Dads play an essential and positive role supporting their babies and partners during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Research suggests that dads often feel left out or sidelined in perinatal care conversations about mental health and wellbeing.
Many dads in our community encounter stereotypes about fatherhood and masculinity, like needing to be their family’s financial provider and emotionless ‘rock’ while their partner provides all infant care. Or that their caregiving role as the non-birthing is less important for their baby’s development and wellbeing.
These messages and expectations often start early, for instance when dads feel unwelcome or excluded in antenatal classes or other care-related appointments. These experiences may leave dads feeling ignored, unsure of themselves and their role, and less confident or capable as they transition to parenthood.
How can you help?
As a healthcare provider, you can change this by including dads in all aspects of perinatal care and support.
Dads need to know they are valued and respected as people, parents, partners and caregivers.
Including dads in the perinatal conversation, from planning to pregnancy and early parenthood, supports dads when they need it most - and builds a solid foundation of care for the whole family unit.
Helpful Information
Referring to PANDA
Info to help you include dads in the perinatal conversation
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Getting the conversation started
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Tips to help dads bond with their babies
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Helping dads access support
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How PANDA can help
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Secondary consultation service
“Talking about their expectations of fatherhood in a nonjudgmental space helps dads to feel understood and heard. ”
Articles for health care providers
“Experiencing and sharing feelings without guilt or shame can help dads to make their transition to parenthood more manageable.”
Articles for dads
PANDA National Helpline
Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday.
1300 726 306
Call 000 for police and ambulance if you or someone else are in immediate danger
Talk with friends or family
Consider talking about how you are feeling with someone you trust. This might be a friend or family member. Once you starting talking you might be surprised at how many others have had similar experiences and the support they can provide you.
Talk with your doctor
Talking with your doctor can be an important step to getting the help you need. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.
Get help now
If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated it’s important to get help immediately. PANDA is not a crisis service, if you need immediate support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).