Singaporean dads on how they coped with their wife's Postnatal Depression

13 dads share how they’ve coped with their wives’ PND

What happens when your wife is struggling with postnatal depression (PND)? The woman you are partnered with seems to have suddenly become another person in an instant. Here's help as 13 local dads share how they've coped with their wives' PND.

Chee Keong, 28, Accountant

"I took over the cooking and prepping of meals for her. She was given the rest time she needed to recuperate."

Wong, 36, Trader

"I made sure the house was clean so Marie didn't have to worry about any household chores."

John, 29, Lawyer

"I was always beside my wife when she needed to breastfeed Anne."

Peter, 32, Senior Manager

"I made sure we both went for weekly counselling. Very important for a new mum to have a clear mind and and to be reassured that she has a support system in me."

Simon, 34, Teacher

"I took over diaper changing duties. Not easy seeing that much of poop, every other hour, but someone had to do it - I let it be me!"

Jun, 28, Designer

"I gave her massages every single night during the periods when baby Peter was fast asleep. She had to remain calm, composed and relaxed and my small gestures helped her a lot (till today she thanks me for it)."

Khai, 27, Engineer

"I showered her with encouraging notes on our bathroom mirror so she'd see it in the mornings. It helped her get through her long day knowing that I am just a phone call away. I also took time off every few days from work (I had an awesome boss) to rush back to her rescue with baby Mark. He was MORE than a handful. Haha!"

Kean Hui, 34, Lecturer

"I made sure I hugged her at every opportunity I got to tell her that she wasn't alone in this. Of course I know words meant nothing unless backed up with action - so I gave her Saturdays all to herself. For her manicures, massages... My mum came over to help me then!"

Lee loon, 30, Managing Editor

"I called her at every chance of a break while I was at work just to make sure she was coping well with Stella. If I sensed any unhappiness or nervousness on her part, I would book 'us time' with her, send Stella over to my sister's place, just to show my wife that we still could be together alone, away from baby when we need to."

Jack, 30, Doctor

"I made sure we set aside some alone time bi-weekly, away from the baby, so I could bring her out for dinner. This was a great time to share stories of what I may have missed with baby - his first coos, weird poop days etc."

Raj, 29, Senior Account Manager

"I quickly realised that there aren't any quick fixes to PNS- only work on my part as her husband, so I did whatever I could so she'd feel good."

Boon Heng, 32, ICT Manager

"I did all the grocery shopping during that period so she wouldn't have to worry about food running out."