Resources for Dads and Non-Birthing Parents
Society views men as stoic, self-sacrificing, and strong. When men feel none of those things as new fathers, it might be hard to admit it or seek help. The stigma in experiencing difficulties as a new parent is sometimes greater for men than women. To support new fathers and non-birthing parents, we have curated a list of resources to help them navigate the transition to new parenthood.
Fact Sheet
Dads and Depression Fact Sheet
Curated by: Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance
Learn the research behind the causes, risk factors, and impacts of paternal depression with this fact sheet.
Books
Beyond the Blues: A Guide to Understanding and Treating Prenatal and Postpartum Depression
Written by: Shoshanna Bennet, PhD and Pec Indman, EdD, MFT
Beyond the Blues contains the current information about risk factors, diagnosis, teatment, and prevention of mood disorders in pregnancy and postpartum. Straightforward yet compassionate, it is required reading for all who work with pregnant and postpartum women, as well as for those suffering before or after the baby is born.
This book is being used by the US Navy, Spectrum Health in Michigan, Durham Regional Health Department of Canada, New York State Department of Health, Broward Healthy Start Coalition of Florida, the International Childbirth Education Association, and many other organizations.
Fathers and Perinatal Mental Health: A Guide for Recognition, Treatment, and Management
Written by: Jane Hanley and Mark Williams
This book seeks to address the reasons why the father or the potential father could suffer from a mental disorder or illness during the perinatal period, his reactions, and what can be done to help him.
Parental Mental Health: Factoring in Fathers
Written by: by Jane Honikman and Daniel Singley
The purpose of this book is to include men in the discussion about early parenthood, to foster a gender-equitable, whole family approach to parental mental health, and to increase awareness about best practices in the care for expectant and new fathers.
The Postpartum Husband: Practical Solutions for Living with Postpartum Depression
Written by: Karen Kleiman, MSW
This book is a concise resource that provides insights for fathers / partners about perinatal mental health conditions—both what they and their partner are experiencing.
Sad Dad: An Exploration of Postnatal Depression in Fathers
Written by: Olivia Spencer
This book sheds light on the many aspects of postnatal depression in fathers, includes a review of recent studies and research in this area, discusses how male postnatal depression can effect family relationships, and examines the social and psychoanalytic factors which help explain why men experience this depression as well as women.
Websites, Support Groups, and Programs
Postpartum Support International: Help for Dads
This organization curates many resources for dads and partners, including:
Dads coordinator
Monthly chats for dads
Closed Facebook group for dads
Dad support group
Boot Camp for New Dads
Boot Camp for New Dads is a father-to-father, community-based website that inspires and equips men of different ages, economic levels, and cultures to engage with their infants, support their partners, and navigate their transformation into dads.
Daddy Boot Camp
Daddy Boot Camp is an online man-to-man workshop to give men becoming fathers the tools and confidence to become great dads. DBC provides a community of dads who “want the new guys to have what we have.”
Postpartum Men
Postpartum Men is a place for men with concerns about depression, anxiety, or other problems with mood after the birth of a child. This website includes a self-assessment for postpartum depression and an online forum for dads.
Welcome to Fatherhood
Welcome to Fatherhood provides support for the entire spectrum of the fatherhood journey, helping men transition from the “Dude Zone” to the “Dad Zone.” WTF offerings include a book, podcast, blog, video series, classes, coaching, and more.
Podcasts
Advancing Health Podcast: The Role of Fathers in Maternal and Child Health
Men can have a significant influence in supporting women during their pregnancy, and can be essential allies in creating better outcomes for mother and child. Guests Dr. Amina Alio of University of Rochester Medical Center, and Jonathan Webb, CEO of the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, explore the role of fathers in maternal and child health, and how addressing fathers’ needs can improve the overall well-being of a family.
