Can Dads Suffer Post Postpartum Depression Too?

The postpartum period is a very exciting, terrifying and overwhelming period. This time is one of healing, learning and physical emotional exhaustion. And, as we should, we often use this time to focus on momma and baby. We think of their needs, their healing and comfort. What is often overlooked is daddy or co-parent needs. This post is focusing on awareness around the postpartum time for dads and partners. Daddy blues and partner postpartum depression is a very real and important thing to address so lets talk about it.

Dad's (partners) experience with postpartum depression is often overlooked and misunderstood. Let’s be honest did you even realize that it was an actual condition? Postpartum depression in dads and partners can manifest in different ways, such as feelings of sadness, irritability, anxiety, or even a sense of detachment from both the baby and the mother. Dad's emotional health is vital during this delicate time of transition, as it not only impacts their own well-being but also the overall family dynamic. It is crucial to create an open and supportive environment where they feel comfortable expressing their emotions and seeking help if needed. Its also important to recognize that during this time everyones emotions are on high alert!
Fathers and partners often find themselves grappling with their new roles and responsibilities as parents. While the new mother may experience physical changes, hormonal shifts, and the demands of breastfeeding, dads are navigating an emotional rollercoaster of their own and even their own hormonal shifts. The stressors of sleep deprivation, work-life balance, and adjusting to their newfound identity as a father can significantly impact their mental health. Also like Colleen de Bellefonds writes in her article called, What It’s Like to Be a Dad With Postpartum Depression, “Men feel under increasing social pressure to be involved in their children’s lives from the get-go as they and their partners go back to work. In addition, many of their own fathers had a very hands-off approach to parenting.“ They can then feel a little lost when trying to model something that they had no experience with growing up.

By acknowledging and addressing postpartum depression in dads, we can better support and strengthen the entire family unit. Initiating conversations about paternal mental health, providing educational resources, and normalizing seeking professional help are crucial steps towards de-stigmatizing this issue. Moreover, healthcare providers should actively involve fathers in postpartum care, offering them a safe space to discuss their emotions and receive appropriate treatment if necessary. Through this inclusive approach, we can ensure that dads receive the support they need, allowing them to be fully present and engaged in their parenting journey. By sharing the load and fostering a sense of teamwork, moms and dads can support each other through the challenges of postpartum depression. Family and friends can also play a vital role in providing emotional support to fathers by listening without judgment, offering respite care, or encouraging them to engage in activities that bring them joy.
Let's remember that postpartum depression does not discriminate based on gender. Its impact on dads and partners should not be trivialized or dismissed. By recognizing and responding to the unique struggles fathers face during the postpartum period, we can ensure that every family member receives the care and attention they deserve.