Your Guide to Mother and Baby Units: What is an MBU?
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For many parents—myself included—a Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) is something they have never heard of until they may need one. Being told that you may need inpatient psychiatric care can feel frightening and overwhelming, particularly when you don't know what an MBU is or what an admission will mean for you and your baby.
Understandably, there can be a lot of uncertainty about what to expect. Will your baby stay with you? What will a typical day look like? Who will be involved in your care? And what happens when you're ready to go home?
This guide explains what a Mother and Baby Unit is, who it is for, what life on the ward can look like, and how these specialist services support your recovery while supporting your relationship with your baby.
What is a Mother and Baby Unit?
A Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) is a specialist psychiatric hospital service for parents experiencing severe mental illness during pregnancy or after birth. In some hospitals, it may be called a Parent and Infant Unit.
In your my words.
“It was the hardest thing I think I've ever done, but I wouldn't be here if I didn't go to that MBU. And I don't say that lightly. The role this place played in my recovery I can't even measure, and it will always, always, hold a very special place in my heart. I wasn't magically cured, of course, far from it... but I was sleeping and didn't have nightmares anymore, and the distress was pretty much gone. I wasn't in that acute crisis state... the MBU had really put me on a path where I could slowly keep getting better.”
Unlike a general psychiatric ward, an MBU is designed so that, wherever it is safe and appropriate, parents can be admitted together with their baby. This allows treatment to focus not only on your mental health, but also on supporting your relationship with your baby during recovery.
Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team that may include psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, psychotherapists, and other health professionals, depending on the MBU and your individual needs. Learn more about each member of the multidisciplinary team in Who's Who on the MBU?
Although the idea of being admitted to a psychiatric hospital can feel frightening, the purpose of an MBU is simple: to provide the specialist care you need while keeping you and your baby together whenever possible.
How are Mother and Baby Units different?
Mother and Baby Units are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of parents experiencing severe perinatal mental illness. Unlike a general psychiatric ward, they recognise that your recovery involves more than treating mental illness—it also involves supporting you in your role as a parent.
This family-centred approach means that, alongside medical treatment, your care may include support with feeding, settling, daily routines, parenting confidence, nurturing your relationship with your baby as you recover, and preparing for life after discharge.
In your words.
“I just sat in that reception area and I just sobbed and held my baby and thought, maybe I shouldn't be doing this... Just being in there, though, and knowing that other women were in the same position, I felt like I had some people sort of taking me under their wing and being really beautiful and supportive and lovely, and I had the opportunity to see that they were at the other end and they were feeling really good. And then I was the person in the middle, and then I had other people that were coming in where I was taking them under my wing and saying, ‘it's all okay, and this is what's going to happen, and it's all right to feel the way you do’. And so it just ended up being the most valuable, rewarding thing that I think I've ever done, and I wouldn't change it for anything."
The physical environment also reflects this family-centred approach. While every MBU is different, many have private rooms, nursery spaces, family visiting areas, and programs tailored to parents with young babies.
Another important aspect of many MBUs is the opportunity to meet other parents experiencing their own recovery. While everyone's circumstances are different, many parents describe finding comfort in being surrounded by people who understand the challenges of severe perinatal mental illness without having to explain themselves.
Seeing another parent caring for their baby, attending a group, or preparing to go home can offer something healthcare professionals alone cannot: hope. These shared experiences often reduce feelings of shame and isolation, while reminding parents that recovery is possible.
Life on the Mother and Baby Unit
Life on an MBU balances treatment and opportunities to focus on your recovery with the everyday realities of caring for your baby.
Daily routine.
In your words.
“The first night on the MBU… it did take a while to get to sleep. But still, I slept from something like midnight to 7.30 or 8, and honestly woke up and went to check-in that morning and felt like a whole new woman… Our rest as mothers matters and that is true for every mother, but particularly when you have become unwell mentally, rest is just such a significant component of getting to a place where you can begin to recover.”
Most days include a combination of medical reviews, nursing support, individual appointments, group programs, meals, and time with your baby. There is also time to rest, connect with other parents, and adjust to treatment. Your specific routine will depend on your individual treatment plan and where you are in your recovery.
While this structure can feel unfamiliar at first, routine is an important part of recovery. Regular sleep, meals, medication, and meaningful daily activities can create predictability during a time when life may feel chaotic or overwhelming. As your recovery progresses, this routine can also help rebuild your confidence for life after discharge.
Your care.
No two admissions are exactly the same. Your care plan will be tailored to your individual needs and reviewed regularly throughout your admission.
In your words.
“It was in the back of my mind, since I listened to some of your podcast, I felt like I always knew I was going to end up in [an MBU]. But it wasn't until she held my hand—and again I got that reassurance—that I was like, ‘This is going to be okay. This is going to be a safe place where I can actually be with Tilly and I can get the help that I well and truly need.’”
Depending on your circumstances, your care may include a mix of medication, psychological support, parenting guidance, practical strategies for daily life, other psychiatric treatments, and planning for your return home.
As your recovery progresses, your treatment may change too. Some parents are offered planned periods of leave or short overnight stays at home before discharge. These ‘trial’ periods of leave can help you gradually transition back to everyday life while you remain an inpatient, helping ensure the transition feels as safe and supported as possible.
Want to know who's who?
Learn about the psychiatrists, nurses, therapists, and other professionals you'll meet during your admission in Your Guide to Mother and Baby Units: Who's Who on the MBU?
Groups and activities.
Recovery on an MBU involves more than medical treatment alone.
Many units offer group programs and therapeutic activities that support both your mental health and your role as a parent. Depending on the MBU, these may include psychoeducation, creative therapies, mindfulness, attachment-based programs such as Circle of Security, gentle movement, practical skills-based activities, opportunities to connect with other parents, or activities that support connection with your baby like infant massage.
Not every MBU offers the same programs, and your care team will help you decide which activities are most appropriate for your recovery.
The ward environment.
In your words.
“At night, me and the other women, we had this big shared TV, so we'd put on Netflix or whatever when the kids would go down. It was this shared community. It felt more like a house or a home to me, which I needed being a comfort body. I got a lot better there just from that aspect, from the type of relationships that I had.”
Mother and Baby Units are designed with parents and babies in mind. Many include private bedrooms with space for your baby's cot or bassinet, shared living and dining areas, consultation rooms for appointments, and spaces where group programs are held.
Many units also provide practical facilities such as kitchens, laundry areas, outdoor spaces, and parenting areas where staff can support feeding, bathing, or settling your baby. These spaces are designed to support both the practical needs of families and the safety of an inpatient service.
The emotional experience.
For many parents, the first few days on an MBU are the hardest. There is a lot to adjust to—being in hospital, starting or changing medication, meeting new people, or simply being away from home. Settling in can understandably take time.
In your words.
“I forced myself the whole time to interact and play. I remember saying to the psychiatrist at one point, ‘I don't want to be the still face experiment’ so I was purposefully interacting and using my face because I knew all the benefits, but it was all forced. And yeah, towards the end, I have videos on my phone of Olive in the MBU bed with me and we were just giggling, we were singing, and I was sending videos and photos to Stewart, which I wasn't doing for the first three or four weeks… I could definitely feel that relationship getting stronger.”
Recovery rarely happens in a straight line. Your confidence, energy, and ability to participate in your care may change from day to day. Some days—or even some hours—may feel hopeful, while others may feel frustrating, exhausting, or emotionally overwhelming. Setbacks don’t mean you aren’t making progress.
During these ups and downs, your care team is there to support you. Whether you're celebrating a small step forward or navigating a particularly difficult day, asking for help is part of recovery—not a sign that you’re failing.
When you’re in the thick of recovery, it can be difficult to see how far you’ve come. Many parents later say they only recognised their progress when they looked back, as something that happened gradually—through a better night’s sleep, growing confidence, enjoying a moment with their baby, or simply finding that each day felt a little more manageable than the one before.
Progress is gradual. More often than not, it's about giving yourself the time, support, and space to heal. However you’re feeling during your admission, you don't have to carry it on your own.
Feeling overwhelmed by all the unfamiliar terms?
An MBU admission can come with a whole new vocabulary—from mental health diagnoses and treatments to hospital roles and abbreviations. If you come across a word or acronym you don't recognise, our Perinatal Mental Health Glossary explains many of the common terms used during pregnancy, postpartum, and inpatient care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Every admission is different, but these are some of the questions parents most commonly ask before or during an MBU admission.
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Every admission is different. Some parents stay for a few weeks, while others require a longer admission depending on their mental health, response to treatment, and the support available after discharge.
Your care team will regularly review your progress and work with you to plan for a safe transition home when the time is right.
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The need for inpatient mental health care isn’t limited to first six weeks of parenthood. Mother and Baby Units generally provide care during pregnancy and up to the first year after birth, although this can vary between hospitals and services.
If you're experiencing severe mental illness later in the first year after your baby is born, an MBU may still be an option depending on your circumstances and the criteria of your local service.
Talk to your healthcare professional or contact your local MBU directly to ask about its eligibility criteria.
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Wherever it is safe and appropriate, babies are admitted alongside their parent and remain with them throughout their stay. This is one of the defining features of a Mother and Baby Unit and allows treatment to support both your recovery and your relationship with your baby.
There may be times when staff temporarily assist with your baby's care—for example, while you attend appointments or group programs, receive treatment, or need time to rest. This doesn't mean you're expected to be separated from your baby. Instead, it's part of helping you recover while supporting your confidence as a parent.
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Yes. Most Mother and Baby Units encourage partners, family members, and other important support people to remain involved during your admission.
An MBU admission can involve the whole family, not just the parent receiving treatment. Depending on the unit, partners may stay overnight, be invited to attend family meetings, participate in some appointments or group programs, or access support from certain members of the multidisciplinary team.
Visiting arrangements and opportunities for partner involvement vary between hospitals, so your care team will explain what is available at your local MBU.
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Many Mother and Baby Units offer group programs as part of treatment, although the types of groups vary between services.
Your care team will discuss which groups or activities are appropriate for your recovery. While participation is often encouraged, your individual treatment plan will take your circumstances and wellbeing into account.
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Your hospital will usually provide a suggested packing list before admission. In general, you'll need comfortable clothing, toiletries, medications, clothing and essentials for your baby, and a few familiar items that help you feel comfortable during your stay.
You will also usually receive a list of items that can't be brought onto the ward. On arrival, staff may check your belongings as part of the admission process. While this can feel unfamiliar, it's a routine safety procedure designed to protect you, your baby, and everyone else on the unit.
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Many parents continue breastfeeding, expressing, or combination feeding during an MBU admission. Staff can support you with feeding, and treatments are carefully considered alongside your feeding goals wherever possible.
Some Mother and Baby Units also provide breast pumps or other feeding support, although this varies between hospitals.
If breastfeeding isn't possible or your feeding plans change during your admission, your care team will support you to make decisions that are safe for both you and your baby.
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Referral pathways and admission requirements vary between services and between public and private MBUs. You may be referred by a GP, psychiatrist, community or perinatal mental health service, hospital team, or another healthcare professional, while some services may assess you directly. Private admission may also depend on the hospital's requirements, your private health insurance, and bed availability. Your healthcare team can explain the options available in your area and help coordinate an assessment or referral.
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Sometimes. MBU beds are limited, and admission depends on your clinical needs, the availability of a suitable bed, and the criteria of the service. If a bed isn't immediately available, your healthcare team will discuss other options for supporting you and your baby while you wait.
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The answer depends on your individual circumstances and stage of recovery.
When you're first admitted, there may be a period where your care team asks you to remain on the ward while they get to know you, assess your mental health, and begin treatment. As your recovery progresses, you may be gradually supported to take time away from the ward.
Depending on your treatment plan, this may include supervised outings, short walks, visits to nearby shops or cafés, spending time with family, or planned leave at home before discharge. These decisions are made together with your care team and are designed to support your recovery while keeping you and your baby safe.
Every Mother and Baby Unit has its own policies, so your team will explain how leave works in your local service.
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Whether you can leave the MBU at any time depends on your legal status as a patient and your individual circumstances.
Most people are voluntarily admitted to an MBU and are involved in decisions about their care and discharge. If you are a voluntary patient, you can ask to leave, although there are circumstances in which a person may be assessed and detained under the mental health legislation of your state or territory. If you are an involuntary patient, different rules apply, but you still have rights to information, to have your views heard, and to seek discharge or review of decisions.
Your care team should explain your admission status, your rights, and how decisions about leave and discharge are made. If you're worried about being unable to leave, it's okay to ask these questions before or during your admission. Understanding what to expect can help you feel more informed and involved in your care.
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Discharge planning begins well before you leave hospital.
Before you go home, your multidisciplinary team will work with you to develop a plan for ongoing care. This may include follow-up appointments, community mental health services, your GP, psychologist or psychiatrist, parenting support, and other services to help support your continued recovery.
In some cases, your care may continue through the hospital after discharge from the MBU. This may include outpatient appointments or home-based follow-up where available. Other parents may transition to community-based services for ongoing support. The type of follow-up you receive will depend on your individual needs and the services available in your area.
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There may be times during your admission when you're encouraged to rest while staff or your support person help care for your baby. This doesn't mean you've failed as a parent. Looking after yourself is an important part of your recovery, and the team will work with you to gradually rebuild your confidence and involvement in caring for your baby as you become well enough.
In your words.
“When I went in, there was just no hope. It was bleak. It was very bleak, I have to be honest. But those two and a half weeks of just rest were massive. The day when they said I could go home, I was like, ‘Oh, no, I’ve got to go home? I'm not going to look after myself!’ But I also had this renewed sense of, ‘All right, I can get through the rest of this pregnancy.’”
Before you go
An admission to a Mother and Baby Unit doesn't mean you've failed as a parent. It means your mental health needs specialist care, just as any other serious health condition would.
Remember…
MBUs exist so you don't have to choose between getting the specialist mental health care you need and staying connected with your baby.
The purpose of an MBU is not only to help you recover, but to also support your relationship with your baby so you can return home with the care, confidence, and support you need.
If reading this still feels overwhelming, that's okay. Many parents feel frightened before an admission, especially if they don’t know what to expect.
You don't even need to understand or remember everything you’ve read today. This guide will still be here whenever you're ready to come back to it.
One step at a time.
This blog is informed by lived experience and is not intended as medical advice.
If you or someone you know needs support, Perinatal Stories Australia encourages you to reach out to Lifeline (13 11 14), 13YARN (13 19 76), or Suicide Callback Service (1300 659 467).
