Supporting Dads: Breaking the Stigma on Men's Mental Health in Prenatal and Postpartum Stages

Send us Fan MailHow can we better support dads in their crucial roles during prenatal and postpartum stages, and why is it so vital to address their mental health? Join us as we explore this essential topic with Dr. Deborah Da Costa, a researcher at McGill University, and my guest co-host, Travis Goodman, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and returning guest and father. Together, we aim to break the stigma surrounding dads in mental health and shed light on the importance of open, compassionate conversations.We'll discuss the impact of men's mental health on the family dynamic and the potential benefits of engaging dads in mental health conversations. Our conversation also covers the importance of paternity leave, the varying policies across Canada and the US, and the effects of maternal gatekeeping on fathers' mental health. Dr. Da Costa shares her insights on the lack of resources available for fathers, while Travis provides his invaluable perspective as a dad and family therapist.You will also learn more about Dr. Da Costa's new research study, Fathers Matter, where scientists are trying to better understand fathers’ involvement in pregnancy and develop resources to help with the transition to parenthood. They are currently recruiting (please see the link below). In this eye-opening conversation, we advocate for greater acceptance and support for men's mental health issues, including tailored resources and community programs. We address the lack of funding for initiatives to support men's mental health and stress the importance of recognizing fathers in the prenatal and postpartum stages. By challenging the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality, we aim to dismantle the narrative of failure that may prevent men and fathers from seeking the help they need. Don't miss this vital discussion on the role of dads in parenting and mental health!The Da Costa Lab is currently recruiting couples having their first baby in order to learn more about fathers’ involvement in pregnancy and early parenthood. Learn more:https://fathersmatter.ca/ Join Dr. Da Costa on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dacosta_lab_ri_muhc/Learn more about Travis Goodman: https://www.therapy4dads.com/aboutListen to Travis's podcast (Therapy4dads) on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/therapy4dads/id1569718711Resources:Dads Get Sad Too: Depressive Symptoms and Associated Factors in Expectant First-Time Fathers:https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1557988315606963HealthyDads.ca: What Do Men Want in a Website Designed to Promote Emotional Wellness and Healthy Behaviors During the Transition to Parenthood?https://www.jmir.org/2017/10/e325/A prospective study of postnatal depressive symptoms and associated risk factors in first-time fathershttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0165032718321694Support the showJoin the Reflective Parent Book Club for only $9.99 for the year: https://reflectiveparentclub.circle.so/checkout/reflective-parenting-book-clubWatch my Tedx Talk on YouTube called The Over-Educated, Emotionally Underprepared Parent: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDYJFY_9K9E&t=19sGrab my course for $99, The Emotionally Aware Parent: https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/Doors open to join the next 8-week training (Starts Oct 12th) here https://curiousneuron.com/reflective-parent-club/