I have to admit, each time I had a baby, I felt a little down afterwards.

Having a child is a big change, and I was never one of those moms who just took the new addition in stride.  A recent study on Dad’s mental health has made me realize, all these years later, that I never gave much thought to how my husband was faring as his family expanded.  Chances are, he might have had a touch of postpartum blues, too.

That’s according to a recent study from Eastern Virginia Medical School, published in the May 19 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.  Researchers pooled the results of more than 40 studies in 16 countries, and found that about 10% of men reported feeling depressed in the months leading up to delivery day, and after their babies were born.

Depression in Dads was highest in the U.S.: 14% vs. 8% in other countries. The rate of depression among men was highest when their children were between three and six months old. Frankly, I am not surprised.  The first three months after the baby is born are relatively chaotic, and nobody in the household is getting the sleep, relaxation, or attention they deserve - except the infant.

Also of note: fathers were more likely to be depressed if the mom was depressed, too.  Any parent that feels unable to live up to the demands on their limited time and flagging energy should seek help, sooner rather than later.