Pakistani Dads and Perinatal Loss: A Hidden Pain

Everyone knows pregnancy is a mother's journey, but when things go wrong, dads hurt too. Studies mostly look at white dads, leaving out men from other backgrounds. In the UK, Pakistani dads face one of the highest rates of perinatal loss. Let's dive into their experiences. Pregnancy loss isn't just a woman's burden. Dads feel it too, even if they don't show it. They might hide their tears, because society expects them to be strong. "Be a man, " they're told. But that doesn't make the pain disappear. The Pakistani community has a high rate of perinatal loss. This could be due to cultural factors, like close family ties that increase expectations, or health issues, like the higher rates of genetic conditions. But whatever the cause, Pakistani dads need support. Imagine losing a child before it's even born. The dreams, the plans, all gone. Dads often feel guilty, wondering if they could have done something. They might blame themselves, or their partners. The grief can be overwhelming. Society expects dads to be strong, but that's not always healthy. They need to talk about their feelings, to grieve in their own way. Support groups, counseling, even just a friendly ear can make a big difference. It's time to recognize that perinatal loss affects everyone in the family. We need to start including dads in our research and support. Because strong doesn't mean silent.