Local Nurse Launches PPD Study For Affected Fathers
Posted by: Sara Hodge on: 2010-09-29 Permanent Link: Local Nurse Launches PPD Study For Affected Fathers
Local nurse Janet Siverns has recently launched a special study to find out how first-time fathers, whose partners have postpartum depression (PPD), describe their experiences of the transition to parenthood. Read on to find out how you can take part.
Postpartum depression (PPD) can be defined as depression prevalent in a woman during the first year after her infant’s birth. It affects approximately 13% of new mothers. This translates to approximately 182 women in the Halton and Peel Regions alone, based on a combined projected birthrate of 14,000 births for these areas. Widely viewed as the most common complication of childbirth, PPD is characterized by feelings of sadness, worthlessness, and guilt; a decreased ability to concentrate; changes in sleep, appetite, and activity; and, in some cases, recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.
Postpartum depression affects not only the person so diagnosed, but her infant, other children, partner, and extended family members.
I have worked with many families touched by PPD. Everyone’s journey through postpartum emotions is unique, but there are some common things that women with PPD need to hear:
1. You are not alone;
2 This is not your fault; and
3 You will get better
Women need to feel supported emotionally and practically, by, for example, having friends and relatives listen to them, assist with baby care, and provide meals. Many women have found it helpful to attend peer support groups where they can share experiences and learn about what has worked for others. This is a safe place for them to discuss their struggles, fears, the challenges they face as new moms and their hopes for the future.
For some women, being able to discuss their concerns with supportive family members and health professionals is enough to start them on the road to wellness. For others, more specialized therapy and medication is needed for emotional health to be restored. Just as someone affected by a respiratory virus could experience a cold or full-blown pneumonia, someone affected by PPD could experience mild symptoms or debilitating illness.
New fathers can feel forgotten when there is a lot of emphasis on the new mom and baby, but their role when their partner has PPD is significant. As well as stepping up their involvement with their babies, they can reassure their partner using the three key messages listed above.
I am currently conducting research to answer the question: How do first-time fathers, whose partners have postpartum depression (PPD), describe their experiences of the transition to parenthood?
I am doing this study because there are limited resources available for supporting the new mother’s partner at the same time as she voices a need for his participation and involvement with meeting their family’s emerging needs.
Interviews of first-time fathers, whose partners have PPD, will be conducted in their homes or workplaces to make it easier for them to participate.
Fathers interested in my study may contact me at 905-966-3364 or sivernjb@mcmaster.ca. All fathers who complete an interview will receive a $20.00 Tim Hortons gift card in appreciation of their time.
Janet Siverns is a nurse in the North Halton area with many years’ experience in the fields of mental and community health. Her particular passion is supporting the entire family affected by postpartum depression and other postpartum mood disorders.
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