"Post Natal Services for New Fathers"

My wife gave birth to our beautiful son via emergency C Section in March 2023, he was born early and only weighed 3lb 6oz.

As this turned out to be quite a traumatic event for my wife leading her to suffer from Post Natal Depression and PTSD, she was screened by our health visitor and filled a questionnaire allowing her feelings to be known. My wife's depression was so severe that it led to myself having to take on the role of primary carer to our son as well as care for my wife.

Once my wife became better and was fit enough again for me to go back to work I struggled going back to normality and realised my own mental health had suffered as well and I too had been through a traumatic time but was never screened or asked how I was.

It is my belief that all new fathers should be screened to rule out potential mental health issues at the same time as mothers, I feel that this will potentially save lives as well as help the dynamic of a new family built upon a strong foundation for the best interest of the child.