Feeling sad after childbirth is a reaction to hormonal changes that happen before, during and after the birth of the baby. This is commonly known as ‘baby blues’ or `postpartum blues’ which usually affects mothers, but statistics have shown that 25% of fathers experience it as well. It is a temporary and short-lived mental health disorder causing mood swings and bouts of sadness.18
Several helplines are available to support you and your partner following childbirth. If you or your partner are experiencing a low mood or constant sadness, you can check how you’re going at PANDA https://www.panda.org.au call 1300 726306 or consult with your health professional.
If you are concerned about your or your partner’s emotional or mental health, you can find more information at Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636.
If you are concerned about your or your partner’s ability to communicate in English, you may be able to request a professional interpreter.
What is perinatal anxiety and depression?
Perinatal anxiety and depression are serious mental health illnesses that occur around the time a couple are expecting a baby – either during pregnancy (antenatal) or after the baby is born (postnatal).19 Expecting a baby, especially for the first time, is a life-changing experience that can be both an exciting and challenging one. Everyone’s journey into parenthood is unique. Experiencing feelings such as fear or worry about parenting is normal; however once these feelings start to overwhelm you and take over your whole experience, it is time to seek help.
One in 10 new fathers suffer from postnatal depression, mainly in the three to six months following birth.20 Emotional changes that last longer than two weeks and interfere with your daily activities could be a sign that you may be experiencing postnatal depression. It may be difficult to talk about your feelings or you may feel unsure because your partner is displaying behavioural changes and you’re not sure how to help.
What is the difference between baby blues and postnatal depression?
Previously, both baby blues and postnatal depression were only associated with women. However, men can also be mentally and emotionally affected during the period of pregnancy and following birth.
Baby blues refers to short-term period of sadness and feeling low that usually disappears on its own, but postnatal depression can continue and may require treatment.
How can you recognise the symptoms?
Both men and women may present symptoms of anxiety or depression during pregnancy and early parenthood. Signs and symptoms of perinatal anxiety and depression in men can include:
For further information:
Translated factsheets on Anxiety and Depression in Pregnancy and Early Parenthood (available in Chinese, Vietnamese, Urdu, Somali, Arabic) - https://www.panda.org.au/awareness/resources
Translated resources on mental health and parenthood -
If you require further information on how to recognise symptoms, ask your health practitioner.
If any of these issues raise a strong emotional response for you, and you need to talk to someone, call:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
Beyond Blue support service: 1300 22 46 36
Miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death
A miscarriage (sometimes called pregnancy loss) is when a foetus dies before 20 weeks of pregnancy. A miscarriage is confirmed by getting an ultrasound scan to detect the presence or absence of the feotal heartbeat. Miscarriage is common and largely occurs due to genetic abnormalities, but it’s hard to say exactly how often because miscarriage can happen before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. Around one in five confirmed pregnancies end in miscarriage. It is possible to conceive again after a miscarriage but it’s important to give you and your partner time to grieve and ensure you’re emotionally and physically ready. Your medical practitioner can provide further advice on when is a safe time to try again.
Miscarriage can be a very distressing and emotional time for both you and your partner. It’s important to support and care for your partner and yourself. You may find that it brings you comfort if you choose to share your grief with friends and family. It’s also okay if you decide to put on a ‘brave face’, as it might be difficult to talk about your loss, but note that other people may not realise you’re going through a hard time.
Stillbirth is when a baby dies in mid to late pregnancy or when the baby is born after 20 weeks with no signs of life. Your partner will need to go through labour and birth, and this is usually a physically demanding and emotionally distressing time for both parents.
Neonatal death is a baby’s death within the first 28 days of life, this can happen soon after birth or after surviving a few weeks. This experience can be extremely sad and distressing for both you and your partner, particularly because your partner carried your baby to term and the baby was born alive. Causes of neonatal death include premature birth, congenital abnormalities or infections. It might be particularly difficult for your partner as she might be bleeding and continue producing milk for a few weeks. She might suffer from engorged, painful breasts or mastitis if a milk duct gets blocked.
Following the birth of your stillborn or the death of your neonate, you can spend as much time as you need with your baby, take photos and give them a name. Once you’re ready to say goodbye, the hospital willcan help you organise your baby’s funeral.
Losing a baby is a very painful and a heartbreaking experience and it could take a toll on your mental and emotional wellbeing. Every person has a different way of dealing with and expressing grief. There are numerous confidential helplines available to support you and your partner as you go through your grief journey.
Where to seek support
Red Nose provides specialised bereavement support free of charge to any person affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child during pregnancy, birth, infancy or childhood. Their services include counselling and support for miscarriage, termination, stillbirth, neonatal death, SIDS and sleeping accidents, and any other sudden death of a child up to 18 years.
For more information or to arrange a referral call the 24/7 Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line on 1300 308 307 or visit rednosegriefandloss.org.au
