Postpartum Support for Dad

Helping dad during the 4th trimester.

By: Elizabeth Burk, Registered Associate Marriage & Family Therapist #122958

Under Supervision of Sarah Jane Cella, LMFT#105989

“Seems like there’s no room to ask for help. Even the dad advice books focus on helping mom and baby.”

Last month we looked at the impact of the fourth trimester on mom, but dads can also face challenges during this time. The CDC estimates that 5 - 10% of new fathers in the US suffer from postpartum depression and that 1 in 10 experience postpartum anxiety (2021). As Dr. Brandon Eddy discusses in his article "The Forgotten Father" (2019) many men experience similar feelings to new moms, but may struggle vocalizing those sentiments to their partners. Men expressed feeling neglect and pressure to uphold gender expectations.

Being intentional with inclusivity can be a powerful first step to helping dads. By bringing dads into the postpartum conversation, it can ensure they feel connected to their newborn and their partners. It is therefore important to also include dads in PPD and PPA screenings. Ultimately awareness around PPD and PPA can normalize the experience for dads, while also offering a tool for healthcare providers to step in early to reduce distress.

“Seems like there’s no room to ask for help. Even the dad advice books focus on helping mom and baby.” Mental health professionals can be a valuable resource to dads during this 4th trimester. Relational therapy can provide space to process the evolving relationships to self and partner, while also working towards healthy attachments with baby. Support groups can connect parents to each other, offering peer relief. Ultimately, supporting dads supports the entire family system, leaving the family better balanced and more connected.