Forgotten Fathers: Postpartum Depression in Men. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Eddy, Brandon; Poll, Von; Whiting, Jason; Clevesy, Marcia
• Is Part Of: Journal of family issues. Volume 40:Number 8(2019)
• Page Start: 1001
• Page End: 1017
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: postpartum depression -- fathers -- paternal postpartum depression -- paternal involvement; Families -- United States -- Periodicals; Family -- Periodicals; 306.8505
• DOI: 10.1177/0192513X19833111
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0192-513X

Abstract

Although postpartum depression is common and well-studied in mothers, many fathers also experience symptoms. This qualitative study investigated fathers' experiences of postpartum depression. Data from secondary sources such as blogs, websites, forums, and chat rooms were analyzed using a combination of phenomenological and content analysis methods to understand father's experiences of paternal postpartum depression. Six themes emerged from the data including fathers' needing education, adhering to gender expectations, repressing feelings, being overwhelmed, resentment of baby, and the experience of neglect. These data provide useful information that can aid health care providers, researchers, clinicians, and families in understanding the experience of paternal postpartum depression and in better coping with the challenges these families face.