New Fathers' Meetup
Are you realizing that parenthood isn't quite what you expected? Need some tools to help get you through the rough spots? Wonder what's up with this baby, and your partner? This is the group for you. Come meet other new and soon-to-be dads in a casual environment where you can grab coffee and ask questions -- the real questions -- and get answers. I am a Dad and a counselor and I want to help make this whole parenting thing a little less mysterious and a little more fun for you. This is a group started and is now co-facilitated around the city by a number of other facilitators. It is a free group for fathers of children under 3 years old to connect with one another and talk about their experiences being new dads. I co-facilitate the group on the first Sunday of the month. More information at https://meetup.com/Portland-New-Fathers-meetup/.Please go to our meetup.com page to sign up and receive the zoom link, as well as get reminders about upcoming groups.
If you are interested in having me come and talk on any of these topics please contact me via email or call me at (503)957-8797.
Click here for a printable list of resources for new fathers,
or visit my Resources page
Meets the First Sunday of the month from 12:30-2:00 online during COVID. Please RSVP on Meetup to get the zoom link below. Click here to go to the group page.
Sam Stevens, MS, LMFT
Counseling for Adults & Adolescents
Couples, Families, Individuals, New Fathers' Group
Fatherhood is truly one of the most wonderful experiences and roles for a man to have in his life, but what often gets forgotten or dismissed is that it is also one of the hardest things a man can do. It is, in my opinion, the biggest and most powerful change in a man's life to become an engaged, loving and committed father, and this is often a very difficult experience. Many people are not aware that men get postpartum depression and anxiety, not just women, and that you don't have to be the birth father to experience it! Below are some links to articles I've written, been interviewed in, or are informational about fatherhood. Please take the time to read through what is relevant to you.
Dads and partners get postpartum depression and anxiety too. Approximately 1 in 9 men suffer from Postpartum Depression and Anxiety in the first year after their child's birth, and up to 1 in 4 have symptoms! If you are struggling you are not alone.
Vancouver Family Magazine – June 2013
Metro Parent – June 2013
Post-partum depression among new dads inspires support groups, helplines and more - Oregonian 2/20/2013
Postpartum Depression in Dads - A conversation between Sam Stevens and Justin Farrell.
Here is a wonderful video of dads talking about their experiences when their wives were suffering from Postpartum Depression and Anxiety.
Advice for dads expecting the birth of their first child on KGW's Portland Today
