Perinatal Mental Health Service

• About the Mother and Baby Unit
• How to refer
• Assessment and Admission
• Support You Will Receive on the Unit
• Treatment Options
• What the Unit is Like
• Discharge and Aftercare
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Mother and Baby Unit expansion

About the Mother and Baby Unit

Mother and Baby Unit beds are funded by NHS England and we can admit from any region in England. Our primary area for admissions is the Yorkshire and Humber region.

The Yorkshire and Humber Mother and Baby Unit provides an inpatient environment where mothers experiencing severe mental health difficulties can receive treatment and support while continuing to care for their baby.

It is a small, safe friendly unit with specialist staff who help mums to recover from difficulties and return home with appropriate support.

Find out more about us in this short video which shows what to expect if you’re referred to the unit and introduces some of the ward staff.

Most women experiencing mental health difficulties will be able to remain at home and receive treatment. In some cases when a mother is severely unwell, treatment in hospital may be recommended.

You may benefit from admission if:

• You have a history of a serious psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder or severe depression and need inpatient care during the perinatal period.
• You experience an episode of postpartum psychosis: This is a rare but serious disorder which can include changes in thinking (delusions) or unusual experiences (hearing or seeing things), confusion, severe anxiety, over-activity and changes in behaviour. It is very treatable but due to its severity admission to hospital is usually necessary.
• You experience an episode of significant depression or anxiety, particularly if this is affecting your bond with your baby.

Louise’s story

Louise is a mum who has received support from the unit. In this short video she shares her story to help others coming on to the ward.

How to Refer

For referrals to our Mother and Baby inpatient unit, or enquiries about potential referrals, contact the referrals management team on 0113 855 5505 (9am – 5pm Monday – Friday) or the Mother and Baby Unit on 0113 855 5519 (evenings and weekends).

Referrals can be made at any time, day or night.

We accept referrals from mental health professionals following a comprehensive assessment including up‑to‑date mental state and risk assessment. We are happy to discuss potential referrals if they are complex, or it is unclear if the Mother and Baby Unit is appropriate for both mother and baby.

You will need to complete a referral form available from the NHS Mother and Baby Unit beds website and provide additional information.

Please refer to our guidance notes to ensure all necessary information is provided.

The form and additional information should be sent to Mother and Baby Unit referrals inbox.

Download our Mother and Baby Unit Leaflet.

Assessment and Admission

Where possible, we arrange an assessment appointment on the unit to discuss your needs and familiarise you with the service.

In an emergency, admission may be arranged without prior assessment in order not to delay treatment.

Support You Will Receive on the Unit

The unit is staffed by doctors, nurses, nursery nurses, health support workers, with input from our occupational therapist, social worker, psychologist and art therapist.

Your midwife or health visitor will remain involved in your care, visiting you on the unit and attending care planning meetings. If you live a long distance from the unit, a health visitor from the local area will offer temporary input.

Wherever possible, you are encouraged to provide the care your baby needs; you will be supported by the team to do this. It is common for mothers to need a high level of support when first admitted and you may initially have a member of staff with you at all times. This level of support will be reduced as your health improves and you gain confidence in caring for your baby.

Treatment Options

Treatment will depend on the nature of your difficulties. A period of assessment is sometimes required before agreeing a treatment plan.

Possible treatments include:

• Medication
• One‑to‑one supportive counselling
• Cognitive behavioural therapy
• Nursery nurse input
• Therapeutic mother–infant activities such as infant massage, play sessions and interventions to promote attachment
• Relaxation/anxiety management
• Groups to help you understand your baby
• Compassion focused therapy
• Creative therapies

You will have a review meeting each week with the team members involved in your care to review progress and plan further interventions. You can invite a family member or friend to attend this with you.

What the Unit is Like

The unit has:

• Eight single rooms each with a bed, washbasin, cot and wardrobe
• Some en‑suite rooms; others have shared bathrooms
• A shared lounge with television
• A kitchen area with fridge, microwave and toaster
• Laundry facilities
• A milk kitchen and facilities for breastfeeding or bottle feeding
• Quiet visiting areas, a conservatory and enclosed courtyard
• A sensory room equipped with toys for infants

Discharge and Aftercare

A planning meeting will be arranged prior to discharge to ensure you are well supported and know how to access further help if needed.

You may receive:

• Ongoing input from a community nurse
• Clinic appointments
• Support from your health visitor or local children’s centre
• Opportunities to attend local mother and baby groups

As your health improves, you will spend increasing amounts of time at home, starting with a few hours, progressing to several days before discharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mother and Baby Unit expansion

Due to open 2026.