Promoting and protecting parents’ mental health through working in partnership: Qualitative interview study with fathers in the postnatal period

Background: Mothers face increased vulnerability to mental health problems during the perinatal period; this is also true for fathers with 5-10% experiencing depression [1] and 5-15% experiencing anxiety [2]. Perinatal mental health (PMH) problems in either parent places children at increased risk of adverse emotional and behavioural outcomes [3]. Critically, fathers can be protective against the development of maternal PMH problems and its effects on child outcomes [4]. Promoting paternal mental health may benefit the family as a whole, and models that address the wellbeing of both parents warrant serious consideration [5]. Purpose/Objective: This study explored fathers’ experiences of perinatal mental health and support. Method: Men participating in an epidemiological prospective cohort (BaBY) who met eligibility criteria (baby born