Researcher bios and how their research backgrounds relate to this study

Through the rigorous processes of evidence synthesis, epidemiological research, and digital health interventions, the objective of my research program is three-fold: (1) understand the occurrence and determinants of mental health during life transitions (e.g., parenting, adolescenthood) across all sex and genders; (2) use existing datasets to explore relationships between perinatal mental health and later pediatric health outcomes (e.g., pain) and healthcare use (e.g., mental health services); and (3) develop and evaluate digital health interventions that address the factors that negatively impact perinatal mental health and pediatric health outcomes to improve health and well-being of infants, children, and their families. The current study is designed to explore the current postpartum experience of fathers and gender diverse parents in order to better understand the current experience as well as gain insight in order to develop interventions to improve the postpartum experience in this population.

Purpose of this research project

The transition to parenthood is an exciting yet demanding period that requires physical, emotional, and social adjustment to new norms and expectations. While there is significant focus on the transition for mothers (cis gendered female, birthing person), the non-birthing partner (e.g., cis gendered males, fathers, 2SLGBTQ+ partners) are less supported in the transition to parenthood. The purpose of this study is to explore the postpartum experience in fathers and gender diverse parents living in Canada and their mental health and postpartum adjustment. This information will help us to better understand the experience of fathers and gender diverse parents shortly after birth. It will also help identify potential areas that could be improved to better support all parents across Canada. There is limited evidence of the postpartum experience for the non-birthing parent in Canada, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study seeks to fill that gap.

Users can access the survey at: https://chamberslab.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_b0YUQw3DAZ3Nx5k 

How this research will help LGBT2SQ people and communities

Research shows non-birthing parents, specifically fathers, often face challenges in their mental health in the postpartum period and frequently feel unsupported and left out by healthcare providers delivering perinatal services. There is even less research on parenting self-efficacy in non-heterosexual parenting relationships, including various configurations of 2SLGBTQ+ partners. This is despite a growing number of non-heterosexual family structures, with the percentage of same-sex child-rearing couples in Canada growing from 8.6% in 2001 to 12.0% in 2016. Thus, the current research study will be on the first studies to describe the postpartum experience for gender diverse non-birthing parents who are part of the LGBT2SQ community.

Participants

Non-birthing parents will be eligible to complete the survey if they meet the following criteria: (1) identify as a non-birthing parent; (2) have a partner who gave birth within the past 12 months; (3) are over 18 years of age; (4) can read and understand English, and (5) live in Canada.

Compensation

Parents will have the opportunity to opt into a draw for one of five $25 CAN electronic Amazon gift cards as a token of appreciation.

Mitigation measures

There are no expected harms or benefits as a result of participation in this study. If there are any questions participants would prefer not to answer, they can skip these questions by selecting “prefer not to answer”. Participating in this study will not affect any care that they receive in the future.

Some of the responses may make participants reflect on how you are feeling emotionally. We have provided resources at the end of the survey if participants need to seek additional support as well as if they respond certain ways on some items.

Promoting the Study

Online advertisements are being used to promote the study. This online survey is being promoted on social media, including Twitter and Facebook, with paid advertisements to be used on Facebook and Instagram to target non-birthing parents. Additional online recruitment strategies are being implemented including (1) posting on Canadian parenting forums (e.g., whattoexpect.ca. parenting groups), (2) classified ads (e.g., Kijiji), and (3) promotion through email to stakeholders who may be able to share with their followers (e.g., Canada Public Health). Other recruitment strategies may include the use of posters at clinics, libraries, resource centers, or other options as appropriate.