Ep 121: Supporting Dads: Breaking the Stigma on Men's Mental Health in Prenatal and Postpartum Stages
Host: Cindy Hovington
Guest Co-host: Travis Goodman
GUEST: Dr. Deborah Da Costa
Dr. Deborah Da Costa is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at McGill University. Her research focuses on 1) maternal and paternal mental health during the transition to parenthood - identifying predictors and developing e-health psychoeducational interventions; 2) delineating the role of behavioural and psychosocial variables on health outcomes and quality of life in patients with chronic conditions; and 3) developing and testing gender-tailored tools to help individuals initiate and sustain healthy lifestyle behaviours over the lifespan.
Travis Goodman is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). He has been practicing over the past 9 years in both a hospital and private practice setting. He has further expertise, training, and certification in Attachment-Focused EMDR, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).
He has been married for 12 years to his amazing wife, Anna, and resides in Southern California with their family. They have two boys and a girl: Shepherd (5), Eli (3), and Iva (4 months). Travis is passionate about continuing to grow as a father, husband, friend, and therapist.
Summary
How can we better support dads in their crucial roles during prenatal and postpartum stages, and why is it so vital to address their mental health?
Join us as we explore this essential topic with Dr. Deborah Da Costa, a researcher at McGill University, and my guest co-host, Travis Goodman, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and returning guest and father. Together, we aim to break the stigma surrounding dads in mental health and shed light on the importance of open, compassionate conversations.
We'll discuss the impact of men's mental health on the family dynamic and the potential benefits of engaging dads in mental health conversations. Our conversation also covers the importance of paternity leave, the varying policies across Canada and the US, and the effects of maternal gatekeeping on fathers' mental health. Dr. Da Costa shares her insights on the lack of resources available for fathers, while Travis provides his invaluable perspective as a dad and family therapist.
You will also learn more about Dr. Da Costa's new research study, Fathers Matter, where scientists are trying to better understand fathers’ involvement in pregnancy and develop resources to help with the transition to parenthood. They are currently recruiting (please see the link below).
In this eye-opening conversation, we advocate for greater acceptance and support for men's mental health issues, including tailored resources and community programs. We address the lack of funding for initiatives to support men's mental health and stress the importance of recognizing fathers in the prenatal and postpartum stages. By challenging the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality, we aim to dismantle the narrative of failure that may prevent men and fathers from seeking the help they need. Don't miss this vital discussion on the role of dads in parenting and mental health!
Resources:
The Da Costa Lab is currently recruiting couples having their first baby in order to learn more about fathers’ involvement in pregnancy and early parenthood.
Learn more: https://fathersmatter.ca/Join Dr. Da Costa on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dacosta_lab_ri_muhc/Learn more about Travis Goodman:
https://www.therapy4dads.com/about
Time Stamps:
In today’s episode we are joined by Dr. Deborah Dacosta with guest host Travis Goodman.
5:53 - What is pre-conception education and does it exist for fathers?
11:12 - How can pregnant women support their partners?
12:06 - Are dad’s being asked how they are doing once the baby is born?
17:48 - If a father’s mental health is neglected, what are the consequences?
19:44 - How can a mother support a father postpartum?
22:29 - How can both partners support each other?
27:27 - What is parental leave in Canada and the USA
28:53 - What is a dad’s role after the birth?
30:00 - How can we find dads to give them important information?
35:14 - Where do we go from here? What changes do we want to see in society?
40:18 - How can we create a safe space for fathers?In today’s episode we are joined by Dr. Deborah Dacosta with guest host Travis Goodman.
5:53 - What is pre-conception education and does it exist for fathers?
11:12 - How can pregnant women support their partners?
12:06 - Are dad’s being asked how they are doing once the baby is born?
17:48 - If a father’s mental health is neglected, what are the consequences?
19:44 - How can a mother support a father postpartum?
22:29 - How can both partners support each other?
27:27 - What is parental leave in Canada and the USA
28:53 - What is a dad’s role after the birth?
30:00 - How can we find dads to give them important information?
35:14 - Where do we go from here? What changes do we want to see in society?
40:18 - How can we create a safe space for fathers?