mothers in need receive care in Mother and Baby Units (MBUs), but in Northern Ireland, they're admitted to general psychiatric wards, distancing them from their infants. Unfortunately, Northern Ireland remains the lone region in the UK without an MBU, despite the significance of these units in improving outcomes and saving lives for both mothers and babies[3].
The urgent need for an MBU in Northern Ireland has sparked concern, even prompting calls for its establishment, such as a Coroner's recommendation to prevent more unfortunate events[4]. However, as of now, there's been no confirmation about the implementation of an MBU in the region, and ongoing efforts are focused on securing necessary funds and support[3].
The absence of an MBU for mothers and babies in Northern Ireland is a troubling reality, causing separation and potentially impacting mental health outcomes.
- The lack of a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) in Northern Ireland, despite its significance in family health and mental health, is particularly concerning for women's health and parenting, as it may cause separation and potentially impact mental health outcomes.
- In the midst of the urgent need for an adequate health-and-wellness facility in Northern Ireland, the absence of a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) is anomalous within the United Kingdom's healthcare system, which generally prioritizes child and mother health.
- The general science suggests that Mother and Baby Units (MBUs) play a crucial role in improving family health and mental health outcomes, and their absence in Northern Ireland undoubtedly affects mother-baby bonding, especially considering the often delicate nature of women's health and postpartum mental health.
