Birthing moms are not the only parents who experience anxiety, stress, depression, and significant identity changes during and after pregnancy. Fathers, partners, and non-birthing parents can also experience all of that, too.

All too often, perinatal mental health is focused solely on the pregnant or postpartum parent. That focus absolutely matters, but non-birthing parents are affected, too. They may not be the ones giving birth, but their identities are changing, and they are still becoming parents. The transition is a significant one that can disrupt a person’s life.

These partners and non-birthing parents are too often expected to be “the strong one,” so they may suffer quietly, never receiving the support they need and deserve.

The Pressure of Holding Everything Together

Many non-birthing parents enter parenthood with a clear idea of what their role is: tend to the birthing parent, help with the baby, stay calm, protect the family, and do everything they were expected to do before the baby came.

It’s important to realize that that time will eventually come, but during the postpartum period, partners may be trying to support the birthing parent while managing the household, going to work, running the errands, wrestling with sleep deprivation, and juggling family expectations.

It’s no wonder non-birthing parents need support! The pressure of it all can intensify quickly. The result may look like:

• Feeling resentment toward the birthing parent
• Numbness and difficulty feeling joy
• Becoming emotionally withdrawn
• Feeling disconnected from the baby
• Trouble sleeping
• Increased conflict with their partner
• Feeling trapped or helpless

None of this means the parent doesn’t love their family. These symptoms often mean that they are overwhelmed and don’t know where to put those feelings or how to make them better. Therapy can help before these patterns become entrenched.

Getting Help is a Sign of Commitment

Caring for your mental health is not selfish; if you are a non-birthing parent experiencing any of the symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety, seeking help is one of the ways you care for your family. Partners who receive the support they need often can communicate better, bond with their families better, share responsibilities, and strengthen relationships. Therapy can help non-birthing parents feel more present during a time that can otherwise feel like survival.

At Pasadena Perinatal Therapy, we understand the journey to parenthood and beyond as impactful for the entire family. Whether you are the birthing parent, a partner, parents on the path to adoption, or you are supporting someone through this time, your emotional health matters.

Contact our team today and schedule a time to talk with us. Support can help you reconnect with your partner, your child, and yourself. Don’t wait until things feel unmanageable. Healing begins with one conversation, and we are here when you are ready.