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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
The forgotten parent: Midwives’ awareness and knowledge of paternal postnatal depression: A scoping review
1
Midwifery Academy Amsterdam Groningen, Inholland- Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
2
University of Groningen- University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Primary and Long-term Care- Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
3
Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Midwifery Science, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A452
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Paternal postnatal depression (PPND) affects 8–10% of new fathers worldwide. Untreated depression in fathers can affect their partner, paternal bonding, and child development. Midwives are well-placed to inform fathers. However, paternal mental health often remains overlooked in practice.
OBJECTIVES:
This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature on midwives’ awareness and knowledge of PPND globally.
METHODS:
We searched multiple databases (including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus) for studies (published ~2000–2025) involving midwives and their awareness and knowledge of paternal postnatal depression. Search teams were based on the Participants, Concepts and Context elements. To create an overview of available evidence quality assessment of the included studies was not performed. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included.
RESULTS:
Based on a preliminary literature search, out of the 650 articles a total of 20 relevant studies were included. Midwives generally acknowledged that new fathers can suffer PPND, but gaps in knowledge and confidence were evident. Many midwives had only basic understanding of PPND symptoms and risk factors, often extrapolated from maternal depression experience. No routine screening of fathers by midwives was reported, and support mechanisms for fathers were limited. Despite this, midwives in several studies expressed a sense of responsibility for fathers’ well-being.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our preliminary conclusion is that midwives worldwide have limited awareness and knowledge of PPND, reflecting a significant evidence-to-practice gap. There is an urgent need for education and training interventions to improve midwives’ awareness and competencies in recognizing PPND. Integrating fathers’ mental health into perinatal care guidelines and addressing systemic barriers will better equip midwives to support the whole family unit, ultimately improving outcomes for fathers, mothers, and infants.
KEY MESSAGE:
Midwives' limited awareness of paternal perinatal depression highlights a critical evidence-to-practice gap. Education and systemic change are needed to embed fathers’ mental health in perinatal care, enabling midwives to support the entire family. Poster session 1 (Group A)
Paternal postnatal depression (PPND) affects 8–10% of new fathers worldwide. Untreated depression in fathers can affect their partner, paternal bonding, and child development. Midwives are well-placed to inform fathers. However, paternal mental health often remains overlooked in practice.
OBJECTIVES:
This scoping review aimed to map the existing literature on midwives’ awareness and knowledge of PPND globally.
METHODS:
We searched multiple databases (including PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus) for studies (published ~2000–2025) involving midwives and their awareness and knowledge of paternal postnatal depression. Search teams were based on the Participants, Concepts and Context elements. To create an overview of available evidence quality assessment of the included studies was not performed. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included.
RESULTS:
Based on a preliminary literature search, out of the 650 articles a total of 20 relevant studies were included. Midwives generally acknowledged that new fathers can suffer PPND, but gaps in knowledge and confidence were evident. Many midwives had only basic understanding of PPND symptoms and risk factors, often extrapolated from maternal depression experience. No routine screening of fathers by midwives was reported, and support mechanisms for fathers were limited. Despite this, midwives in several studies expressed a sense of responsibility for fathers’ well-being.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our preliminary conclusion is that midwives worldwide have limited awareness and knowledge of PPND, reflecting a significant evidence-to-practice gap. There is an urgent need for education and training interventions to improve midwives’ awareness and competencies in recognizing PPND. Integrating fathers’ mental health into perinatal care guidelines and addressing systemic barriers will better equip midwives to support the whole family unit, ultimately improving outcomes for fathers, mothers, and infants.
KEY MESSAGE:
Midwives' limited awareness of paternal perinatal depression highlights a critical evidence-to-practice gap. Education and systemic change are needed to embed fathers’ mental health in perinatal care, enabling midwives to support the entire family. Poster session 1 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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