Mum and baby unit

[crazyunicorn]

Hi there I've been in hospital since the 15 th of December anyone else in a unit currently fighting a child protection plan I can't be on my own with my daughter and have to live with my mum which isn't ideal as I don't get on with my father anyone been through having to have a child protection act in place I'm scared

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi Crazyunicorn

Welcome to the forum. It is good you have found us.

I am sorry that you have been in a mother and baby unit since December, and obviously in a really difficult situation. Have you had a diagnosis of postpartum psychosis? How are you feeling now, in terms of recovery, emotionally/mentally? I know how hard PP is, and how the road is up and down, and what a struggle it is... Please don't feel pressure to answer any of those questions!

It must be so hard to not be allowed to be on your own with your daughter, and to have a child protection plan in place. I don't have personal experience of having a child protection plan in place, but others on here probably have and will be able to offer you the support. I am not surprised though that you're scared.

You obviously haven't given the detail of your situation, so I hope any advice I give is helpful / relevant. The only thing I would urge you to do is be as open and honest with all the professionals supporting you. Though perhaps it may not feel it at times, all professionals will want the best for you and your daughter, and will be working to keep you and your daughter safe. If you are open with them about how you are, and your struggles, in that way they will be able to better support you and your daughter, it will help you get the right support, and ensure that you and your daughter are well and safe. I can imagine also that if you are open and honest about how you are feeling, and any struggles etc, they will also be more likely to trust you, and to trust you with your daughter if that makes sense?

Do you also have anyone who can advocate for you as well, if you don't feel confident, or don't feel you are being heard? perhaps request a mental health advocate? - others might be able to give you more information.

Though I wasn't under a child protection order I was in a mother and baby unit for four months and there were periods of that where I was under high observations, and so not able to be alone with my son. It was a mixed feeling, sadness and pain, but also at times I didn't feel able to cope with my son emotionally and mentally and so the presence of the staff I found reassuring and helpful too. The most difficult time was when I went from no observations (because I was doing well) to high observations because I went into a depression, and this obviously made me feel more down, that I wasn't deemed safe to be with my son and that I had taken what felt like a 'step back' when I had been doing so well.

I hope some of this is helpful. Take care

[crazyunicorn in reply to Ellie_at_APP]

I have past phycosis as well thanks for your reply my mum looks as though she will get custody find out on Monday

[scissorsister]

Hi crazyunicorn

I had PP twice and unfortunately my daughter was also put on the child protection register. It is only temporary and something the doctors feel they need to do sometimes. My daughter is now 21 years old and we have have a lovely relationship. Take your time getting well, things will improve. Listen to the professionals, it is their job to help you get better. Take care x

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

Hi crazyunicorn

It must have been a stressful day for you today, waiting to find out if your mum would have custody of your baby. I hope you are ok.

I too had PP twice and have seen a record that my first baby was put on the 'At Risk' register by Social Services. As mentioned, I think it is something they do at times. My first 'baby' will be 40 years old this year and we have a very close relationship , which I am also blessed to have with my second son. So try not to worry.

Take good care of yourself.

[Ellie_at_APP Partner]

Hi Crazyunicorn

I wonder too how it went today re finding out about the custody? I hope that you are OK? We are here if you want to talk. I hope some of the other people's experience (such as Lilybeth) will reassure you a little