Treatment for Perinatal Disorders

Inpatient Treatment

With 30 years' experience, our Brisbane Centre for Postnatal Disorders (BCPND) is a specialised 24-bed unit offering treatment and support to women with mental health concerns in the perinatal period.

The unit assists mothers to adapt to the biological, psychological and social aspects of their disorder in a supportive and responsive environment. It also helps women experiencing mood disorders including anxiety and depression, in both pregnancy and postnatally.

We provide an environment that is supportive and responsive to mothers’ needs, as well as the needs of their baby and those close to them. Assistance and education programs also consider patients’ partners in order to support the family unit. Our unit is purpose-built for mothers and babies, with single ensuited rooms and nursery accommodation.

Infants under 12 months of age, or those who are not yet walking (whichever comes first), can stay with their mother during their admission. Day patient programs are available after discharge and mothers can access follow-up programs for up to three years after pregnancy.

For any questions about treatment at BCPND, you can call the unit directly (07) 3398 0238.

Admission Criteria

Patients can be admitted to our unit if they have a mood disorder occurring in pregnancy, or postnatally (up to two years) and/or related disorders including:

• Antenatal depression
• Anxiety disorder
• Acute stress disorder
• Attachment difficulties
• Anxiety related to the care of their infant
• Infant related problems impacting on the mother’s wellbeing
• Difficulties inherent in adjusting to the transition to parenthood
• Depression with postnatal onset (mild to severe)
• Unresolved grief issues
• Psychotic illnesses

In-Hospital Care

If your baby is not yet walking, you and your baby will be admitted to the unit. If your baby is walking, alternate care must be arranged while you are an inpatient.

Although we encourage mothers to care for their babies, our unit is appropriately staffed at all times, to provide support and education on all aspects of infant care. We also care for babies overnight while mothers rest and recuperate.

Our multidisciplinary team tailors a treatment plan specific to the needs of each patient and their baby.

Our models of intervention include:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Mother-Infant interaction
• Parenting education
• Medication if required
• Triple P (Positive Parenting Program)
• Circle of Security Parenting Program to help parents understand and interact with their child's moods and behaviour
• Relationship interventions

Inpatient care consists of individual and group counselling and is focused on:

• Parenting education
• Anxiety management
• Depression management
• Communication skills
• Expressive art
• Relapse prevention
• Discharge planning

Our experienced treatment team consists of Psychiatrists, Mental Health Nurses, Psychologists, Maternal and Child Health Nurses, Social Workers, a Music Therapist and Infant Massage Nurse.

Day Programs

BCPND Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Designed for women who are suffering emotional or psychological difficulties associated during pregnancy or in the postnatal period such as depression or adjustment problems. This program is based on the principles of CBT and aims to build confidence and self esteem, and assist with the development of skills and strategies for coping and managing emotions.

BCPND Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Follow Up

Designed for women who have attended the BCPND CBT Program, and areexperiencing emotional or psychological difficulties through pregnancy or after the birth of their child. It is based on the principles of CBT and has been developed from current research into postnatal disorders and international standards of treatment for these disorders. The program offers ongoing support for mothers who are able to bring their baby with them and share with other mothers.

Circle of Security Parenting

Based on more than forty years of research, this program is suitable for families in which children are easily distressed and unsettled, where the parent is experiencing anxiety about the relationship or where families are concerned about their child’s behaviour. It encourages parents to use a reflective approach to ensure they fully discover, understand and learn how to interact with their children in a more positive and healthy manner.

Triple P – Positive Parenting Program

As part of the BCPND Day Program, Triple P is a parenting and family support strategy for parents who want to have a positive relationship with their child and who lack confidence in their parenting skills or feel challenged at times. Founded on over 30 years of research, this program aims to prevent severe behavioural, emotional and developmental problems in children by enhancing the knowledge, skills and confidence of parents.