Mother and Baby Unit: Psychiatric Survey of 115 Cases

Abstract

A unit for mothers whose mental illness arose during pregnancy or 12 months after confinement is described. Certain significant contributions to the development of concern about the possible harm resulting from separation of mother and child are noted, and some theoretical considerations are advanced as a basis for the use of mother and baby units. In a series of 115 mothers and their babies admitted to this unit 32 mothers were diagnosed as schizophrenic, 12 as manic, 69 as depressive, and 2 as neurotic. The average length of stay was seven weeks. On discharge 89% were able to care adequately for their children. Comparisons with other series admitted with and without their babies do not establish a statistically based case for the positive value of mother and baby units. The difficulties of doing so are noted and suggestions made about possible solutions. As a result of our experience we, whose orientation is towards immediate benefit to the mother rather than the child, believe that these units constitute an advance in the treatment of puerperal mental illness. © 1968, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.