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Information for mothers

About Westmead Mother and Baby Unit

The Mother and Baby Unit is a purpose-built unit located at Westmead Hospital with eight inpatient beds. The unit is open 24 hours, 7 days per week. Inpatient services are available for mothers who are experiencing significant mental health problems in the perinatal period (before, during and after birth), and who are the primary caregiver for their baby (up to 12 months of age). The mother and their baby are admitted together to facilitate maximum opportunity for healthy attachment and to minimise the trauma of separation. Partners or an alternate support person are encouraged to stay overnight to assist with caregiving and to support the mother-baby relationship.

Our philosophy of care

Our philosophy of care is a framework of goals and values to help provide the best care for you and your baby during your time with us. The care you will receive is underpinned by the concept of recovery, framed by your story, what has happened to you in the past, what is happening for you now and how you would like to see your future.

The care team will endeavour to support you to achieve your best life by working with you, your partner and your family to support you and your baby during your stay, on discharge and in the future.

Our visiting hours

We operate 24 hours a day. General visiting hours are between 8am and 8pm. Visiting outside of these hours can be discussed with your treatment team. Family members are welcome and encouraged to visit.

What to expect when you arrive

Once you and your baby are settled into your room, our team will get to know you, your baby and your family. Our team of multidisciplinary health specialists will work on identifying what your needs are and what treatment options suit your particular situation.

Treatment options may include:

  • Parent infant therapy
  • Psychological therapies - Individual and group sessions
  • Mother-infant activities to promote attachment and provide reassurance and support
  • Lactation and Infant feeding support
  • Support for partners/carers
  • Physical health interventions 
  • Medication

What we provide 

You and your baby will have your own room with an ensuite bathroom. Rooms are generously designed with a queen-sized bed, cot and a daybed. Within the unit, there are also communal areas including lounges, dining, kitchen and courtyard areas which can accommodate multiple families. Therapeutic spaces include group/activity rooms, sensory room, parent craft room and baby care rooms. 

We also provide:

  • Cots, highchairs, baby baths, baby change mats, play equipment
  • Baby food
  • Laundry facilities
  • Disinfecting/sterilising equipment

What to bring 

  • Your baby's Maternal and Child Health book (the Blue Book)
  • Medicare card
  • Clothes for you and your baby
  • Wraps/swaddles for your baby
  • Baby carrier or sling
  • Nappies – Disposable
  • Dummies (if required)
  • Breast pads (if required)
  • Bottles (if required)
  • Infant formula (if using)
  • Pram/stroller
  • Breast pump
  • If your baby has a special comfort item/toy we encourage you to bring this with you

 

 
Chaplaincy and spiritual care

Partners or support person staying

This is a family friendly service and partners are welcome to stay overnight, provide support to you during your stay, and to help you care for your baby. To enable your partner to stay, all bedrooms have a separate daybed. If you prefer, you may ask an alternative support person who is important in caring for you and your baby, to stay instead.

Referral

Referral to the Westmead Mother and Baby Unit requires that the state-wide referral form to be completed by the Mental Health team responsible for your care before the intake process is progressed. 

If you are not under the care of Mental Health Services, your GP or local hospital will be able to support you in accessing the services.

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Mental Health Act

The Mother and baby Unit is a declared mental health facility which means that a person can be held both as voluntarily or involuntarily in the unit if they are found to be mentally ill or mentally disordered as a result of this assessment. Further information can be found at Declared mental health facilities - Consumers (nsw.gov.au).

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