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Pregnancy Is Not Just A Mom Thing : Know Why Dads Deserve Equal Emotional Support
As a couple prepares for the arrival of a new baby, the focus is often on the mom, as she faces the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy. But what about the dad? While everyone celebrates the mother's journey, fathers also experience their own challenges, doubts, and emotional shifts.
As the big day draws near, the emotional journey for dads is often overlooked, leaving many to navigate this new chapter without the support they truly need. That's why experts are now stressing on the importance of mental support for dads-to-be based on a new study.
Dads-To-Be In Need Of Mental Support
A new study emphasises the importance of giving dads-to-be as much emotional support as moms during the transition to parenthood. It highlights the need for antenatal and clinical appointments to focus more on fathers, who often feel excluded from the process.
Many new fathers report facing immense physical and emotional challenges, including feelings of exhaustion and even symptoms of postnatal depression, leaving them on the verge of burnout. Addressing these issues could help ensure a healthier, more inclusive journey to parenthood for both parents.
Societal Pressure On Dads-To-Be
Many dads-to-be are struggling to ask for help during the transition to fatherhood because society expects them to handle new parenthood without difficulty. Researchers argue that clinical guidelines should include mental health support for men both before and after they become fathers.
This support would help them go through the physical, emotional, and social shifts that come with parenthood. The findings, based on surveys, interviews, and focus groups with over 1,000 men from the UK, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, revealed mixed experiences. While some men adjusted well, most faced challenges that took a toll on their mental health and overall wellbeing.
Felt Unprepared And Left Out
Many new dads shared that they felt unprepared for the exhaustion and responsibilities that come with a newborn, which often strained their relationships due to less intimacy and quality time with their partners.
They also admitted to feeling like outsiders in the mother-child bond, starting from pregnancy, which made them doubt their parenting abilities. A common concern was the lack of information or antenatal classes tailored to their needs, as their role during this transition was often overlooked.
Nearly half of the studies found that fathers wanted better guidance on parenting, particularly around breastfeeding, so they could support their partners more effectively.
The Solution
Researchers from the University of Newcastle suggest creating clinical guidelines to support dads' mental health during the perinatal period. They emphasise that doctors, midwives, and other healthcare professionals should allocate sufficient time during appointments to focus on fathers' wellbeing, which is often overlooked.
The researchers argue that addressing these concerns through structured guidelines, better engagement from practitioners, and actively including fathers in the parenting process could play a key role in reducing societal stigma.
It would also help challenge outdated gender norms that expect men to suppress their struggles during the transition to fatherhood, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for dads.
The Experts And NHS Take On The Issue
The research team stresses that fathers need as much emotional and practical support as mothers during the transition to parenthood. They highlight the importance of tailored support in the future to ensure dads aren't treated as a "forgotten entity."
Addressing this issue, an NHS (National Health Service of the United Kingdom, comprising the NHS in England, NHS Scotland and NHS Wales. Health and Social Care in Northern Ireland ) spokesperson mentioned that fathers are included in care during the lead-up to births, provided their partner consents.
They also noted that partners experiencing mental health challenges, such as anxiety, depression, or severe conditions like psychosis, are automatically offered a full mental health assessment and directed to professional support when necessary. This approach aims to provide comprehensive care for both parents during this critical period.
In the end, pregnancy is a journey for both parents, and it's time we recognize that dads need just as much emotional support as moms. By giving fathers the attention and care they deserve, we can create a more balanced, supportive experience for everyone involved.
It's not just about preparing for a baby; it's about nurturing the well-being of both parents to ensure a healthier start for the whole family. Because let's stop leaving dads behind after all, they're in this together, too.
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