Supporting a Partner with Postpartum Depression: Four Ways Partners can Help
Many individuals assume that the time after having a baby is a joyous moment that brings the family together. However, it is also important to consider that as many as 1 in 7 new mother experience postpartum depression after birth, leading to their partners experiencing confusion with how best to support these new mothers.
It can be emotionally challenging for a partner of a new mother who is struggling with postpartum depression, as well. Postpartum depression is treatable, and there are many ways for partners to provide support. It is important to understand that a partner’s role is not to diagnose postpartum depression, but to hold space for [a new mother’s] expressed feelings. Below are some ways that partners can help:
Availability: Making yourself available for your partner, whether it be listening to their shared feelings or giving them some “me time” without the baby, it is important to allow your partner to know that you are accessible and available to help. This can be done best by communicating with them about when you are available or even taking charge of caring for the baby yourself
Helping Around the House: There is a pressure to maintain a clean home, and it is only amplified when a new baby is brought in. Take the time to help clean around your home and give your partner a chance to only focus on care for the baby,
3. Healthy Eating: Healthy eating can feel impossible to a new mother once the baby is brought home. It is helpful to ensure your partner is receiving all the necessary nutrients by cooking their meals, feeding it to them, or shopping for healthy groceries while your partner is tending to your child.
4. Affirmations: Taking the time to affirm to your partner that they are a great mom/dad and any other kind affirmations to support positive thinking can go such a long way.
Resources: Wisner, W. (2020). What to do when your partner has postpartum depression. VeryWellFamily.
https://www.verywellfamily.com/when-your-partner-has-postpartum-depression-4843643
