While we have advanced our understanding of maternal mental health, the field, as a whole, has failed to include their partners. We are feminists and see men and women as equals, while acknowledging key differences.
The purpose of this book is to include men in the discussion about early parenthood, to foster a gender-equitable, whole-family approach to parental mental health, and to increase awareness about best practices in the care for expectant and new fathers.
The workbook is a companion to the book and is designed to engage you in addressing the unmet needs of expectant and new fathers. Communities and professionals can improve the care of all parents who may be marginalized by current parental mental health practices.
Jane Honikman, M.S.
Jane Honikman, M.S., became a leader of the social movement to promote the emotional wellbeing of parents and their families through her work founding Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) in 1977 and Postpartum Support International (PSI) in 1987. She has written several books on the topic and continues to lecture and train internationally on the role of social support and the emotional health of families. In 2015, Jane co-founded the Postpartum Action Institute with the mission to energize and revitalize professionals and parent advocates in order to support new families.
Connect with Jane:
Daniel B. Singley, Ph.D.
Daniel B. Singley, Ph.D. is a San Diego-based board certified psychologist and Director of The Center for Men’s Excellence. His research and practice focus on men’s mental health with a particular emphasis on reproductive psychology and the transition to fatherhood. He conducts training and presentations around the country and founded the grant-funded Basic Training for New Dads, Inc. nonprofit and Padre Cadre social networking application just for dads in order to give new fathers the tools they need to be highly engaged with their infants as well as their partners.
Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
One in ten dads develops postpartum depression
- extreme irritability
- anger
- isolation or socially withdrawn
- blaming others
- substance abuse
- headaches
- muscle tension
- sleep problems
- constant, inexplicable tiredness
- abusive, hyperactive, or antisocial behavior
- Panic attacks
- Worry
- Obsessive thoughts
- Compulsions