A nationwide study commissioned by Ergobaby UK has highlighted the difficulties faced by many new fathers after revealing that more than a third of new fathers (34%) believe they have suffered from post-natal depression.
The research also revealed that almost two thirds of new dads felt anxious after the birth of their child, with a third admitting they found it hard to bond with their baby and a quarter admitting they felt under ‘massive pressure’ to provide for their family.
A fifth (21%) said they felt overwhelmed by their new responsibilities, 16 percent hated no longer having time to do the things they enjoy, and 15% feeling like they were failing their family.
The research commissioned by Ergobaby UK, also revealed that half (49%) of new dads felt a sense of shame for struggling to cope, while two in five British dads have been made to feel embarrassed for playing an active parenting role such as taking shared parental leave to wearing their baby in a carrier or pushing the pram
Amanda Loveday, marketing manager at Ergobaby UK said of the findings: ‘‘This research shows that we aren’t giving dads the tools or time to adjust to parenthood. By championing simple actions such as babywearing – which can reduce stress and increases bonding – or talking openly and without shame about fears and concerns, we can better equip new dads to enjoy the positives of parenthood.”
Babywearing was named as one of the top three ways for British dads to bond with their baby according to the study, with 62% of dads believing carrying their baby helped them form a strong bond.
