Dad Matters: Support for fathers who experience birth trauma
This week our host Theo is joined by Scott Mair, Director of Fatherhood Solutions, and Kieran Anders from Dad Matters, to talk about support for fathers who’ve experienced birth trauma. They share information to help dads who are struggling having witnessed a traumatic birth, including recovery from mental health issues after childbirth, and provide some practical advice to help affected families.
Topics that we discuss on the show include: the impact of birth trauma on dads; the importance of antenatal education; what to discuss with your partner during pregnancy including birth plans; impact on parent-infant relationships including attachment and bonding; supporting a partner post birth trauma; recovery as a family; helping siblings to understand birth trauma; mental health support for dads; feelings of guilt; dad's role during birth and the importance of advocacy; loss and bereavement and impact on subsequent births; babies in neonatal care; postpartum psychosis; and where to get help for dads who are struggling.
Trigger warning: please note this episode contains references to maternal suicide and baby loss.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/63D4c7TNHuJ6fBR1Uu7s9j?si=1b900225bdfd4220
Scott Mair is a leading advocate for fatherhood and mental health, dedicated to transforming how dads are supported. A husband, father of seven, and grandfather, he draws on personal experience to champion father-inclusive practices across the UK. A former infantry soldier, Scott’s advocacy stems from his own experience with birth trauma and its impact on mental health. He works with organisations, councils, charities, and universities to embed father-inclusive practices, train professionals, and support dads through initiatives like dad-led baby massage and the ‘Step into Fatherhood’ program. Fatherhood Solutions is a trusted partner in the Start for Life program and Family Hubs, ensuring dads are visible and supported.
Kieran Anders is a dad of two grown up girls, lived experience of child loss, traumatic birth, separation, and fostering looked after children. Operations manager at Dad Matters UK, a Home-Start project based in Greater Manchester to support dads in the perinatal period with attachment and bonding, mental health and access to services. Keynote speaker, trainer and honorary fellow of the Institute of Health Visiting, and trustee for the Parent-Infant Foundation. From 2017 Dad Matters have seen over 19000 dads in universal engagements and over 1300 dads have accessed one to one peer support. They have also trained and support 7000+ professionals. We have coordinators in 23 Home-Start schemes across 28 boroughs of the UK and are on track to see over 10,000 dads universally this year.
Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo.
Dad Matters UK: https://dadmatters.org.uk/
Fatherhood Solutions: https://www.ipip.co.uk/fatherhood-solutions/
Birth Trauma Association: https://www.birthtraumaassociation.org/
Parent Infant Foundation: https://parentinfantfoundation.org.uk/
Home Start: https://www.home-start.org.uk/
This podcast is sponsored by the law firm Irwin Mitchell.
DISCLAIMER: This show is not intended to be medical advice please seek advice from a GP or Doctor.
Website: http://www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast
Instagram: @theoclarkemp
Breaking The Taboo production team:
Producer: Natasha Feroze
Researcher: Max Austin and Elliott Malik
Designer: Emily Ryder
Social media: Bella Carter
Studio manager: Adam Woodward
Studio: Studio 55 part of Wolfe Power Club