Paternal (or partner) postpartum depression has been associated with adverse emotional and behavioural outcomes for children aged 3-5 years and an increased risk of conduct disorders in the children.
Those whose partners are experiencing postpartum depression often take over the role of primary caregiver during the time that their spouse is unable to do so. The young child may have to adapt to a new primary caregiver. If a caregiver experiences later onset depression, the attachment relationship that has already formed with the child may be impacted.