Urban Fathers' Role in Maternal Postpartum Mental Health

Abstract

Postpartum depression (PPD) leads to poor outcomes for mothers and families, yet for many reasons across various ecological strata, it remains difficult to identify. The potential role of fathers in maternal mental health has largely been unexplored. We use an ecological model to examine urban fathers’ role in identifying maternal depressive symptoms and providing partner support. In 31 qualitative interviews with urban fathers, seven fathers identified depressive symptoms such as depressed mood and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities and fifteen reported providing emotional, instrumental, and stability support. Implications of our findings and the potential roles that fathers can assume in the ecological strata are discussed.