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Fathers are more involved in their babies\u2019 lives than ever before, but they don\u2019t have the same support spaces as mothers. Photo: Claire Fenwicke.<\/p>\n
CONTENT WARNING: This article discusses mental health issues and suicidal ideation.<\/p>\n
Fathers are more involved with raising their babies and children than ever before, but not a lot exists to give them the same level of support that mothers receive.<\/p>\n
Estimates indicate that up to one in five women and up to one in 10 men will experience anxiety and\/or depression during the perinatal period (the time around pregnancy and birth).<\/p>\n
But one in 25 fathers of young children are also estimated to be experiencing suicidal ideation.<\/p>\n
Perinatal Wellbeing Centre CEO Dr Yvonne Luxford believed connection was needed to break up the feelings of hopelessness and isolation also being experienced by Canberra\u2019s dads.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of people, of course, don\u2019t act on [those thoughts], but the fact that so many people are feeling that low shows we need to create more chances for connection,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re conscious that a lot of dads kind of don\u2019t have a way to connect with each other.\u201d<\/p>\n
The centre\u2019s hosting its first Dad\u2019s Brekkie BBQ to give expecting and current fathers (and their families) a chance to relax, chat, and connect.<\/p>\n
Dr Luxford said relationships, finances and identities change when an infant enters the picture and it\u2019s normal for parents to start questioning themselves and their ability to cope.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut dads and partners often get left out of the conversation and the equation, as a lot of the focus is on mum and bub,\u201d Dr Luxford said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe focus should also be there \u2026 but it\u2019s definitely something we hear about, that dads and partners are feeling quite isolated as well and don\u2019t have someone to talk to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fathers are welcome to health-run baby groups, but the focus is usually on information about the baby and its needs.<\/p>\n
Groups for partners also aren\u2019t popping up at the same rate as secondary parental leave is being accessed.<\/p>\n
Dads and partners caring for a birthing mother experiencing peri- and post-natal health issues also need to be supported.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s hoped this breakfast will create some of that community.<\/p>\n
There\u2019ll be barista-made coffee, face painting and ACT Playgroups volunteers on hand with kids\u2019 activities, and stalls and information about local services.<\/p>\n
Brumbies legend (and current coach) Stephen Larkham will be there for a chat, as well as Ngunnawal and Kamilaroi elder Uncle Richie Allan.<\/p>\n
Prizes to be raffled include a double swag from Anaconda.<\/p>\n
The Perinatal Wellbeing Centre\u2019s counsellors will be on hand to start a conversation if people need, but Dr Luxford said the focus was on connection.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s just a chance to have a family morning out, with a focus on dad and partners \u2013 the people we usually don\u2019t talk about,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll while enjoying a free brekkie.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Perinatal Wellbeing Centre\u2019s Dad\u2019s Brekkie BBQ is on Saturday, 29 August, from 9:30 am to noon. It\u2019s at 6 Minns Place, Weston. More information will be up on the centre\u2019s social media<\/a>.<\/p>\n If this story has raised issues for you, help is available by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) on 1300 726 306 or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.<\/p>\n