Understanding Postpartum Depression in Dads: What You Need to Know

Today, we're diving into a super important topic that doesn't get talked about enough - postpartum depression (PPD) in dads. Yeah, you read that right. Dads can get postpartum depression too, and it's something we need to talk about more, especially since it can affect the whole family, including moms who need and expect their partner’s support after having a baby.

Postpartum depression is usually screened for in moms, which makes sense, because their bodies are the ones the birth the babies. It might be strange to think that dads are also at risk for developing postpartum mood disorders after their baby is born. While dads aren’t experiencing the same physical changes as their recently delivered partners, their lives are still changing in a big way, their sleep is still often very disrupted, they may be anxious for their newborn’s wellbeing, and they may have a lot to work through in this transitional period. Postpartum mood disorders in dads can be really tough on moms, who are usually expecting and relying on their partner to step up and care for them while they recover from giving birth. Recognizing the reality and frequency of mood disorders in new dads can help mothers resist feelings of resentment and disappointment that may develop if their partner is unable to meet their expectations during the postpartum period.

So, let's break this down a bit more and talk about how we can spot the signs, understand the risks, and find ways to help.

How PPD Shows Up in Dads

For dads, PPD might not look like what you expect. Instead of just feeling down, dads might become really irritable, angry, or even aggressive. This is hard on everyone, but it can be especially tough on moms. Imagine you're a new mom, already dealing with your own challenges after giving birth, and now you're also facing unexpected anger from your partner. It's a lot to handle, and it's why understanding PPD in dads is so crucial.

Signs to Watch For

If you're worried a dad might be dealing with PPD, here are some signs to look out for:

• Feeling really angry or irritable

• Losing interest in things they used to enjoy

• Feeling very tired but not being able to sleep

• Changes in eating habits

• Feeling restless or having a hard time sitting still

• Feeling worthless or overly guilty about things

• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

Risk Factors

Some things can make PPD more likely in dads. These include:

• A history of depression or other mental health issues

• A lack of support from family or friends

• His partner developing a mood disorder after giving birth

• Relationship problems

• Stress about becoming a parent or financial pressures

• The baby having health problems or special needs

How to Help

Dad’s have a lot on their plate and are expected to do a lot after a baby is born. Because they are often the mother’s primary support person, they usually sacrifice sleep and self care in a big way after a baby is born. Any way that other people can step in and relieve stress on both parents can help.

If you think a dad might be struggling with PPD, here are some ideas:

1. Talk About It: Encourage him to talk about his feelings. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there to listen can make a big difference.

2. Seek Professional Help: A therapist or counselor can provide support and strategies to manage PPD. It's okay to ask for help.

3. Support Groups: There are groups for dads dealing with PPD where they can share experiences and advice. Knowing you're not alone is powerful.

4. Help With the Baby: Offer to help with the baby or around the house. Reducing stress can make a big impact.

5. Encourage Healthy Habits: Eating well, getting some exercise, and finding a little time to relax can all help with managing PPD.

Remember, postpartum depression in dads is real, and it affects the whole family. By understanding the signs, risk factors, and ways to help, we can support dads through this challenging time. It's all about coming together to make sure everyone, moms included, feels supported and understood. At EmpowerHer Doula Services, we're here to support the whole family through the journey of welcoming a new baby. Let's make sure we're talking about and taking care of each other, dads included.

Hi, I’m Kaila, a certified birth and postpartum doula.

My mission is for each woman I serve to leave her birth experience feeling empowered, honored, and in awe of her body. If you have more questions or want to chat about how a doula can make a positive difference in your upcoming labor, delivery, and postpartum experience, feel free to reach out. I’ll get back to you quickly to answer any questions you have. Congratulations on your adding a new little life to your world!