Sensory equipment is being offered to mums at a specialist mental health unit to enhance their emotional wellbeing.
The Rainbow Mother and Baby Unit in Chelmsford provides specialist care for women experiencing mental illness during the late stages of pregnancy and up to a year after their baby’s birth.
Mums can stay together with their baby while they are receiving treatment at the unit, which is run by Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT).
Ward manager Jodie Frost said: “The mums we work with come to us at a really vulnerable and stressful time in their lives, and we understand it can be overwhelming being in an unfamiliar hospital environment.
“This is especially so for mums who have anxiety or have been diagnosed with neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
“So we’ve worked with our patients to create sensory support boxes containing items they have suggested that would help them to feel as comfortable as possible when they are experiencing moments of sensory overload or stress.”
The boxes contain items such as fidget toys, migraine relief caps, sensory balls and games, and mood lamps.
Jodie said: “Some patients have said that when they are in therapy sessions, such as psychological therapies, having a fidget or a sensory toy with them helps them to feel grounded and to focus their thoughts.
“We also took guidance from patients who have been particularly affected by sudden noises and have bought ear defenders.
“And we’ve bought nipple contact shields for mums who are struggling with the feeling of baby latch when breastfeeding.”
The sensory items are part of EPUT’s ongoing commitment to provide therapeutic care that meets the individual needs of our patients.