Brisbane Centre for Post Natal Disorders. Patient information brochure

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1 Brisbane Centre for Post Natal Disorders Patient information brochure

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3 What is a Post Natal Disorder? A Post Natal Disorder may occur any time during the first two years after birth, or it may occur before the birth. It may happen with any pregnancy and is a true physical illness having physical, emotional and psychological symptoms. Caring for babies is a stressful occupation. Many new mothers suffer from some form of anxiety or depression in the early months, as mothers in our society are often lonely and isolated, spending long periods at home alone with their baby. Some may feel powerless and dependent, or may have unrealistic expectations of motherhood. Are you experiencing any of the following? Do you continually feel exhausted, depressed, anxious, angry or unable to cope with your baby and daily activities? Always tired yet can t sleep? Mind racing? Is this impacting on your life and that of those around you? Do you have difficulty in making simple decisions, cry uncontrollably, and feel guilty or inadequate? Are you and your partner experiencing difficulty with your relationship? Do you have concerns related to parenting such as bonding with your baby or not feeling confident about caring for your baby? If these symptoms seem familiar, we can help. The Brisbane Centre for Post Natal Disorders was established in 1991 to treat and support women with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, in both their pregnancy and post natally. The Centre can assist you with the process of adapting to the biological, psychological and social aspects of your disorder in an environment that is supportive and responsive to your needs, as well as the needs of your baby and those close to you. Our facility is purpose built for mothers and babies, with single ensuite rooms and nursery accommodation. Both inpatient and day patient programs are available to suit your needs.

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5 Admission Criteria You can be admitted to our unit if you have a mood disorder occuring in pregnancy, or post natally (up to two years), and/or related disorders including: Ante-natal depression Anxiety disorder Acute stress disorder Attachment difficulties Anxiety related to care of your infant Infant related problems impacting on your well being Difficulties inherent in adjusting to your transition to parenthood Depression with post natal onset (mild to severe) Unresolved grief issues Psychotic illnesses Inpatient Care If your baby is under 12 months of age, you will both be admitted to the unit. However, if your baby is over 12 months of age, you will need to find alternative care for your baby while you are an inpatient. We encourage you to care for your baby, however our nursing staff are available to provide support and education on all aspects of infant care. We will also care for your baby overnight while you sleep. Your treatment is tailored to your individual needs and those of your infant. Models of intervention include: Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Mother-Infant interaction Parenting education Interpersonal Therapy Medication may also be prescribed Triple P parenting program Circle of Security parenting program Relationship interventions

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7 Inpatient care, facilitated by our staff, comprises individual and group counselling focused on: Parenting education Anxiety management Communication skills Expressive art Discharge planning On admission, you will be given a workbook, which is an introduction to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy that assists in identifying, exploring and challenging issues. In a supportive environment, our multi-skilled team will assist you to understand and address the difficulties you are experiencing. Our team consists of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, music therapists and nurses with a mental health, paediatric and midwifery background. BCPND Day Patient Program The program is primarily a group method of treatment and runs for six weeks, operating on each Tuesday and Friday from 9.30am to 2.30pm. It is imperative that you attend all sessions as the program material is sequential. As a day patient you are required to arrange alternative care for your infant, however care may be offered to neonates and infants who are totally breastfeeding and under the age of six months. If you require assistance, please discuss this further with our staff. As it is a well baby unit, babies with an infectious illness must be excluded from the unit. Alternative arrangements will need to be made.

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9 The day program is divided into two therapy sessions. 4 1 /2 weeks dedicated to Cognitive Behaviour Therapy where the focus is on you, the mother The remaining 1 1 /2 weeks is dedicated to a parenting program based on Triple P Both Inpatients and Day Patients may attend the Day Program. The program includes topics such as: Relaxation and anxiety management Discussion about the myths of motherhood, roles and stereotypes Cognitive restructuring where you learn about the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviour while learning to identify irrational thinking styles which often prevent effective functioning Assertive communication Sources of anger and methods of dealing with it The importance of healthy self esteem and ways to enhance it Balanced lifestyles Problem solving and goal setting Identifying and managing guilt Perfectionism Outcomes On both admission and discharge, you will be required to complete a Psychological Package which includes the following: Mother s History Questionnaire Edinburgh Post Natal Depression Scale (EPDS) Abbreviated Dyadic Adjustment Scale (ADAS) DASS Self Esteem Scale These tools provide an indication of program effectiveness by measuring your level of symptom reduction.

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11 Additional Services Partners Information Evening The Partners Information Evening is a complimentary service held for the benefit of your partner to inform them about post natal disorders, the treatment program and your progress. We recognise that your partner also requires support in what is often a distressing and confusing time, so there is opportunity for your partner to access help if necessary. Follow-up Group Follow-up groups are a relapse prevention strategy, held two days each week to continue the therapeutic liaison. Topics are the same each day, so you are only required to attend one day. This is an optional service that you need to discuss with your doctor, and your health fund as excesses/co-payments may apply. Support Services Following discharge, ongoing telephone support is available to you. Our staff can be contacted by phone on , 24 hours a day. The Couples Program The Couples Program is designed for people who, though relatively happy with their relationship, have experienced some negative consequences of depression and anxiety and would like to enhance their ability to communicate more effectively and manage differences both within their relationship and in their day-to-day lives. Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) The Triple P Program is part of the BCPND Day Patient Program. Your partner is encouraged to attend, and a nominal fee is charged. Triple P is one of the only evidence-based parenting programs available worldwide, founded on over 30 years of clinical and empirical research. Triple P aims to prevent severe behavioural, emotional and developmental problems in children by enhancing the knowledge, skills and confidence of parents. Circle of Security Parenting Program The Circle of Security Parenting Program (COS) is an early intervention program that helps parents understand and interact with their child s moods and behaviour. Based on more than 40 years of research it focuses on the relationships that provide children with emotional support. Using a gentle pace, the program encourages you and your partner to use a reflective approach to ensure you fully discover, understand and learn how to interact with your child/children in a more positive and healthy manner. It is designed for parents who wish to help their children manage their emotions more effectively, and to build positive relationships with their children.

12 Old Cleveland Rd Modred St Modred St Millenium Bvd Gaffney St McAuliffe St Creek Rd Bedivere St Laurie St Carindale St Summerville St Wilkinson St Winstanley St Buckley St If you would like to know more... Please contact Admissions & Assessments: Telephone: Facsimile: Belmont Private Hospital 1220 Creek Road, Carina QLD 4152 belmontprivate.com.au