Motion

Motion TitleMother and Baby Unit

Motion TextThat this Assembly recognises the importance of a regional mother and baby unit to support mothers with postpartum mental health issues; acknowledges that such a unit would enable mothers to remain with their babies while accessing specialist inpatient care; notes that giving birth can be one of the most fulfilling and joyous times in a mother's life; further notes that some mothers experience serious mental health challenges after birth, including postpartum psychosis; affirms that mothers deserve access to inpatient care that allows them to stay with their babies while receiving the support they need; further acknowledges that we remain the only part of these islands without a dedicated mother and baby unit; expresses concern at the ongoing lack of provision; calls on the Minister of Health to provide an update on the current business case for the establishment of a mother and baby unit; and further calls on the Minister to put in place interim measures, including a dedicated ward with staff trained in conditions such as postpartum psychosis, to ensure mothers in crisis can access appropriate support until that unit is developed, and to engage with his Ministerial counterpart in the Department of Health in Dublin to ensure that services in that unit will be available to support mothers and babies throughout Ireland.

Motion CategoryPrivate Members' Motion

Date Tabled to Business Office01/07/2025

Date Selected By Committee23/09/2025

Date of Plenary Debate07/10/2025