By PPH Foundation
June is internationally recognized as Men's Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the mental health challenges affecting men and to encourage open conversations about emotional wellbeing. While discussions on childbirth complications often focus on mothers and newborns, one group frequently overlooked is fathers, particularly those who witness life-threatening maternal emergencies such as postpartum haemorrhage.
Postpartum haemorrhage remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide, accounting for approximately 27 percent of maternal deaths globally according to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2024). When severe bleeding occurs during or after childbirth, the experience can be traumatic not only for the mother but also for spouses and family members who witness the emergency unfold.
Research increasingly shows that fathers can experience significant psychological distress when their partners undergo severe obstetric complications. A qualitative study by Hinton et al. (2014) published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth found that fathers who witnessed obstetric emergencies often reported feelings of fear, helplessness, anxiety, guilt, and emotional trauma that persisted long after the event. Many described the experience as one of the most frightening moments of their lives.
Studies have also shown that maternal near-miss events, where women survive severe complications such as postpartum haemorrhage, can have lasting effects on partners and families. Research by Furuta et al. (2014) found that fathers may experience symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and emotional withdrawal following severe maternal complications.
The emotional burden is often compounded by uncertainty, limited information during emergencies, financial pressures, and concerns about caring for a newborn while supporting a recovering mother. In many settings, men are expected to remain strong and composed, making it less likely that they will seek psychological support or discuss their experiences.
Prof Moses Obimbo, Project Lead of the End Postpartum Haemorrhage Initiative, says maternal emergencies should be viewed as family emergencies that affect not only mothers but entire households.
"When a mother experiences severe postpartum haemorrhage, the impact extends far beyond the delivery room. Fathers often witness the emergency, make urgent decisions, mobilize resources, and cope with the fear of potentially losing both a partner and the future they had envisioned together. Their emotional wellbeing is rarely discussed, yet it is an important part of family recovery following a maternal health crisis. Supporting fathers during and after such events can strengthen the overall recovery process for mothers, newborns, and families."
Experts emphasize that involving men in birth preparedness and complication readiness can help reduce anxiety and improve outcomes during emergencies. Fathers who understand the warning signs of postpartum haemorrhage, know where to seek care, and participate in emergency planning are often better prepared to respond when complications arise.
Health systems are also being encouraged to adopt more family-centred approaches to maternity care. This includes providing clear communication during emergencies, involving partners in counselling sessions where appropriate, and offering psychosocial support following severe maternal complications or near-miss events.
As the world marks Men's Mental Health Month, there is a growing need to recognize that postpartum haemorrhage affects more than the woman experiencing the bleeding. The emotional and psychological wellbeing of fathers and partners is an important, yet often overlooked, component of maternal health. Addressing these hidden impacts can contribute to stronger families, healthier communities, and more comprehensive approaches to preventing and managing postpartum haemorrhage.
Sources
- World Health Organization. Trends in Maternal Mortality 2000–2023. Geneva: WHO; 2025.
- World Health Organization. Postpartum Haemorrhage Fact Sheet. Geneva: WHO; 2024.
- Hinton L, Locock L, Knight M. Support for mothers and their families after life-threatening illness in pregnancy and childbirth: a qualitative study in primary care. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2014;14:392.
- Furuta M, Sandall J, Bick D. A systematic review of the relationship between severe maternal morbidity and post-traumatic stress disorder. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. 2014;14:325.
- Elmir R, Schmied V, Wilkes L, Jackson D. Women's perceptions and experiences of a traumatic birth: a meta-ethnography. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2010;66(10):2142–2153.
- United Nations Population Fund. State of World Population Report: Maternal Health and Family Wellbeing. New York: UNFPA; 2024.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Antenatal and Postnatal Mental Health Guidelines. London: NICE; 2023.
- Image by freepik</a>