We already know many new mothers suffer from post partum depression, but no longer can we blame only our hormones: new dads are not immune to this disease. In fact, 10% of men suffer from post partum depression after the birth of their child. Fewer men are faced with post partum depression compared to women, but the difference is not very large: 10 out of a 100 men and 14 out of 100 women go through it. It is a considerable problem, especially when the depression persists without any treatment. The problem really starts when both parents are depressed!
When both parents are depressed men are less likely to sing to and play with their baby.
Parents who are depressed go through serious inner turmoil which affects their health, their relationship and most importantly, the health of their child. Parents with post partum depression are less likely to engage in preventative health measures, such as breast feeding and putting the child to sleep on its back. Breast feeding gives the child’s immune system a boost, and back sleeping helps prevent sudden infant death syndrome.
Not deadly yet still serious are the lack of social enrichment the child receives when one or both parents are depressed. The depressed parent usually does not feel like holding the child, which interferes with the bonding process. The parent also does not feel motivated to tell the child stories, sing to it and play with it. These are all enriching interactions that help the child develop properly.
Although fathers obviously do not breast feed their children, a lack of interaction on their part due to depression can be detrimental for their cognitive and emotional development.
While self monitoring and assessing your own mental health is important, it is also the pediatrician’s duty to assess (both) new parents for post partum depression.