All articles tagged with #fathers
The article discusses the concept of the 'father's mental load,' highlighting that men also carry mental burdens related to family and long-term planning, which are often overlooked due to societal expectations of masculinity. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and sharing these responsibilities to promote better mental health and family dynamics.
A pilot study at the University of Illinois Chicago suggests that fathers should be screened for postpartum depression, as they can also suffer from the condition. The study found that 30% of the interviewed fathers screened positive for postpartum depression, highlighting the importance of addressing the mental health of new dads. The researchers emphasize that a woman's risk of postpartum depression increases if her partner is depressed. The study was conducted at a maternal-child health clinic that aims to provide primary care to both mothers and children, but often neglects the health of fathers. The researchers are now exploring ways to reach out to fathers during the prenatal period and offer them medical and mental health services. The ultimate goal is to promote the overall health and well-being of fathers, which in turn contributes to healthier relationships and families.
A new study focusing solely on the father's involvement in an infant's life shows that fathers play a crucial role in infant sleep and breastfeeding, and highlights the need for bolstered parental leave policies in the United States. The study revealed that only 16% of dads followed all the recommended safe sleeping practices for infants, and many could do more to support mothers who breastfeed. The research also found racial disparities in sleep practices, with Black fathers less likely than White fathers to follow those practices.
Postnatal depression affects almost as many men as women, with some research estimating it occurs in up to 10 percent of fathers. Symptoms of postnatal depression may include low mood, lack of motivation, poor sleep, feeling guilty or worthless, poor concentration, changes in appetite or weight, fatigue, and thoughts of death or suicide. Seeking support from loved ones, friends, or a doctor is important, and there's nothing wrong with needing help. Mental health apps such as DadPad can also help navigate fatherhood.
A recent study by researchers from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has found that siblings affected by autism inherit a greater proportion of their genetic material from their father rather than their mother. The study analyzed the genomes of over 6,000 volunteer families and found that in families that have two or more children with ASD, the siblings shared more of their father’s genome. The discovery reveals a new potential source of ASD and poses a provocative question of whether other disorders play by the same genetic rules. The research offers helpful tools for educators and therapists and may allow for earlier diagnoses and a better overall understanding of autism.
A new study suggests that siblings with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) may share more of their father's genome, contrary to long-standing beliefs that they share more of their mother's genome. The investigation involved the analysis of over 6,000 volunteer families' genomes, revealing a potential new source of ASD. Further research may yield new strategies for diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of autism.
NHS England is expanding mental health support services for partners of women who have had a baby, including face-to-face counselling, organised 'dad-and-kids' pram walks, and Zoom games nights. The move is aimed at preventing suicides in new parents and reducing the pressure on mothers, who are often seen as the pillars of family life. Pregnancy and postnatal mental health problems cost the NHS an estimated £1.2 billion every year, while suicide is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the UK.