Postpartum Dads & Partners: What Moms Can Do when their Struggling Spouse Resists Asking for Help

The postpartum (and beyond) stage for Dads and Partners can also be very hard. This is tough for new parents and couple relationships because Moms require significant support at this time, and don't have the same reserves during survival mode to care for spouses during an intense adjustment, hormonal ,and physical recovery. The strain of emotional labor at this time can lead to relationship burnout.

At least 10% of Dads or partners struggle with postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, adjustment distress, or acute stress disorder in the months after a new child comes into the world.

In this episode, I answer a listener question on the topic of what to do when your partner is clearly struggling postpartum but resists getting help.

When parents don't get the help they need it affects the family dynamic and whole family system.

I discuss:

• Why many new dads and partners struggle to ask for help when their emotional health is suffering
• What Moms can and also can't do during this time
• Signs your partner may be struggling with emotional regulation, burnout, or emotional flooding after baby
• How nervous system regulation impacts marriage communication and relationship conflict
• Practical ways to approach conversations without escalating defensiveness or reactive behaviors
• Ways moms can encourage support without depleting themselves

Whether you’re navigating emotional availability challenges, emotional labor, and marriage conflict in parent life, this episode will help you build awareness around navigating partner struggles.

Sometimes these discussions require extra support from a professional.

Connect with me to learn about how I can support you and your couple relationship:

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@bondsafterbaby

This Podcast is not an alternative for mental health assistance and/or counseling with a licensed professional. For any specific medical questions about your condition and/or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider. This Podcast should not be considered mental health advice, rather for the sole purpose of information and education.