Tips for new dads. How new dads can find purpose and meaning in the early days of having a new baby. Often new dads feel left out or that there’s not much that is clearly for them to do which can cause uncertainty and helplessness. Here are five tips for feeling purposeful and helpful in the new parenting stage.

Complex chemical, neurobiological, social and logistical changes take place during the perinatal period. Scientists are now understanding matrescence, the process of becoming a mother, as an important developmental stage. The changes during this period naturally lead to challenges and difficulties as well as opportunities and rewarding and meaningful achievements. Treatment for perinatal mental health including anxiety, depression, and OCD is discussed.

Postpartum depression in dads is more common than you might think

Even though most people have heard of postpartum depression and anxiety, you may not know that non-birthing parents can experience it also. In fact, at least 1 in 10 dads experience postpartum depression, and it is believed that that number is underreported.

You might be hearing a lot about PMADs (or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) right now due to recent events in the news. PMADs are the leading complication of pregnancy and yet they have been mostly ignored and only the most extreme cases are talked about, even though at least 1 in 10 fathers and 1 in 5 mothers will experience a PMAD. The good news is that PMADs are highly treatable and with the right help, you will be well!