Mother and Baby Unit
The Eastbourne Clinic has a specialist unit to treat up to ten mothers and their babies, suffering with postnatal illnesses, including postnatal depression and puerperal psychosis. Eastbourne Clinic's Mother and Baby unit provides specialist inpatient care to women suffering from mental health problems including postnatal depression, related postnatal illnesses or a recurrence of pre-existing mental health problems.
The Clinic's Mother and Baby unit facilities include:
- A
fully equipped and relaxed lounge area;
- Rooms
with en-suite facilities;
- A
private room for feeding and visits from relatives;
- A
self contained kitchen with sterilisation equipment;
- Fully
monitored nursery;
- A
dedicated nursing team.
The Mother and Baby unit is set-up to enable the mother to feel that she can look after her baby in a private
and friendly setting and supervised to whatever degree is appropriate.
The
treatment for Mother will be formulated by our multi-disciplinary
team and in negotiation with the patient and where relevant
with her partner.
For a confidential chat call us on 01323 430831 or complete our online enquiry form.
 
The
team includes:
- A
GP and Health Visitor (attached to the Clinic) and a Midwife
if the baby is under 28 days old.
- Primary
Nurse / Nursery Nurse.
- Nursing
Team.
- Relevant
additional Therapists.
It is
our aim whenever possible to keep mother and baby together
to promote or initiate bonding. However, if safety issues
dictate, the baby can be cared for by our experienced Nursing
Staff in conjunction with a Nursery Nurse.
We recognise
that postnatal illness, including postnatal depression and puerperal psychosis, can have a devastating effect on the family and so we offer joint or individual counselling
to key family members.
 
We are
unable to invite partners to stay at the Clinic but do encourage
regular visits. We feel that this is an essential part of
the treatment and allows the transition from being an inpatient
to independent living to be less problematic.
The
average length of in-patient treatment at the Clinic for
postnatal depression is about six and a half weeks and preparation
is made from a very early stage to facilitate a supported
and supervised discharge. Liaison with community services
are frequently undertaken and aftercare meetings are held
prior to discharge.
Referral to Mother and Baby Unit
The Clinic takes referrals from the NHS, GP’s and individuals. Mothers and babies may be admitted privately by self-funding or private health insurance cover or through the NHS pending funding agreement.
For more information on referring to our Mother and Baby Unit please contact The Eastbourne Clinic on 01323 430831 or complete our online enquiry form.
If you would like to visit our Mother and Baby unit or would like more comprehensive information, please contact us on the above telephone number or write to us at: The Eastbourne Clinic, 21 Grange Road, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN21 4HE.
There are also many voluntary organisations who can be an invaluable source of support. These include:
The National Childbirth Trust,
Alexandra House,
Oldham Terrace,
Acton,
London,
W3 6NR
The Association for Postnatal Illness
www.apni.org
Meet-a-Mum Association,
26 Avenue Road,
London,
SE25 4DX.
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