Dads and Non-birthing Partners Deserve Support
Dads and non-birthing partners can experience emotional challenges through parenthood and deserve support too. Dads and non-birthing partners sometimes feel:
Anxiety: excessive worrying about the baby’s health, fear of childbirth, mother’s health
Depression: feeling helpless, worthless or invisible, higher than normal irritability, rage, insomnia
Stress: bringing home a new baby requires adjusting to changes in sleep, routines, finances and tasks which can cause intense stress
You might benefit from support if you’ve noticed changes in appetite, increased muscle tension, restlessness; feeling helpless, inadequate, invisible, resentful or trapped.
Traditionally, dads and non-birthing partners are not expected to talk about their emotions and there can be stigma or discomfort about reaching out for help. Especially if your partner is also struggling. Emily supports dads and non-birthing partners to navigate this unique time.
Supporting a partner with a PMAD
Approximately 20% of women experience a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) after childbirth. If your partner has been diagnosed with a PMAD, you are not alone.
Welcoming a baby means big changes for everyone, even without a PMAD present. But when a new mom has a PMAD, dads and non birthing partners take on an even larger role helping their partners get support and supporting them. This can lead to anxiety and depression symptoms and stress.
If your partner is experience a PMAD, know that you deserve to be supported too. Therapy can provide that support.
Non-birthing partners
Therapy by Emily Bray is a LGBTQIA+ allied practice. Non-birthing partners are parents too and are welcome and supported here.
If you have experienced anxiety or depression before becoming a parent or your partner is experiencing a PMAD, you are more likely to experience challenges also.