Gathering evidence for fathers

Campaigning is not likely to be successful without evidence, especially when trying to convince NHS commissioners or national Government. Until recently, that evidence has been limited, but we are working on several projects focusing on fathers, a summary of which is shown below

What help do fathers need in supporting their wife/partner when she develops mental health problems

We also need to give fathers resources to help them support their wife/partner should she develop mental health problems in the perinatal period. We often hear that men have limited knowledge about that they can do and where they can access information. While we are beginning to see some appropriate mental health support directed at mothers during the perinatal period, including signposting and information, their partners are all too frequently disregarded. In some further research at Bournemouth University, we sought to explore fathers' perceptions about what information and support they received (and needed) to enable them to help their partner. The outcomes from that research are have now been published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.

Fathers can develop mental health problems (independently) in the perinatal period

This study examines how much support fathers get for their own mental health problems during their wife/partner’s pregnancy or after the baby is born. You can read the outcomes (in this free to access paper) via BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth.

Fathers' experience of birth trauma

Research with mothers who have had a traumatic birth is still in its infancy. However, until now, nothing has been done with fathers (who have witnessed that trauma). At Bournemouth University, we undertook research to explore this vitally important area of work. We wanted to examine fathers' experiences, especially around the information and support given to them at this time. Some initial  data were presented at an event in the UK Parliament and at a birth trauma conference. The full data from that research is now published. You can read the outcomes (in this free to access paper) via BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. Some publicity for that work was produced on YouTube and in local and national media about this study.

Barriers that fathers encounter when seeking help for paternal mental health

This study compared fathers (in the perinatal period) to other men (who were not recent fathers), with particular focus on help-seeking and support for poor mental health. The results highlighted the need for better awareness of paternal postnatal depression and better access to services for fathers. This work has now been published in International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.

How health visitors recognise and support fathers’ mental health

This study examined current practices among helath visitors reagrding how they support fathers’ mental health and reflceted on what information and training they get to do that. The study is now completed. We aim to report (and publish) the findings soon.

How should we screen fathers’ mental health?

This study investigated fathers’ perceptions regarding how they had been screened for their mental health and explored how they might respond to online screeening methods. The study is now completed. We aim to report (and publish) the findings soon.

Fathers’ experience of having a child admitted to a neonatal unit

This NEW study is examining fathers’ perceptions around the admission of their child to neonatal unit, looking at the information and support they got, and how the experience had an impact on their mental health. This project was being undertaken by my Bournemouth University student, Sophie Hurman. The study is now completed. We aim to report (and publish) the findings soon.