Paternal Postpartum Research Articles

Los padres también se deprimen en el postparto: comprendiendo el fenómeno desde la voz de sus protagonistas

Las investigaciones internacionales muestran una prevalencia de un 10.4% de depresion postparto paterna en la poblacion general. En Chile el fenomeno no ha sido estudiado, por lo que nos propusimos explorar la presencia de sintomatologia depresiva en padres chilenos durante el postparto, asi como la particularidad de este fenomeno desde la subjetividad de los afectados. En este estudio exploratorio, transversal y cualitativo, se le realizaron entrevistas en profundidad a un subgrupo de padres que se situaron sobre el puntaje de corte de la Escala de Depresion Postparto de Edimburgo y/o el Inventario de Depresion de Beck, indagando en sus significados de paternidad y depresion. Entre los resultados destaca la no planificacion del embarazo en todos los participantes, asi como una paternidad asociada al rol proveedor. El concepto de depresion se asocia a sus manifestaciones mas extremas. Si bien los padres presentan malestar subjetivo, no lo identifican como sintomatologia depresiva, limitandose asi la consulta espontanea y oportuna.

Focus on fathers: paternal depression in the perinatal period.

This report aims to present a concise overview and synthesis of current research findings regarding paternal depression in the perinatal period. A literature search was conducted, primarily via PubMed and PsychNET, for English-language research studies and meta-analyses using combinations of the terms 'perinatal', 'pregnancy', 'postpartum', 'depression' AND 'fathers' OR 'paternal'. Peer-reviewed articles were considered, and a representative sample of literature, with an emphasis on recent publications from a broad range of populations was summarized for each of the following sub-sections: prevalence, risk factors, impact on the infant/child, and healthcare costs. Reported prevalence has ranged from 2.3% to 8.4%, with a significant degree of heterogeneity in rates, due to differences in multiple aspects of the methodology (timing, instruments, etc.). Nevertheless, rates of maternal depression remain higher than paternal depression, and higher rates of one are associated with higher rates of the other. The primary risk factors for paternal depression are maternal depression and the father's history of severe depression, or symptoms of depression or anxiety prenatally. Biological mechanisms may underlie paternal depression, with changes reported in testosterone, cortisol and prolactin levels during this period. Paternal depression has been related to children's behavioral, emotional and social function at 36 months and psychiatric disorders at 7 years, adjusting for maternal depression. Healthcare costs may also be impacted by paternal postpartum depression, with higher father-child dyad costs found after controlling for potential confounders. Focusing on fathers' emotional well-being in the perinatal period is important in itself, as well as for their wives and children. Programs recommending screening for maternal perinatal mood and anxiety disorders should include inquiry regarding the father's emotional state, and if his distress is reported it should be clarified and followed-up by support and intervention as necessary.

Diet Choices at 3 and 12 Months for Women and Their Partners after Recent Gestational Diabetes (GDM)—Results of the Families Defeating Diabetes (FDD) Study

Objectives: FDD was a 12 month, multi-centre, Canadian, randomized study translating diabetes-protective messages after GDM. Male partner participation was encouraged. We compared paternal vs. maternal food choices for interventional (INT) and control (CON) participants before and after FDD. Methods: INT maternal and paternal participants received information promoting high fibre/low fat foods; portion control; healthy restaurant choices via postpartum seminar, access to branded FDD website and twice-monthly email contact. CON maternal subjects received a postpartum healthy living handout. One-day food records at 3 and 12 months were analyzed for fast food intake (FF) and Canada’s Food Guide (CFG) servings. Results: 15 INT and 16 CON maternal/paternal pairs provided food records at 3 and 12 months. Considering INT and CON cohorts together: paternal and maternal grain products, milk/alternatives and meat/alternatives consumption met CFG guidelines at 3 and 12 months. Paternal and maternal vegetables and fruit (V and F) intakes were similar but lower than recommended (paternal: goal 8-10 servings/day; baseline 3.8±2.2; 12 months 4.6±2.9; maternal: goal 7-8 servings/day; baseline 4.1±2.8; 12 months 5.4±3.2). Paternal FF intake was higher than maternal at baseline: (0.41±0.61 vs. 0.12±0.34; p=0.03) but not at 12 months (0.44±0.62 vs. 0.34±0.40, p=0.6). Paternal and maternal V and F intakes were modestly correlated by 12 months (r=0.35, p=0.05). Conclusions: Notable paternal and maternal postpartum diet choices were: servings of V and F did not meet CFG recommendations at 3 and 12 months for men or women; paternal FF intake was higher than maternal soon after delivery, but not at 12 months as maternal servings increased; paternal and maternal V and F intakes were correlated at 12 months postpartum. Therefore, it may be helpful to target both paternal and maternal food choices when promoting healthy living after GDM. Disclosure A. Vezina: None. R.M. McManus: None. L.E. Donovan: None. D.B. Miller: None. I.T. Giroux: None.

Paternal Postpartum Depression and Its Relationship With Maternal Postpartum Depression

Paternal Postpartum Depression and Its Relationship With Maternal Postpartum Depression

Factors associated with paternal perinatal depression in fathers of newborns in Nigeria

Introduction: There is a lack of information on paternal postnatal depression in developing countries such as Nigeria.Methods: This study aims to assess the prevalence of depression in fathers at the birth of their infants and the incidence of paternal postnatal depression at 6 weeks postpartum. We also examined the correlation between paternal postpartum depression (PPD) at 6 weeks and maternal PPD as well as the sociodemographic and other correlates of paternal PPD at 6 weeks.Results: All the 331 fathers recruited at baseline completed the study. Prevalence of depression in fathers at birth of their babies was 10 (3%). After excluding the 3%, the incidence of PPD in fathers (N = 321) at 6 weeks was 19 (5.9%). In all, 29 (8.8%) fathers had PPD. The prevalence of depression in mothers at 6 weeks postpartum was 57 (17.8%). The prevalence of depression in mothers at 6 weeks was significantly higher than the incidence of depression in fathers at 6 weeks (X2 = 26.2, p < .001). There was no significant correlation between maternal PPD and paternal PPD. At baseline, prevalence of PPD among the unemployed fathers was higher than in the employed, 3 (21.4%) versus 7 (2.2%), this was significant (FE p < .01). There was no significant correlate of paternal PPD at 6 weeks.Discussion: Postpartum mental health services should be extended to fathers of newborns especially those who are unemployed. Our findings have implications for family health.

What do dads want? Treatment preferences for paternal postpartum depression

BackgroundPostpartum depression (PPD) is prevalent, occurring in 8 to 13% of new fathers. Identifying effective and acceptable treatments for paternal PPD is important to prevent negative family outcomes. Participation in a patient preferred treatment for depression increases treatment adherence and effectiveness. Thus, developing and delivering interventions that are preferred by the target population is an important aspect of successful treatment. The current study investigated treatment preferences for paternal PPD. MethodsMen (N=140) who were within the first year postpartum were recruited from low-risk maternity clinics, baby shows, and partner referrals. Participants completed a 20‐minute online survey that included three expert validated treatment descriptions for depression and a series of questionnaires. ResultsParticipants reported preferring individual and couple psychotherapy to pharmacotherapy for treatment of PPD. Men perceived both individual and couple psychotherapy as being more credible and reported more favourable personal reactions towards them when compared to pharmacotherapy. LimitationsParticipants were not required to meet diagnostic criteria for depression. The majority of participants were asked to respond to a hypothetical scenario of what they would do if faced with PPD. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that fathers prefer psychological interventions over pharmacotherapy for treatment of PPD. Future research should investigate efficacious treatment options for paternal PPD based on treatment preferences.

Vilazodone for the Treatment of Paternal Post Natal Depression

Maternal postpartum depression is well recognized by clinicians as one of the psychiatric complication of delivery, conversely paternal postpartum depression or paternal postnatal depression which affects up to 10% -14% of new fathers 6 to 12 months after a child birth is rarely recognized and treated. Without proper diagnosis and prompt treatment paternal postnatal depression could lead to dire consequences including, deterioration in paternal mental health, loss of paternal bonding with the newborn child, which has been associated with long term later child psychiatric complications such as conduct disorders, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder and delays in language acquisition. It can also lead to marital conflicts, stressful family interactions and psychiatric disability leading to potential loss of income, and increase medical care costs. Like major depressive disorders the treatment of paternal postnatal depression may require psychopharmacological treatment typically with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. The purpose of this report is to increase clinicians awareness in recognizing and treating paternal postnatal depression as illustrated in a case of a 30 year-old new father who developed paternal postnatal depression and his progress in response to treatment with the first-of-class serotonin partial agonist reuptake inhibitor antidepressant vilazodone which basic pharmacology is summarized.

Trajectories of Postpartum Depression in Italian First-Time Fathers.

Paternal postpartum depression (PPD) has received little attention compared with maternal prenatal and postpartum depression, despite research reporting that paternal PPD concerns a substantial number of fathers. History of depression and antenatal depression have been identified as important PPD’s risk factors, underlining the continuity of depressive symptoms during the transition to parenthood. However, only few studies have focused on the evolution of depressive symptoms with longitudinal research design. The present study aims at analyzing the longitudinal trajectories of depressive symptoms from the third trimester of pregnancy to 1 year after childbirth. One hundred and twenty-six first-time fathers completed the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at four time points (7-8 months of pregnancy, 40 days, 5-6 months, and 12 months after childbirth). Data were analyzed throughout latent growth mixture modeling. Latent growth mixture modeling analysis indicated a three-class model as the optimal solution. The three-class solution included a trajectory of low, stable depressive symptoms across the four time points (resilient, 52%); a trajectory of moderate, relatively stable depressive symptomatology (distress, 37%); and a trajectory of emergent clinical depression following a pattern of high depressive symptoms (emergent depression, 11%). This study allowed to identify different subpopulation within the sample, distinguishing among mental well-being, emotional distress, and high-risk conditions when—1 year after childbirth—fathers report the highest scores to the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. These results underline the importance to analyze fathers’ well-being over the time during the transition to fatherhood.

Prevalence of paternal postpartum depression in China and its association with maternal postpartum depression: A Meta-analysis

To estimate the national prevalence of paternal postpartum depression in China and evaluate its association with maternal postpartum depression. Methods: Systematic literature searches were conducted in databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wangfang Database, Chinese science & technology journal database (VIP) and SinoMed database. The articles reported the prevalence of paternal postpartum depression in China were collected from inception to October 1, 2015. Random effect models were used to calculate pooled estimates and 95% confidence intervals. Subgroup analysis were undertaken by period of measurement, case identification, study location and study quality. Results: Fourteen studies with a total sample size of 3 819 partners were included in this study. The pooled estimate of paternal postpartum depression was 13.6% (95% CI 8.7%-21.3%). The Pearson correlation coefficien between maternal PPD and paternal PPD was 0.295 (95% CI 0.218-0.367). The subgroup analysis showed that the estimates of paternal PPD in 0-5+6 weeks postpartum, 6-8 weeks postpartum and 8+1-24 weeks postpartum were 28.7%, 11.4% and 5.5%, respectively; when the rating scale was used as case identification method, the estimate of paternal PPD was 16.8%, and it was 4.1% when interview was used. The estimate of paternal PPD in inner areas was 22.2%, in coastal areas was 13.3% and in Hongkong/Taiwan was 7.8%. In studies with lower quality, the estimate of paternal PPD was 23.0%, and it was 9.1% in studies with higher quality. Conclusion: The national prevalence of paternal postpartum depression in China was at a high level, particularly during the postpartum 0-5+6 weeks. Paternal postpartum depression also showed a moderate positive correlation with maternal postpartum depression.

Paternal mental health following perceived traumatic childbirth

Objectivethe objective behind the current study was to explore the experiences and perceptions of fathers after childbirth trauma, an area of minimal research. This is part two of a two-part series conducted in 2014 researching the mental health of fathers after experiencing a perceived traumatic childbirth. Designqualitative methodology using semi-structured interviews and reporting of qualitative questions administered in part one's online survey (Inglis, 2014). Settinginterviews conducted face-to-face at an Australian University or on Skype. Participantssixty-nine responded to the online qualitative questions and of these seven were interviewed. Measurementsthematic analysis of verbal and written qualitative responses. Findingsthematic analysis of qualitative survey data and interviews found a global theme ‘standing on the sideline’ which encompassed two major themes of witnessing trauma: unknown territory, and the aftermath: dealing with it, and respective subthemes. Key Conclusionsaccording to the perceptions and experiences of the fathers, there was a significant lack of communication between birthing teams and fathers, and fathers experienced a sense of marginalisation before, during, and after the traumatic childbirth. The findings of this study suggest that these factors contributed to the perception of trauma in the current sample. Whilst many fathers reported the negative impact of the traumatic birth on themselves and their relationships, some reported post-traumatic growth from the experience and others identified friends and family as a valuable source of support. Implications for practiceimproved communication between midwifery staff and fathers before, during and after childbirth may reduce the rates of paternal postpartum mental health difficulties and experiences of trauma.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Postpartum Depression in Fathers: A Regional, Longitudinal Study in Japan.

Paternal postpartum depression may affect not only the mental health and wellbeing of fathers but their partners and children. We investigated the point and period prevalence of paternal postpartum depression and its association with factors measured during pregnancy in a regional longitudinal study in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, between December 1, 2012, and April 30, 2013. Data were collected once in pregnancy and five times in the first three months postpartum. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess paternal depression, and data were collected in pregnancy on demographic and psychosocial factors. Of 215 fathers who returned at least one of the five postpartum assessments, 36 (17%) reported symptoms of depression in the first three months after birth. In logistic regression analyses, among a number of demographic and psychosocial characteristics that previously had been linked to paternal postpartum depression, only fathers' history of psychiatric treatment and depressive symptoms during pregnancy were associated with paternal depressive symptoms in the postnatal period. The results add to the growing body of evidence on prevalence of paternal postnatal depression and indicate that assessment and support for fathers are important starting in pregnancy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Exploration of first-time fathers′ experiences during the child′s first year

Background: The paternal postpartum period is a tremendous transitional time for first-time fathers and so, their unique experiences should be considered. Aim: To explore new fathers' experiences during the child's first year and the factors associated with their experiences. Setting and Design: A descriptive exploratory research conducted among n = 149 new fathers working in private companies in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India recruited by purposive sampling during their first year of paternal postpartum period. Materials and Methods: An individual interview using a four-point structured rating scale consisting of 50 items measuring their experiences during the first year of paternal postpartum period was used to collect data. Statistical Analysis: All statistical analyses were performed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 17 version. An alpha less than 0.05 was considered to be significant in all analyses. Results: The results revealed that the vast majority of the first-time fathers (61.34%) had positive postpartum experiences as compared to 38.66% who reported negative fatherhood experiences. The key concepts related to their experiences were emotional upheaval, changes in lifestyle, pleasant and rejuvenating fatherhood experiences, relationship difficulties with partners, parents, friends, lack of intimacy with spouse, feelings of social isolation, lack of leisure activities and hobbies, difficulties in balancing career and family, ongoing physical problems, and financial constraints. There was no association of their postpartum paternal experiences with sociodemographic factors. Conclusion: Findings from this study suggest the need for realigning health services that have traditionally focused on mothers and children to father friendly services that respect fathers' strengths, experiences, knowledge, relationship, empowerment, and well-being to promote lasting benefits for fathers and their families.

Men’s perinatal mental health in the transition to fatherhood.

While fathers have come to be more involved with their partners and infants throughout the perinatal period, recent research has shown that roughly 10% of new dads experience mental health difficulties including depression and anxiety. Unfortunately, few psychologists receive focused training regarding conceptualizing, assessing, or treating common men’s issues in the period spanning from conception through a year post-partum. Because men tend not to seek mental health services during this period, the lack of scholarly attention to this vulnerable group reflects a commonly overlooked public mental health disparity. This article provides an overview of the key factors which research and theory suggest inform new fatherhood, along with an in-depth look at paternal postpartum depression. Implications for further practice and research are discussed. Specifically, the authors review psychosocial factors including masculine socialization, self-efficacy, social support, involvement with babies, and paternal postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. Finally, implications for research and practice are discussed.

Paternal postnatal depression in Japan: an investigation of correlated factors including relationship with a partner.

BackgroundA negative effect of paternal depression on child development has been revealed in several previous studies. The aims of this study were to examine the prevalence and relevant factors associated with paternal postnatal depression at four months postpartum, including age, part-time work or unemployment, experience of visiting a medical institution due to a mental health problem, economic anxiety, unexpected pregnancy, pregnancy with infertility treatment, first child, partner’s depression, and lower marital relationship satisfaction.MethodsWe distributed 2032 self-report questionnaires to couples (one mother and one father) with a 4-month old infant between January and April 2013. Data from 807 couples (39.7 %) were analyzed. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). In order to clarify the factors related with paternal depression, a logistic regression analysis was conducted.ResultsOne hundred and ten fathers (13.6 %) and 83 mothers (10.3 %) were depressed. According to the logistic regression analysis, paternal depression was positively associated with partner’s depression (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.91, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.05–3.47), and negatively with marital relationship satisfaction (AOR 0.83, 95 % CI 0.77–0.89). History of infertility treatment (AOR 2.37, 95 % CI 1.32–4.24), experience of visiting a medical institution due to a mental health problem (AOR 4.56, 95 % CI 2.06–10.08), and economic anxiety (AOR 2.15, 95 % CI 1.34–3.45) were also correlated with paternal depression.ConclusionsThis study showed that the prevalence of paternal depression at four months after childbirth was 13.6 % in Japan. The presence of partner’s depression and low marital relationship satisfaction were significantly correlated with paternal postpartum depression, suggesting that health professionals need to pay attention to the mental status of both fathers and mothers, and to their relationship.

Longitudinal contribution of maternal and paternal depression to toddler behaviors: Interparental conflict and later depression as mediators.

Maternal postpartum depression has been linked to later internalizing and externalizing behaviors in offspring; whereas, the consequences of paternal postpartum depression have received little attention. Further, research has produced inconsistent findings regarding mechanisms accounting for the link between postpartum depression and subsequent child behaviors. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to extend previous research by examining simultaneously the unique effects of maternal and paternal postpartum depression on child behaviors, and exploring the potential mediating roles of later depression and interparental conflict. The study included a sample of 199 couples whose index child was an average age of 4.5 months at the postpartum assessment and 45.5 months at the toddlerhood assessment. Findings suggest that both maternal and paternal depression in the postpartum period set the stage for future parental depression and interparental conflict. Parental depression during toddlerhood was associated with child internalizing and externalizing behaviors and represents a primary mechanism through which postpartum depression is linked to child behaviors for both male and female children. Interparental conflict was not a significant mediator, but may have an indirect role in internalizing and externalizing behaviors through its associations with parental depression. Clinical implications include the need for pediatric primary care providers to routinely implement systematic screening practices for parental mental health and to provide referrals to couples and parenting programs when depression is detected.

Constructions of motherhood and fatherhood in newspaper articles on maternal and paternal postpartum depression

Postpartum depression (PPD) is typically constructed as a medical condition that is defined by prevalence rates, time of onset, duration, symptoms, causes and treatments. Presentations of PPD in popular texts have also revealed that it is a site for constructions of mothering/motherhood. While PPD has traditionally been assumed to be the domain of women, researchers have recently focused attention on PPD and men. Using articles on maternal and paternal PPD published in Canadian and American newspapers between 2008 and 2012, we analysed how constructions of mothering/motherhood and fathering/fatherhood were inscribed in this public forum. We show how mothering/motherhood was foregrounded via dominant evaluative discourses and highly imbued with expectations while fathering/fatherhood was kept in the background and characterised by the unavailability of clear expectations. We conclude that maternal PPD remains primary and normative while paternal PPD remains ‘othered’ despite the supposed attention to it in these public texts.

Relationship between Fathers' Depression and Perceived Social Support and Stress in Postpartum Period.

The evidence suggests that some men experience depression after the childbirth of their wife, and this real and unknown phenomenon will adversely affect them as well as their families. Regarding the lack of understanding about the paternal depression and its complex and multifaceted etiology, the present study was done to assess the paternal postpartum depression and its relationship with perceived stress and social support components. In this descriptive study, 205 new fathers were assessed from 6th to 12th week postpartum in seven health centers, affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University. Collected data with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and the Perceived Social Support Scale were analyzed by descriptive statistics, correlation tests and linear regression analysis. 11.7% of the fathers scored 12 or above in the Edinburgh scale, which indicated depression symptom. The postnatal depression scores had a significant positive correlation with the perceived stress scores and a significant negative correlation with the perceived social support components scores. Perceived stress was key predictor of paternal postpartum depression. Perceived social support components cannot significantly predict the paternal postpartum depression. Assessment of paternal postpartum depression and its risk factors is recommended. Healthcare providers should pay more attention to the increasing public awareness, stress management and communication skills training, and support of fathers during the postnatal period.

The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Paternal Depression from the Antenatal to the Postpartum Period and the Relationships between Antenatal and Postpartum Depression among Fathers in Hong Kong.

Introduction. Despite the fact that maternal perinatal mental health problems have been extensively studied and addressed to be a significant health problem, the literature on paternal perinatal mental health problems is relatively scarce. The present study aims at determining the prevalence of paternal perinatal depression and identifying the risk factors and the relationship between antenatal and postpartum depression. Methodology. 622 expectant fathers were recruited from regional maternal clinics. The expectant fathers were assessed using standardized and validated psychological instruments on 3 time points including early pregnancy, late pregnancy, and six weeks postpartum. Results. Results showed that a significant proportion of expectant fathers manifested depressive symptoms during the perinatal period. Paternal antenatal depression could significantly predict higher level of paternal postpartum depression. Psychosocial risk factors were consistently associated with paternal depression in different time points. Conclusions. The present study points to the need for greater research and clinical attention to paternal depression given that it is a highly prevalent problem and could be detrimental to their spouse and children development. The present findings contribute to theoretical basis of the prevalence and risk factors of paternal perinatal depression and have implications of the design of effective identification, prevention, and interventions of these clinical problems.

Paternal postpartum depression: The role of maternal postpartum depression, spousal support, and relationship satisfaction.

Paternal postpartum depression: The role of maternal postpartum depression, spousal support, and relationship satisfaction.

Paternal Postpartum Depression: What Health Care Providers Should Know

Paternal postpartum depression (PPD) is a clinically significant problem for families that is currently underscreened, underdiagnosed, and undertreated. Maternal PPD is a well-known condition and has been extensively researched. In comparison, PPD in fathers and its potential effects on the family are not widely recognized. Studies have shown the importance of optimal mental health in fathers during the postpartum period. Negative effects of paternal PPD affect marital/partner relationships, infant bonding, and child development. To promote optimal health for parents and children, pediatric nurse practitioners must stay up to date on this topic. This article discusses the relationship of paternal PPD to maternal PPD; the consequences, signs, and symptoms; and the pediatric nurse practitioner's role in assessing and managing paternal PPD.