Dads with an infant in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU) can feel pulled in multiple directions. In addition to their day-to-day responsibilities, they are often managing their own emotions, providing support to their partner, and updating concerned family members and friends. For this reason, it is important to meet dads where they are at in terms of expectations and support.
Up to one-third of dads experience postpartum depression after the birth of their child, yet only seven percent of new dads are diagnosed with depression, meaning paternal depression during the newborn period is not always discovered and treated. To compound matters, the transition home from the NICU is a particularly vulnerable time for dads that can cause heightened anxiety. One study found that dads displayed physical signs of stress, measured by a stress hormone called cortisol, during the transition home from the NICU. However, a disconnect between dads' own reports of stress and their biological indicators of stress was also found, highlighting how societal expectations for men and dads to be "strong" may discourage reporting symptoms or seeking support.
So, what can providers do to help? The first step is recognizing the importance of dads in their babies' care. While in the NICU, providers can include dads by guiding them in skin-to-skin contact and involving them in care and feeding. These activities can help dads define their parent role and allow them to form a strong bond with their baby.
Providers have the power to shape the experiences of NICU parents. While it is important to encourage and support dads' involvement, it is equally important to acknowledge that they may be juggling other responsibilities at home. Remember, parents can feel added stress if they feel pressured beyond their capacity. It is important to encourage involvement but not to the point that it adds stress for the parent. For example, providers might explain the benefit of skin-to-skin contact and invite dads to participate when they are comfortable.
References
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Garfield, C. F., Simon, C. D., Rutsohn, J., & Lee, Y. S. (2018). Stress from the neonatal intensive care unit to home: paternal and maternal cortisol rhythms in parents of premature infants. The Journal of Perinatal & Neonatal Nursing, 32(3), 257-265.
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