Lessons Learned from the Journey of Fatherhood

Capturing the love and bond of father's with their babies. Happy Father's Day!

The world has granted Father's Day to be the second Sunday of every June.

My definition of Father's Day is the day you are handed your precious bundle of joy, and every day after that. You can't celebrate such a title in just a few hours.

Mommy, understand the love and sacrifice of a father is always under rated but it is as special as you.

So, take the time and "CELEABRATE" him.

Capturing the overjoy of each father's face is what I look forward too.

His smiles, tears.

All I hear is Gladys and Pips "you're the BEST thing that ever happened to me", I must remain professional but its so hard, because the tears start forming.

"Oh, there have been times when times were hard But always somehow I made it, I made it through 'Cause for every moment that I've spent hurting There was a moment that I spent, just loving you If anyone should ever write my life story For whatever reason there might be Oh, you'll be there between each line of pain and glory 'Cause you're the best thing that ever happened to me."

THIS IS WHAT FATHERHOOD IS ALL ABOUT! Daddies know you are loved, needed and truly appreciated.

For the recorded: fathers, bless their souls, are at particularly high risk for becoming silent sufferers of Paternal Postpartum Depression or other postpartum disorders.

Yes, you heard me correctly. Men can, and do, experience postpartum depression (PPD).

With good reason, perinatal mental health disorders such as postpartum depression and anxiety are becoming more openly discussed. Moms, we are screened multiple times throughout pregnancy and the postpartum experience for mental health concerns.

But dads on the other hand, well, are somewhat left in the dust in terms of research and treatment.

Quick facts about paternal postpartum mental health:

– Paternal postpartum depression rates tend to be the highest 3-6 months after having a child.

– 70% of fathers noted increased stress in the first 12 months of having a child.

– Up to 25% of fathers will experience postpartum depression on some level. 18% will develop an anxiety disorder “during pregnancy or within the first year of parenthood”

The price of not getting help can be high. There also is the effect on families. Fathers have a critical role to play in their infants' early development; one study found that if a child's father was depressed in their first year of life, the child was more likely to have more behavioural difficulties and poorer development and wellbeing at four to five years of age, for example.

One solution to helping catch and address PPD, say experts, is to include non-birthing parents, and prioritise their mental health in addition to that of mothers, from the get-go. Well, for example, has found in his research that when fathers receive more support from midwives, nurses, and their partners, they are much less likely to develop depression.

Dads ask for help, Postpartum International has a directory of perinatal mental health professionals, local volunteers and support groups. Their helpline is 1.800.944.4773.