ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the fact that parents other than the biological mother can experience perinatal distress, including fathers and adoptive parents. Although many of these parents may feel unentitled to these concerns, this chapter aims to normalize this experience, acknowledge some of the unique factors that contribute to it, and encourage all parents to seek help regardless of their biological or genetic relationship to their child. In addition, this chapter discusses challenges and cultural beliefs or rituals of African American, Latina, Hispanic, non-Western, and religious cultures that may contribute to perinatal distress and serve as barriers to seeking treatment.
