Strong from the Start: Empowering Dads’ Mental Health in the Perinatal Journey

Overview

Becoming a father can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but it can also bring unexpected emotional challenges. This webinar sheds light on the importance of perinatal mental health among fathers, providing support, guidance and practical strategies for this transformative journey.  We explored the common mental health concerns new and expectant dads may face, showed ways to strengthen communication and relationships at home, and shared resources that empower fathers during this important transition. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect and grow as we embrace the transition into fatherhood with greater confidence and resilience.

About Our Presenter:  Teresa M. Eltrich MS, LMHC, PMH-C   

Teresa Eltrich is a dedicated mental health professional and perinatal mental health specialist committed to supporting parents during the transformative journey into parenthood. Specializing in perinatal mental health, Teresa offers compassionate guidance, practical tools and accessible resources to help new and expectant parents manage stress, build resilience, and foster a positive family environment. Teresa has a background in crisis services and community mental health and uses that experience to support her families in her private practice, Feather and Fern with Picket Fence Therapy, and is looking forward to celebrating her 20th year in practice next year. 

Youtube Recording

PowerPoint Presentation

Resource Links 

• Perinatal Support Washington
  • Homepage
  • Resource and Referal Guide for Dads
• Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance
  • Homepage 
  • Resources for Dads
  • Supporting New Fathers: An Overview of Paternal Mental Health Statistics, Insights, and Resources
• Dads Move - Homepage
• Postpartum Support International
  • Homepage
  • Help for Dads
  • Dad Support Groups
• Psychology Today
  • For Dads: What to Do, What Not to Do, When Your Wife Has PPD 
  • What is Masculine Depression and How it is Treated

General Information and Research

• Health Resources and Servcies Administration, Maternal and Child Health - Know the symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety
• Science Insider - Fatherhood Decreases Testosterone, Lowering hormonal thermostat may help men be better parents
• Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
• Science Direct
  • Factors Influencing Paternal Postpartum Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
  • Depressive symptoms in men immediately after birth
• UT Southwestern - 1 in 10 dads experience postpartum depression, anxiety: How to spot the signs
• Unity Point Health - Male Postpartum Depression 
• Wildflower Center for Emotional Health - How Fathers Can Help Their Postpartum Partner and Themselves
• National Library of Medicine - Paid Paternity Leave-Taking in the United States