20/06/2025
Fathers mental health matters too!
Now when we talk about dads here we aren't just talking about biological dads, we are talking about any father figure, those people who step up into the role of being a father.
Usually the focus is on how mum is feeling mentally and emotionally from conception throughout parenthood. Dads can be left out of conversations, sometimes feeling like a bystander, a spare part. This is wrong on so many levels.
Dads are often there to look after mum, so she can look after the baby. So dad needs to have the support he needs to be mentally, emotionally and physically fit.
Dads experience changes in their brain and hormones after the birth of their baby just like mums. They need support to understand these changes so they can manage it in the best way possible.
Dads need to work through a traumatic birth just like mums to reduce any impact this might have on their mental health.
Many dads only get limited paternity leave, so they are returning to work possibly on little sleep, with no routine at home in the first weeks. Then general life stressors are still there, possible financial stress, grief, physical/mental health problems, other children to worry about...life doesn't just stop because you have a baby!!
So we need to bring dads into the conversation right from the start. Ask them how they feel about becoming a dad, about returning to work, leaving their partner who may be struggling with being a new mum or leaving their newborn baby after a traumatic birth.
Ask them what help they need.
Because yes, dads didn't carry the baby for nine months and they didn't give birth, but this is a huge life changing event for them too.
Us mums need dads to help us.
Our babies need dads to help them grow and develop into well rounded, resilient adults!
So today we encourage you to check in with a dad. See how they are. Show them some love and support.
Because dads ... you are important too.
