🧠 Wellbeing · Pregnancy and first year
🫀 Dad’s health: looking after yourself too
Dads can experience depression, anxiety and severe stress during pregnancy and after a birth. These are not signs of weak parenting. Your health matters in its own right, and seeking support can help the whole family.
Connection without pressure
- Everyday care—feeding support, diapers, talking and settling—offers chances to get to know your baby. Bonding need not feel instant.
- For skin-to-skin, stay fully awake with baby's face visible, nose and mouth clear, and head supported. Stop before you become drowsy.
- A realistic support list: trusted people, your doctor, a barangay health centre or rural health unit, and a mental health professional if available.
Notice, rest and get support
1. Notice changes in yourself
Persistent irritability, sadness, panic, withdrawal, loss of interest, increased substance use or trouble sleeping even when you have the chance deserve attention.
2. Arrange professional help
Speak with a doctor or mental health professional when symptoms persist, worsen or affect daily life. A health centre can help you find local care; ask about cost and individual PhilHealth eligibility.
3. Protect rest safely
Share care so both parents get rest where possible. Put baby on their back in their own flat, firm, clear sleep space, in your room for at least six months. Do not doze with baby on your chest, in bed or on a sofa.
4. Use a safe pause when overwhelmed
Place baby on their back in their safe crib and step away briefly to regain control. Ask a trusted adult to take over, and return when you can care calmly. Never shake or hit a baby.
5. Act on immediate danger
If you fear you may harm yourself or someone else, get another safe adult involved and call 911 or seek emergency care. If a baby may have been shaken, get urgent emergency assessment even if they look well.
Classic mistakes
- ❌ Measuring bonding by hormones or minutes There is no required skin-to-skin duration that proves a bond. Responsive, safe care matters more than a target.
- ❌ Trying to manage everything alone Tell someone specifically what would help—a meal, a rest period or company at an appointment. If the first service is unavailable, ask your clinician about alternatives.
A local detail, or your own experience with this guide? Write to the team
Same topic
- Paternity Leave Act
- Maternity leave allocation
- Birth registration
- Family Code
- Emergency services
- Newborn screening
- Infant feeding
When in doubt, contact your doctor or midwife. For a life-threatening emergency, call 911.