This book seeks to address the reasons why the father or the potential father could suffer from a mental disorder or illness during the perinatal period, his reactions, and what can be done to help him. The book is intended to help health practitioners and anyone who is concerned about fathers' mental health.

For too many families, the postpartum period brings unexpected pain and devastation when depression entered the picture. The anticipated joy and pleasure of parenthood is replaced with feelings of fear, sadness, anger, confusion and resentment. Research has shown that supportive relationships during postpartum depression treatment is associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms. When partners have the right information, they will not only gain a better understanding of the illness and its impact, they will also feel better themselves. Furthermore, we know that this understanding and capacity for support is directly related to his wife's sense of well being and control. In my first book, "This Isn't What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression" (Bantam, 1994), we included a chapter for husbands, which turned out to be an invaluable resource for the partners of women suffering from PPD. After receiving feedback from the families I treat, I was shown that husbands needed support and information that is distinct from what their wives were seeking. "The Postpartum Husband" offers that information with its handy reference-style format and addresses specific questions that may arise throughout the course of the illness. As the husband feels more in control of the situation and his wife feels understood and cared for, symptoms improve and recovery is augmented.

It is only in recent years that there has been development in the awareness of the father’s mental health. Yet, the father’s mental health can influence the mother, the infant, the family and society. This book seeks to address the reasons why the father or the potential father could suffer from a mental disorder or illness during the perinatal period, his reactions, and what can be done to help him. The book explores the way in which fathers’ mental health has presented in the past and how it presents now. It looks at the father’s attitudes towards his mental well-being and how he may self-manage and self-medicate. It examines the impact and influence the potential father and the father’s mental health has on his partner, infant and children. The reasons for certain disorders and illnesses are outlined, along with how they may manifest and are managed. Treatment options and types of medication are discussed and the ways in which the father can access the best possible help and support. Stories from fathers who have suffered from a particular mental illness or condition help others to understand both the practicalities and realities. The uniqueness of the shared stories from fathers highlights why recognition treatment and management are important to help other fathers improve their relationship with their partner and infant and to improve their own wellbeing. The book is intended to help health practitioners and anyone who is concerned about fathers’ mental health.

This aim of this open access book is to launch an international, cross-disciplinary conversation on fatherhood engagement. By integrating perspective from three sectors -- Health, Social Policy, and Work in Organizations -- the book offers a novel perspective on the benefits of engaged fatherhood for men, for families, and for gender equality. The chapters are crafted to engaged broad audiences, including policy makers and organizational leaders, healthcare practitioners and fellow scholars, as well as families and their loved ones.

Perinatal Mental Health is an invaluable reference for nurses, midwives and other health professionals working with this client group, covering current thinking on the causes of mothers’ mood disorders and the consequences for her infant, the family, society and most importantly the mother herself. This book covers the recognition, treatment, care and management of perinatal mental health disorders with chapters on the antenatal period; postnatal depression and bipolar disorder; psychosis, personality disorders, eating disorders, sexual issues, self harm and suicide; possible causes of postnatal depression; the multidisciplinary team; and global cultural practices.

With up to 20% of women developing a mental health problem during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth, Perinatal Mental Health provides the UK’s first practical guide aimed specifically at the midwives who care for them. The book combines clinical and theoretical approaches to midwifery practice, and takes a holistic, women-centred approach to care. All aspects of perinatal mental health are covered comprehensively, including birth, support for fathers, social and cultural factors, the parent/infant relationship, and midwifery care for trans/masculine, and non-binary people. Written through a unique collaboration between experienced midwives, academics and perinatal mental health experts, this text contains all the key information needed by midwives and student midwives who may encounter women in need of mental health support during pregnancy and beyond. Practical guidance to help with the difficult conversations. Strategies to enhance psychological support for women with mental health conditions. Patient scenarios to encourage debate and reflection. Aligns with Nursing & Midwifery Council Standards. Case studies and references to national and international guidelines throughout to link theory with practice. Succinct and easy to follow text to help readers master the core issues with confidence.

Identifying Perinatal Depression and Anxiety brings together the very latest research and clinical practice on this topic from around the world in one valuable resource. Examines current screening and management models, particularly those in Australia, England and Wales, Scotland, and the United States Discusses the evidence, accuracy, and limitations of screening methods in the context of challenges, policy issues, and questions that require further research Up to date practical guidance of how to screen, assess, diagnose and manage is provided. Considers the importance of screening processes that involve infants and fathers, additional training for health professionals, pathways to care following screening, and the economics of screening Offers forward-thinking synthesis and analysis of the current state of the field by leading international experts, with the goal of sketching out areas in need of future research