Paternal Postpartum Mental Health

👨‍👩‍👧 Parenthood is a journey for all involved, and that includes dads and non-birthing partners too.
Postpartum anxiety and depression aren't gender-specific-they can impact anyone navigating the joys and challenges of welcoming a new life. Non-birthing partners may not experience the hormonal shifts that birthing mothers do, but they certainly feel the stress of sleep deprivation, shifting schedules, time away from work, and the responsibility of caring for a precious, yet needy, newborn. Both my husband AND I experienced postpartum anxiety or depression and want to bring awareness to the fact that any new parent can struggle with their mental health after birth.
As mentioned in the video, it's much less common for men to seek support for their mental health. Often they feel that they should suppress their feelings to support their partner. But acknowledging feelings and getting appropriate help is so important for every individual, and also important for the overall health of the family.
Be sure to tune in wherever you access podcasts to the most recent The PedsDocTalk Podcast episode where my husband talks about his postpartum mental health struggles and how he worked through them. 🔄 Let's break the stigma and raise awareness. Support, understanding, and open conversations are key to ensuring everyone gets the help they deserve.
Did you or your partner experience postpartum anxiety or depression? Would love to hear everyone's experiences in the comments to spread awareness and support. 💙

[@briannabelliconish2828]

So important and sooooo widely ignored unfortunately. Thanks for sharing this topic and spreading awareness!

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

Totally agree, hoping to bring more awareness to the issue so more fathers are able to get support they need ❤

[@lindaterron6021]

Thank you for sharing! Your channel is the only baby channel I watch ❤sharing both the joy and hardship with honesty

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

thanks so much for the support ❤

[@Racoooneyes]

You brought a new life into the world…it’s not about you anymore. And in today’s world, mental illness is hurting your thumb. Man up, take responsibility and be the best dad you can be.

[@pedsdoctalktv9960]

To take responsibility and be the best parent possible, regardless if you're a father or a mother, acknowledging your own struggles and seeking support if needed is so important. How are you to care for a baby if you're suffering from anxiety or depression and can't think straight? I think being vulnerable and acknowledging when help is needed is essential both to care well for our children and to model for them that it's okay to need help sometimes.