title: Managing Life, Motherhood and Mental Health After Discharge from a Mother-Baby Unit: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis.
abstract: Women who are admitted to a mother-baby psychiatric unit during the postnatal period often experience ongoing difficulties after discharge and require support in the community. This study explored the experiences of women following discharge from a mother-baby unit and their use of services and supports in the community. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight women who had been discharged from a mother-baby unit. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the lived experiences of these women, Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to examine the transcripts. The themes identified focused on the transition home from the mother-baby unit as a significant event, the experience of life in the community, and the complex decision-making process involved in community service use. This study provides greater insight into women's experiences of managing life, motherhood, and mental health in the community and their use of recommended services. Results can inform future post-discharge and transition planning within mother-baby units and inpatient psychiatric facilities.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia. tracy.connerty@health.sa.gov.au.|Northern Community Mental Health Service, SA Health, 7-9 Park Tce, Salisbury, SA, 5108, Australia. tracy.connerty@health.sa.gov.au.
authors.forename: Tracy Jayne
authors.initials: TJ
authors.lastname: Connerty
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: Perinatal and Infant Mental Health, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sved Williams
mesh_terms: D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008603:Mental Health; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D010351:Patient Discharge; D049590:Postpartum Period; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Discharge; Lived experience; Mental illness and motherhood; Mother–baby unit; Service use
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