Dads 'need postnatal depression advice'

A review of popular parenting and mental health websites has shown how, when it comes to dealing with postnatal depression, dads are often overlooked.

Dr Richard Fletcher reviewed nine Australian websites and found while they carried a wealth of general and mum-specific information, there was little in the way of targeted advice for fathers.

One in seven mums will suffer from depression after the birth of a child, said Dr Fletcher from the University of Newcastle.

"This means that just as many fathers have a new baby, a wife or partner who is miserable and very little support," he said.

"... knowing all about postnatal depression in general will not help you if your baby is crying in one room, your wife is sobbing in another, and you are trying to clean up and leave for work on time."

Dr Fletcher said the websites should include real-life examples of how dads were coping with postnatal depression in their home, and advice on the expanded role they played in caring for mum as well as baby.

The reviewed websites included www.raisingchildren.net.au, www.beatbabyblues.com.au and www.beyondblue.org.au.

Dr Fletcher said the websites had responded positively to his call for improved dad-specific content.

"These websites are used to talking to mums," he said.

"It's not that they don't value dads, they just don't notice that they have ignored the father's aspect."