Walking on Eggshells-Postnatal Depression and the Subsequent Parenting for Men

Chapter 12: 'Walking on Eggshells': Postnatal Depression and Subsequent Parenting for Men

Description:

Much has been written concerning the mental health effects of postnatal depression for women, but the effect on male partners has not previously been explored. This chapter highlights the need to develop a body of knowledge about men's health that goes beyond the mainstream concerns of physical wellbeing.

The chapter begins by highlighting the facts that: mental illness is grossly under recognised in our community; health services operating under direction of current policy initiatives do not adequately meet the needs of those suffering mental health problems; and contemporary gender roles generate unnecessary stresses that can contribute to mental health problems.

This contextualisation is essential to gain a heightened appreciation of the fact that, for both sexes, the stresses developing in connection with pregnancy and parenthood may be superimposed on pre-existing life stressors that are not insignificant.

Topics:

• Introduction
• Mental health in Australia
• Work and Family
• The pregnant couple
• The man during the pregnancy
• Postnatal depression
• Postnatal depression and subsequent pregnancy
• The Role of the health professional
• Conclusion
• Acknowledgments
• References
• Personal communication

Author:

Jenny Donovan
Registered Nurse, Registered Midwife, Certificate of Maternal and Child Health, Bachelor of Nursing, Master of Science (Primary Health Care), Fellow of the Royal College of Nursing/Australia

Jenny Donovan wrote this of herself and this chapter: I am working as a lecturer in nursing at The Flinders University of South Australia while completing a PhD part-time at RMIT University in Melbourne. My most recent experience was as the Manager of Family and Children's Services at the Brimbank Community Health Service in the Western suburbs of Melbourne, now named ISIS Primary Care. My current project is about the experiences of men and women as they prepare for another baby, given a previous experience of treated postnatal depression in the female partner. My research and teaching interests focus on the transition to parenthood for men and women (including adolescents), with a particular focus on parenting issues.

At present I am also involved in a large research team looking at men's role in parenting. I have always lived in a blended family and understand the challenges and demands required. My love of animals and music keep me sane!

Special thanks to the Post and Antenatal Association (PaNDa) of Victoria for their support and encouragement, and also to the participants in the project, who shared their stories with me.

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