Dads and Birth Trauma
One area that is often neglected in childbirth discussions is the emotional impact that childbirth has on dads/partners.
Whenever there is a traumatic birth so much is going on with mom and baby, that the dad’s experience can be relegated, ignored or buried. Witnessing the distress and pain of the birthing mother-baby can cause deep feelings of helplessness, frustration and anger and affect the partner’s ability to parent.
In a study of birth trauma Cheryl Beck, CNM, DNSc concludes that “Birth trauma lies in the eye of the beholder.” (Nursing Research January/February 2004 Vol 53, No.1). Just as a birthing woman can develop postpartum depression or in some cases PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) after a traumatic birth, so can her husband/partner.
Since there are few studies about the reactions of fathers to the birth of their children, it is difficult to know how many people are affected.
That makes it even more relevant for birth professionals to have the awareness and sensitivity to approach this subject with couples and provide the support and appropriate resources when needed.
Trauma is energy that stays in the mind-body. When this powerful energy in not released, it can deeply affect every member of the family. Partners as well as mothers will benefit from releasing these energies before getting pregnant again. As a society we need to provide safe places where both women and men can process, integrate and release difficult childbirth experiences. This is key to our transformation into a gentler, kinder world.
If you are a birth partner interested in talking about your experience with the birth of your child, you can contact Evelyn for a Birth Story Healing session. Birth Story Healing sessions are offered in person or virtually to mothers, fathers, and birth professionals.
MORE RESOURCES
The Other Side of the Glass is a moving documentary in progress featuring interviews with fathers, scientists, and birth professionals.
Postpartum Depression Affects Dads Too~very good article about the causes, consequences and getting help
FATHERS TO BE HANDBOOK
A Road Map for the Transition to Fatherhood
The Birth Trauma Association
Has a Fathers/Partners page
The Seven Secrets of Being a Homebirth Dad
Humorous and moving article from a homebirth dad in the UK. You can access the page Fathers and Homebirth at the end of the article.
Homebirth Dads – The Dad Perspective on Homebirth
DVD introducing dads/partners to homebirth, by dads for dads.
Postpartum Dads
Outreach project to help dads and families. It also provides help for depressed dads.
Postpartum Men
Helping Men Beat the Baby Blues and Overcome Depression. There is a self assessment tool here for men.
Note: This article was first published on the Peaceful Birth Project’s website in 2013. Revised and updated on July 2019.