- Try to get involved in social groups similar to your own situation. Meeting up with other parents who are experiencing the same life adjustments often provides support and can help reassure you that you aren’t the only having similar new baby challenges
- Try to spend some time with each other. The change in the family dynamics mean men can feel excluded and isolated from their partner. For example, this could involve going for a walk with the baby in the pram so that you can walk and talk with your partner. Or if you have a supportive family member that you trust to watch your baby, you and your partner could try to go out for a coffee for somewhere out of the house for even just 1 hour between feeds and whilst your baby is asleep
- Try to continue engaging in other activities that you enjoy outside of work – it’s easy to not have time for other activities when a new baby arrives. However it is really helpful for new mums and dads to make time to engage in other activities as well, particularly if you feel things aren’t going as well with the new baby as you’d like
- Lastly, remember that, while Dad may feel he is not needed in the daily demands of your new born infant, he plays a pivotal role in the family and upbringing of that baby. Try to find special time for Dad to bond with your baby – go for a walk, give baby a bath, try rock her to sleep. When you begin to feel useful and needed in the family it also assists in your general mental well being.
- Men can experience PND as frustrating, confusing, stigmatizing and isolating. It is important to identify any concerns about your mental health early to reduce long-term effects on yourself and your relationships.
Men can experience PND as frustrating, confusing, stigmatizing and isolating. It is important to identify any concerns about your mental health early to reduce long-term effects on yourself and your relationships. And please contact us if you or your partner feel you need professional support and guidance to get through a challenging time.
Reference list
- https://www.nct.org.uk/parenting/postnatal-depression-dads
- http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/men_and_postnatal_depression.html
- Braun, K., & Hartmann, J. (2015). Antenatal and Postnatal Depression. Womens’ Health: Brisbane, QLD.
