NW Perinatal Mental Health Network - 'Assessment of Parenting in UK Mother and Baby Units'

I had the pleasure of presenting my story and messages at the eighth meeting for the Northwest Perinatal Mental Health Network at Wythenshawe Hospital on 23rd September.

We also had a very interesting presentation by Dr A Wieck, Consultant perinatal Psychiatrist and Honorary Senior Lecturer from Wythenshawe Hospital. She spoke about 'Assessment of Parenting in UK Mother and Baby Units'.

There are many studies showing how interactions with their babies are affected if a mother has depressions, e.g.
Stern (2005), Cohn at al (1990), Field (1990) and Murray (1996).
Long term effects may include depression, anxiety and reduced IQ - Halligan (2007), Hay (2008).
There are further complications with mothers who suffer from schizophrenia (Niemi, 2003) , Sameroff (1984), Goodman and Brumley (1990), Naslund (1985), McNeil (1985), Wan (2008).
Parenting outcomes of mothers discharged from Mother and Baby Units have been studied by Salmon (2004), Abel (2005) and Howard (2004). Data was collected from MBU's from 1996 - 2002.
There is no standard way of assessment used for parenting skills but some used are
Bethlem mother/infant interaction scale
http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/abstract/169/1/18
Department of health assessment Framework
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_4008144
Provision of Practical and Emotional Care (PPEC, by Seneviratne et al)
Louis Macro
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/els/01452134/1997/00000021/00000007/art00027
Care Index video assessment
http://www.patcrittenden.com/care-index.html

Research is on-going and more needs to be done.

We then listened to a current complex case study of a lady who has a range of complicated issues around her maternal mental health and being able to provide adequately for her baby. I felt that I had hardly suffered in comparison.

The next meeting will be held on 2nd December for interested professionals working in this area.

Elaine Hanzak

www.hanzak.com