RBWH changing the culture of fatherhood

Becoming a parent is one of life’s greatest joys. But as many expecting and new parents learn, it doesn’t come without challenges. More and more women are speaking about those challenges, but less spoken about are the struggles faced by expecting and new fathers.

Under the Enhancing Mental Health Project for Families, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Australia to introduce a staff education program based on research into the experiences of expecting and new fathers in maternity settings and investigate the implementation of mental health screening for fathers.

As one of the first touchpoints in the healthcare system for families during the journey of pregnancy, RBWH Clinical Midwife Helen Funk believes hospitals have a critical role to play in preventing paternal depression and anxiety.

“Healthcare during the pre-pregnancy and pregnancy experience has traditionally focussed on maternal and child health, but there are many opportunities to engage men early and support their health needs,” said Helen.

“We know that men’s mental health is one of the predicting factors of a mother’s and child’s mental health and wellbeing.

“Since launching, we feel like we’re doing better for the whole family. The earlier we start the conversation, the sooner men can receive support and begin preparing for fatherhood.

“By supporting a father to cope well with the transition into fatherhood, we can help change the whole family dynamic and create healthy and secure attachments between the father and his baby,” Helen said.

New dad Justin is chuffed with the safe arrival of baby Mila and the support received from RBWH midwife Holly.

An important part of the project was the implementation of staff education for midwives to facilitate father-inclusive care in maternity settings. Helen says her experience providing training to staff made her reflect on her own education as a midwife.

“When you look at what it means to be a midwife, traditionally it is about supporting and advocating for women during the pregnancy and birthing experience. This important role we play for women is embedded in our training and education becomes a very central part of our professional identity.

“It’s been a real paradigm shift for many of our midwives and one they’ve welcomed. Many have said they feel empowered to improve how they engage men and partners during appointments, classes and during the birth process.”