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A mother who was diagnosed with postpartum psychosis after giving birth to her daughter had to spend five weeks in a psychiatric hospital, feeling as if she was a prisoner, separated from her baby. Shelley Browne, who voluntarily entered the hospital, expressed how lonely and pathetic she felt when she was dropped off at the Ulster Hospital psychiatric ward without her daughter. Great Britain typically has specialized mother and baby units for new mothers with mental health issues, but women in Northern Ireland are admitted to general psychiatric wards, leading to separation from their babies.
Shelley mentioned that despite the efforts of the hospital staff, the experience of being separated from her child was incredibly isolating. Being in a mental health ward without her baby was a challenging and emotional experience for her. Yearly, approximately 100 women in Northern Ireland are admitted to adult psychiatric wards for similar care, also without their babies. The Department of Health (DoH) acknowledges the need for a mother and baby unit, but progress has been delayed due to the identification of funding for this vital service.
Voice of concerns has been raised about the lack of support for mothers experiencing postpartum psychosis in Northern Ireland. The absence of a mother and baby unit has left many new mothers feeling abandoned and vulnerable during a critical time in their lives. Despite the support of seven health ministers for the establishment of such a unit, the issue remains unresolved due to financial constraints. In the absence of these specialized facilities, some mothers have been forced to rely on community support in dealing with postpartum mental health challenges.
Another mother, Danielle Sands, refused hospital treatment to stay with her first son, Joe, in 2022. She highlighted the importance of specialist community teams in providing the necessary support during her challenging time. Voices of negative thoughts and self-doubt plagued her mind constantly, emphasizing the critical need for adequate mental health support for new mothers. Danielle and her partner, Nial, were able to navigate this difficult period with the help of a community specialist perinatal mental health nurse, covering the period from pregnancy up to a year postpartum
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