New publications on fathers’ mental health and wellbeing

19th November 2018

iHV Fellow, Sharin Baldwin, publishes Systematic Review on First Time Fathers’ Mental Health and Wellbeing and accompanying editorial on the importance of men’s mental health to coincide with International Men’s Day (19 November) – a worldwide celebration of the positive value that men bring to the world, their families and communities.

They both are open access publications.

Sharin Baldwin

Systematic Review on First Time Fathers’ Mental Health and Wellbeing

The findings from the systematic review on first time fathers’ mental health and wellbeing revealed that fathers wanted:

More guidance and support to prepare them for parenthood, specifically to better prepare them for subsequent relationship changes with their partner
Access to tailored information and to be equally included in consultations and contacts with relevant health professionals.

Go to Mental health and wellbeing during the transition to fatherhood - a systematic review of first time fathers’ experiences

The synthesis of the international evidence has important implications for healthcare professionals working with families in the early years, with particular reference to the need to consider the mental health and wellbeing of mothers and fathers. The review also highlighted that healthcare professionals need a greater understanding of the dilemmas and challenges that new fathers face to better support their mental health and wellbeing during this crucial transitional period.

Evidence from our systematic review adds further support for an urgent review of how we plan, provide and resource maternity and early years services, in order to recognise the impact that pregnancy and birth may have on a father’s mental health, as well as the essential role fathers play in supporting their partner and infant. If the aim of health research is to improve outcomes through the implementation of evidence and use of evidence-based practices, we should ask ourselves why barriers persist to address and recognise paternal mental health needs. Now is the time to use this evidence to change practice towards supporting both parents and provide more equitable care and use of resources.