Do first-time dads suffer postnatal illness?

2 mins to read

Life isn’t always easy for Dads in the first weeks of their new baby’s life. Andrew Cate looks into some of the health challenges facing first-time fathers.

Pregnancy and preconception

The challenge for first-time fathers
Becoming a father for the first time is an amazing experience. The bond it creates with your partner, and the sheer joy of bringing a new life into the world, are significant moments in any man’s life.

But they’re also moments that bring many changes.

There will be changes in your relationship and finances, increased domestic burdens, less free time for exercise and healthy food preparation, and disruptions to your normal sleep patterns. It can be a challenging time, and new research has revealed what impact it can have on man’s health

The research
A study published in the journal Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology suggested new fathers are at an increased risk of experiencing postnatal mental health problems.

The research on 3471 Australian fathers found that one in ten experienced anxiety, worry, tiredness and significant stress in the first year after the birth of their child. New fathers also had increased odds for psychological distress compared with the Australian adult male population. In addition, fathers living apart from their biological children were more vulnerable to mental health difficulties than those men living with their children.

The researchers also commented that fathers are at a greater risk of postnatal mental health problem if they have a past history of mental illness, have a partner with mental health difficulties, are experiencing relationship difficulties, and/or have a child with a difficult temperament.

Practical tips to help fathers cope
Many of the services designed to help new parents are aimed at mothers, so first-time fathers may need to be proactive when it comes to taking care of their health. Here are some strategies that may help men deal with the physical and mental demands of being a new parent.

Identify your stressors – Try to recognise the issues that are causing your stress, such as disrupted sleep, financial difficulties or less time with your partner. Talking to your partner, friend or a counsellor about these issues is an important step in addressing them.
Keep exercise short and sweet – It’s important to stay in good physical shape, but you probably don’t have as much time for exercise. Why not try some high-intensity interval training? By alternating high- and low-intensity efforts, you can still achieve significant improvements in fitness and fat loss in less time that a standard, steady-state effort workout.
Be active with your baby – Take your baby for a brisk walk, or even a run in a jogger stroller. The inflatable tyres soften the ride on your child while allowing you to move at a good pace. If you prefer to take things a little more leisurely, use a carry-pouch/harness and take your baby out for a walk. Not only can you enjoy the scenery, but the extra weight will give you a better workout.
Find time for your partner – While all the focus might be on parenting, don’t forget to make time for your partner as well. Going out for a romantic dinner sounds great, but it may not always work. Make time each week to watch a DVD together, or give each other a massage.
Nourish yourself – While it may be tempting to rely on fast food, a healthy diet gives you energy and helps your body function at its best. Prepare bulk batches of healthy meals, and freeze any leftovers for a later time. It’s also best to keep junk food out of the house, as you’ll be less likely to indulge. It may also be wise to take a multivitamin supplement to ensure all your nutritional needs are met.
Grab sleep when you can – Tiredness and fatigue can test any relationship, so it makes sense to work with your partner to allow each other to catch up on sleep. Early nights to bed, short naps when you aren’t at work, or even taking turns napping while the other partner takes the baby for a walk or drive can all help to grab some extra shut eye.
Ask for help - Your stress can have an impact on other family members, so it’s important to take action. If you're having trouble dealing with changes in your life, or you feel like the stress may be too much, seek out help from a counsellor or your healthcare professional.

References available on request