Postpartum Mood Risks for Non-Birthing Partners: What Every Family Should Know
When we talk about postpartum mental health, most of the focus (rightfully!) centers on moms. But did you know that 1 in 10 new dads also experience postpartum depression or anxiety? While research has been focused on heterosexual couples we expect the prevalence rate to be similar in LGBTQIA+ couples.
If you’re a new non-birthing parent—or love someone who is—this blog is for you.
Yes, You Can Get Postpartum Depression Too
Postpartum depression in fathers, sometimes called paternal postpartum depression, often goes unrecognized. Society tells dads to “stay strong” or just “support the mom,” which can make it harder for them to acknowledge their own struggles.
But here’s the truth: Supporting dads/ non- birthing parent’s mental health supports the whole family.
What Increases the Risk?
Just like birthing parents, dads go through a huge life transition when a baby arrives. Some common risk factors for postpartum mood disorders include:
Sleep deprivation
Financial stress or job changes
Feeling excluded from the caregiving role
Relationship strain
Previous mental health issues
Limited social support
A partner experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety
A traumatic birth or NICU experience
When left unaddressed, these stressors can build—and show up in ways that aren’t always recognized as depression.
Signs of Postpartum Depression or Anxiety in the Non-Birthing Parent
Men may not always express depression the same way women do. Here are some signs to look out for:
Anger or irritability
Withdrawal from family or friends
Loss of interest in things they used to enjoy
Changes in sleep or appetite
Increased alcohol or substance use
Difficulty bonding with the baby
Feelings of hopelessness or inadequacy
If any of these sound familiar, it’s not a personal failing—it’s a signal that support is needed.
Why It Matters
When a parent is struggling with their mental health, it impacts the whole family. Postpartum mood disorders in dads can:
Affect bonding with the baby
Put a strain on the relationship with their partner
Lead to long-term emotional challenges if left untreated
But the good news is—support helps, and you deserve it just as much as moms do.
What Can Help?
Here are a few ways to support mental health:
🧠 Normalize the conversation. Let them know it’s okay not to be okay.
🗣️ Encourage talking about it. Whether with a friend, therapist, or support group.
🧰 Create space for connection. Time to bond with the baby, and time for self-care.
🤝 Point them to resources. Like counseling or dad-focused support networks.
Resources for Non- Birthing Partners
Final Thoughts
If you’re a dad reading this and you’ve been feeling off, exhausted, or unlike yourself—you’re not alone. You’re not weak. You’re not a bad parent.
You’re human.
And there is help.
At Virtue Counseling, I offer virtual support for parents navigating the postpartum period. If you’re in New Jersey, Virginia, Texas, Maryland, or DC and need support, I’m here.
💬 Reach out to schedule a consultation at virtuecounseling.com
#PostpartumDads #PaternalMentalHealth #ParentingSupport #NonBirthingPartnersMatter #PerinatalMentalHealth #VirtueCounseling
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