Postpartum & Partners

PPND: Dads and depression, courtesy of Let Mommy Sleep

Did you know postpartum mental health issues are the most common complication of pregnancy? Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Anxiety in mothers is finally getting talked about, but postpartum depression in men* called Paternal PostNatal Depression, or PPND, is just as common.
 
What is PPND? 
Depression in mothers happens because of the biological and hormonal changes experienced after childbirth. According to studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and National Institute of Health however, depression can affect up to 25% of new fathers -especially if their partner is experiencing depression. The condition is called PPND, or Paternal PostNatal Depression, and with the amount of depression reported in men as a whole typically about 5%, PPND is very real. Hormonal and emotional changes happen in men too. 

*We’re using male pronouns here because the study data is for male partners,  Awareness of postpartum issues is relevant to female partners as well.

Who is at risk?
PPND can happen to any father but there are also risk factors to know about before baby arrives:

•  history of depression
•  partner who has depression 
•  an unplanned/unwanted pregnancy
•  poor family relationships and little social support
•  financial or personal stress

How can Newborn & Postpartum Caregivers help? 

• TALKING ABOUT IT. There is still a perceived social stigma to depression so normalizing PPND is helpful.
• Caregivers can point parents to this assessment to identify PPND warning signs. 
• Caregivers can encourage regular exercise, proper sleep and family/social support.
• Caregivers can refer to a mental health professional for a professional screening. 

We can all help by getting in the habit of asking partners how they are doing too- not just moms. For new parents and their caregivers, knowledge is power in managing postpartum mental health complications before they arise.

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