Project 440478

Postpartum depression is common, affecting about 10-15% of Canadian women, and is associated with increased risk for suicide, particularly in severe cases. Postpartum psychosis - whereby women disconnect from reality - is more rare, affecting ~1/1000 women, but represents a psychiatric emergency. For both women with postpartum psychosis and women with a severe case of postpartum depression, it's important that they have access to care in hospital to protect their health, and the health of their families. Currently in Canada, hospital stays in the postpartum require the separation of women from their babies, which has been shown to be traumatic for the mother and baby. In other countries, such as Australia, specialized hospital units called Mother-Baby Psychiatric Units (MBUs) admit both the mother and infant for care if mothers are experiencing postpartum psychosis or severe postpartum depression. This study will investigate whether the MBU is a suitable model of care for the Canadian context, or whether an alternative model of care would better promote the health of Canadian families. To do this, we will conduct three sub-studies. In sub-study 1, we will interview women who have experienced a stay in hospital for postpartum mental illness in Canada to gain insight into the current model of care. Sub-study 2 will complement sub-study 1 by characterizing, on a population level, frequency and predictors of hospitalization for postpartum mental illness. In sub-study 3, we will conduct a case study to learn more about the MBU model of care from five Australian MBUs. Ultimately, our research aims to promote the mental health of mothers and infants in Canada.