Being admitted to MBU and scared.... - Action on Postpar...

Action on Postpartum Psychosis

3,596 members2,536 posts

Being admitted to MBU and scared....

Jo-jo2005 profile image
15 Replies

I posted not long ago about having a relapse but now things have got to the point that I need admission.

I have agreed to go voluntarily but I'm SO scared about it and leaving my husband and two year old behind.

Anyone got any positive stories about being admitted to an MBU?

Thanks and sending lots of love to u all ❤️ x

Written by
Jo-jo2005 profile image
Jo-jo2005
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
15 Replies
Jocelyn_at_APP profile image
Jocelyn_at_APPPartnerAPP

Hi Jo-jo2005,

I'm so sorry things haven't improved for you. While I wasn't admitted to an MBU when I had PP 5 years ago, as this wasn't ava6 for me, I do now work in one! It's such an amazing place for mums to recover with their babies.

You will get the support you need, medically and emotionally while helping you to bond with your baby. The input and support from the staff will help you in your recovery.

I completely understand your apprehension. Your husband should be allowed to visit you while you're there. And once things start to improve, you'll be allowed to go on leave to see your 2 year old.

You are being so so brave realising that you need this extra support and shows what a great mum you are, wanting to get well for your children!

I'm sure others will be able to share their experiences.

Thinking of you!

Lilybeth profile image
LilybethVolunteer

Hello Jo-jo2005

Well done for agreeing to go into the MBU to receive their specialist care. It is scary doing something out of your comfort zone but it’s the best place to get better.

If you can see the forum page there are Related Posts about experiences of being in MBUs which I hope will be reassuring for you. MBUs weren’t around when I had my episodes and my first son was six when I was readmitted for further care. I did miss my husband and children but I wasn’t doing well at home.

Try not to worry .... you just need a bit of extra care to find your place again. Lots of love to u too 💜

AstroSue profile image
AstroSue

It's natural to be scared I was bloody terrified before my MBU admission but it saved my life the staff and other ladies were really lovely and it was what I needed at the time and it felt a safe environment for me to start recovering good luck with it ❤

Maria_at_APP profile image
Maria_at_APPModerator

Hi Jo-jo2005,

Well done you, its a very brave thing you are doing by going voluntarily to an mbu, you want to get better no matter what it takes and that's why you are such a brilliant mum.

In 2018 when I had pp with my daughter I was admitted to an mbu, and I can understand the fear and aprehension you feel at the moment, it can be very disorienting and it is normal to be worried about being away from your husband and 2 year old while you will be an inpatient. But Mbus are incredible places, they are staffed by experts on the perinatal mental health field, which will know exactly what the best treatment for pp is. They will set you on the road to recovery, while allowing you time to rest and recuperate together with your baby.

When you start feeling more recovered you will be allowed home visits, which will progressively increase in duration, all the way to your discharge.

Perhaps bring with you some reminders of home, a favourite cushion, throw or pillow, and some photographs or a piece of art from your toddler.

We are thinking of you, take good care

Csanderson profile image
CsandersonVolunteer

Hi jo-jo2005,

I’m sorry to hear you are struggling. But you are very brave going into the mbu voluntarily so well done you!

They are absolutely lovely places that will help take care of you and baby.

I know it’s hard leaving your two year old but you have to think that once your well you are in a much better place to spend time with your family.

The fact that you are worried about all this just shows how much of a good mum you are!

I went into an mbu last year and they really helped me. I’m now completely stable and living a great life with my little boy (well as great as it can be with lockdown! )

I hope you feel better soon.

We are all here for you.

Pikorua profile image
PikoruaVolunteer

Hello Jo-jo2005,

I am so pleased that you took this step in self-help, meaning acknowledging that it is absolutely fine getting support and help!

Based on my lived experience I was so privileged taking part in contributing to the development of a new-built MBU. Now I have got this reassurance that all mums will be fine, receiving appropriate professional support in a safe, kind and tailor made environment for mums and babies. Thus, I know you will be just fine. Please, do not worry too much.

We are all thinking of you.

xxx

Family20 profile image
Family20

Mbu is a great place. My sister was a real bad case. Perhaps read my story. . 4 months later shes blooming . . Getting ready to be discharged and absolutly said if i go to the unit il let myself rot .refused everything .weeks went by she startd to come back.now loves the staff, loves the place and they have worked wonders .she realy was in a bad way. . Wish u all the luck ,courage and hope x

Cheryl-2021 profile image
Cheryl-2021Volunteer

Hi Jo-Jo

If the professionals think this is the right thing for you then I 100 percent recommend MBUs. The staff are so loving and caring and I think we are so fortunate to have these facilities. Try and look at it as a positive and a way forward. All the best to you xx

JL_Klou4 profile image
JL_Klou4Volunteer

Hi Jo-Jo2005,

Im sorry that you have had a relapse of symptoms and being admitted to an MBU when you feel so scared about it.

I can really relate to your situation...

I too relapsed when my daughter was 6 months old and needed to stay in an MBU (previously I was treated in the community) and I also have an older child.

It was so scary and hard to leave my husband and son (then 3 ) at home while I went to stay in the MBU, which was also a long way from home.

However, for me, I feel it was the best place for me to be and the treatment there was fantastic. It's hard to see that at the time as you don't want to leave the family home.

Even though I had had treatment at home after my first episode of PP when my daughter was born, I don't think I fully recovered or understood the consequences and emotional trauma that it brought for me.

At the MBU I was able to work through these emotional challenges with proffesionals, meet peers and learn coping strategies for my return home.

I feel that overall, I have fully recovered from PP because of the help and support I received while staying in the MBU.

I hope this forum gives you some positivity and helps you to feel that you are not alone in what you are going through.

Take care.

Thinking of you and your family xx

Mummy1986 profile image
Mummy1986

Hi there. Read your post and just wanted to reach and tell you that I think you're doing the right thing. I fought and fought to get into an MBU and when I got my place I freaked out and had a massive panic attack. The truth is, it's scary and unfamiliar but it's the right thing to do. Once you're there, you'll know if that's the right setting for your recovery.... For me it certainly was. It gave me time to focus on my relationship with son, to have therapy, to sort my meds and to heal. I had bad days but there was always someone there to listen and care. I wish you luck xx

AlexandraJay profile image
AlexandraJayVolunteer

Hello Jo-jo2005,

I was admitted to Stafford MABU when my daughter was 20 months old and my son was just born. I missed my daughter and husband terribly but it wasn't my choice, I was under section 2. I struggled being away from home. I was then moved to Nottingham MABU with my son and made a full recovery. Time flies and children are so resilient. Take this time to get 100% well because it is possible and you deserve to live your best life ❤️

Best wishes

Alexandra xxx

Irishgirl1710 profile image
Irishgirl1710Volunteer

Hi Jo-jo

As many before have said you've been so brave to go into MBU voluntarily. It really takes courage to admit that you need extra help and support. I hope you receive good care and support while you are there.

All the best

Ailania

Lilybeth profile image
LilybethVolunteer

Hello Jo-jo2005

Thinking about you .....

I hope you have felt the benefit of all the specialist care in the MBU.

Be kind to yourself and stay safe ❤️ x

mimibell profile image
mimibellVolunteer

Hi Jo-jo2005, I’m sorry to hear you have been unwell. I was admitted to an MBU in 2010 and I was there for about 6-8 weeks. I found the staff really supportive and understanding. The staff helped me through my anxieties, adjusting to my new medication and supported me with all aspects of my recovery. Your partner can visit regularly. As time goes on and you become more confident and well, you are allowed out on leave. I really think from my experience MBUs are invaluable. Take care. All the best, M x

Lilybeth profile image
LilybethVolunteer

Hello Jo-jo2005

A few months on now .... just wondering how you are and whether you are still in the MBU? Wherever you are I hope you are well and have support. Stay safe x

You may also like...

Being admitted to an MBU

So I posted a few days ago about my mood. The team has decided it would be best to be admitted to an

Experience of being in a MBU?

A question about mother and baby units: can anyone tell me about her experiences in one ? what...

I am new here. Being admitted to a mother and baby unit. Any advice?

I have joined this forum because I wanted to have more understanding about the reason I am being...

MBU's Are there plans for more?

1990 after the birth of my son. I was lucky to have had a MBU on my doorstep in Winwick Hospital,...

campaign for more mbu's in uk