Fatherhood

Becoming a new dad can be exciting, rewarding, and challenging. Many life changes happen to parents with the birth of a baby. Both parents are learning how to parent and how to continue to effectively meet each other’s needs, as a couple, at the same time. There are many new responsibilities to handle. It's important to remember that adjusting to these changes takes time and patience.

• You both must be physically and emotionally ready
• Read more about what to expect the first time and sex after childbirth

Communicating with your partner

• Make time to talk with your partner
• Physical touch can be reassuring
• Remember why you fell in love
• Accept the fact that your life will change
• Making a positive change takes work
• Set priorities
• Ask questions if you do not understand. Don't make assumptions
• Be honest, attentive, and open
• Talk about your concerns, feelings, and worries
• Take a “time out” from discussion with each other if either of you become frustrated
• Come back to discuss at an agreed time in the future
• Acknowledge that you both think differently and that is okay
• Find out what your partner needs

Mental health is an important part of health and well-being

• 10% of men experience postpartum depression and even more can experience anxiety

• The perinatal period is the time from pregnancy to childbirth to the first year postpartum (the first year after the birth of your baby)

• When dads experience depression, it doubles the risk of behaviour and emotional problems with their children

• Whether you’re a new dad or a not-so-new dad, taking care of your emotional well-being is important; it positively impacts your relationships with your children, and others in your life

• Your relationship with your child is the foundation of their emotional well-being too. Poor mental health in the perinatal period has a negative impact on the infant’s mental health

Dads can experience mental health concerns differently than their partners

• Dads experience some of the same symptoms of depression and anxiety as their partners and they can also experience some different ones; knowing the symptoms can help you to know when to reach out for help

• Symptoms of depression and anxiety can include: feeling irritable, angry, sad, depressed, and physical symptoms, such as headaches, poor concentration

• Some dads find that they withdraw from relationships, or work a lot more or a lot less

• Some dads have thoughts of suicide or become more impulsive and take risks; an increase in substance use, like alcohol, is also common

Your mental health

• Be aware of emotional changes you experience
• Ask questions and express any concerns to your healthcare provider
• Find ways to decrease stress for yourself and your partner
• Talk with other new parents and ask them what works for them
• Make time to talk with your partner or someone you trust about how you are feeling and any concerns you have
• Reach out for help if you are struggling; know that you are not alone

Take care of yourself

• Connection is the key! Connect with other dads, friends, or family members for support and understanding
• Take some time to relax, nap, exercise, eat healthy food, and do the things that you enjoy
• Accept support from others; don’t be afraid to ask for help with meals and laundry from family and friends
• Trust yourself