What is a mother and baby unit (MBU)?
It is a specialist, in-patient unit for some women with mental health problems during pregnancy, or after birth of their child.
Around 1 in 5 pregnant women will have a mental health problem during their pregnancy, and in the year after they have a baby.
MBUs are designed to keep mothers and their babies together. Specialist staff nurture and support the mother infant relationship on the ward at the same time as the mother has treatment for her mental illness.
MBUs can admit women in late pregnancy and at any point until their baby is one year old. They are calm and welcoming places that are more homely than other wards. Each mum has their own bedroom, with a cot for their baby. The entrance to the unit is controlled by staff to ensure the safety of the mothers and babies.
MBUs work closely with community perinatal mental health teams, maternity services and health visitors.