The Impact of Dad's Postpartum Depression on Children

A study reveals that a father's postpartum depression during a child's first year doubles the likelihood of the child experiencing three or more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) by age 5. These ACEs can have lasting impacts on the child's health and academic performance. The association between paternal postpartum depression and childhood adversities persists beyond socioeconomic factors and the mother's postpartum depression. The study highlights the importance of recognizing and treating paternal postpartum depression to potentially reduce these risks, with pediatricians playing a crucial role in connecting fathers with support resources.