Mother-Baby Day Hospital

Partial Hospitalization Program (20 hours per week)

The Mother-Baby Day Hospital is the first of its kind in Minnesota and only fourth in the country. It is a Partial Hospitalization Program (group based and short-term) for individuals during pregnancy and parenting of children ages 0-5 years, who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder or other emotional distress that make it difficult to:

Function at home or at work
Take care of themselves or their baby
Bond and connect with their baby

Need help? Fill out our Referral Form. This form can be filled out by anyone; a doctor or provider referral is not required.

612-873-MAMA

Words from Our Moms

“I felt validated and heard. The therapists were very good and supportive. I liked the connection with the other moms and that my partner could be involved. I also felt safe to start medication with the ability to see a reproductive psychiatrist throughout the week.”
“I loved the amount of time I was given to tell my story and receive advice from the therapists and the group.”
“I loved that I met people who were going through the same thing as me.”
“The staff understand how you can feel bad and still care about your baby, even If you can’t always show it.”
“When I started the program I was in such a deep depression and my anxiety felt all consuming. I never thought I’d be able to really be a mom. I felt like I wasn’t good enough, strong enough, brave enough, or capable enough to parent a child while I felt so broken inside. The weeks spent at the program changed my life forever.”

What is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

Partial Hospitalization is an intensive outpatient level of care in which people attend programming during the day. When mental health symptoms are worsen and interfere with daily life more significantly, then partial hospitalization can be an appropriate next step. Psychiatric consultation with a reproductive psychiatrist is included in the program. As a partial hospital program, the Mother-Baby Day Hospital includes five (5) hours per day of group psychotherapy and education, Monday-Thursday. A powerful aspect of the program is the opportunity to connect with other mothers who are also going through a difficult time. Most mothers attend the program for 2 to 4 weeks.

The Mother-Baby Day Hospital provides individualized treatment and helps you to:

Get necessary mental health treatment while supporting you in your parenting role;
Talk with other mothers who have similar experiences;
Receive treatment from doctors and therapists that have specialized training and can help you consider treatment options during pregnancy, parenting, and while breastfeeding;
Nursery attached to group room where babies can sleep, if needed

In some cases, partial hospitalization may be used as a step down from an inpatient mental health stay or instead of an inpatient mental health stay, when medically appropriate.

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Partial Hospitalization simply means a higher level of support when mental health symptoms are worsening and affecting daily life more significantly. Also, medication consultation with a perinatal psychiatrist or other provider is included in the program. At the Mother-Baby Day Hospital, pregnant women and mothers receive five (5) hours of group psychotherapy and education, Monday-Thursday. A powerful aspect of the program is the opportunity to connect with other women who are also going through a difficult time. Most women attend the program for 4 weeks.

The Mother-Baby Day Hospital provides individualized treatment and helps you to:

Get necessary mental health treatment while supporting you in your parenting role;

Talk with other women who have similar experiences;

Receive treatment from doctors and therapists that have specialized training and can help you consider treatment options during pregnancy, parenting, and while breastfeeding;

In some cases, partial hospitalization may be used as a step down from an inpatient mental health stay or instead of an inpatient mental health stay, when medically appropriate.

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A Unique Approach to Treatment

Mothers with babies less than 12 months old are encouraged to bring their baby with them to the Day Hospital. While mothers are primarily responsible for taking care of their infant, our staff and volunteers provide help and support.

Treatment includes:

Group psychotherapy

Individual psychotherapy

Couples and family psychotherapy

Support for mother-baby bonding and connection including Circle of Security Parenting

Health education on topics such as the transition to motherhood, grief and loss, coping skills, sleep, and relaxation and mindfulness

Medication evaluation and management

Individual appointments with a lactation consultant or infant feeding and growth specialist can be scheduled as needed.

A Typical Day

Arrive and get yourself and baby settled in group room

Participate in morning and afternoon group psychotherapy, with support for caring for baby when needed

Lunch in group room with other moms and babies (volunteer baby holders often available)

Weekly individual psychotherapy with therapist

Appointment with perinatal psychiatrist 1-3 times per week

Family session with partner or other significant support person before or after Day Hospital hours

Support for making connections with outpatient treatment after discharge

Vaccination Policy

In the Mother-Baby Day Hospital, Perinatal Outpatient Program, and Mother-Baby Connections Group, we want all babies, pregnant individuals, and mothers to be protected and supported. For babies 3-12 months that come to group with their mothers, we ask that babies are up to date with the recommended schedule of vaccinations, as put forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. This policy only applies to mothers and babies participating in-person at the Mother-Baby Program.

Review the recommended schedule.

Services

Mother-Baby Connections Group

Our staff will listen and guide you to the right support — either at the Mother-Baby HopeLine or in your community.

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