Supporting Your Partner After Birth
A partner-focused perinatal worksheet with practical support actions, warning signs of perinatal mood problems in either parent, self-care planning and crisis resources.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Partner support
- Approach / concern
- Perinatal & Postpartum
- Technique
- Partner support
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the Supporting Your Partner After Birth?
Partners are central to postpartum support. Practical help, emotional support and early recognition of warning signs can protect the birthing parent’s wellbeing, while partners themselves are also at risk of perinatal depression.
Why it works
Paternal perinatal depression is relatively common and correlates with maternal depression (Paulson & Bazemore, 2010). Psychosocial support can help prevent postpartum depression (Dennis & Dowswell, 2013).
When to use it
- Expectant and new partners
- Prenatal classes and couples sessions
- When the birthing parent is struggling
- Partner mental health check-ins
How to use it in session
- Review ways to help and choose several.
- Learn warning signs for both parents.
- Plan partner self-care.
- Know when and how to seek help.
- Revisit in the first months postpartum.
Clinician tips
- Include same-sex, adoptive and non-birthing parents.
- Partners’ own distress deserves attention.
- Coordinate with public health and family doctors.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Can fathers or partners get postpartum depression?
Yes. Partners can experience perinatal depression and anxiety, and support is available.
What should I do if I’m worried about my partner?
Gently share your concerns and encourage contacting a doctor or midwife. In an emergency, seek immediate help.
References
Paulson, J. F., & Bazemore, S. D. (2010). Prenatal and postpartum depression in fathers and its association with maternal depression: A meta-analysis. JAMA, 303(19), 1961-1969.
Dennis, C.-L., & Dowswell, T. (2013). Psychosocial and psychological interventions for preventing postpartum depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (2), CD001134.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
