Fathers in sympathy fatigue

When it comes to providing a shoulder to cry on, new fathers still have a lot to learn.

While 74 per cent of women felt that their husbands and boyfriends provided emotional back-up before pregnancy, it had fallen to 41 per cent after the birth and 15 per cent a year later, according to a survey published today.

Psychologist Cary Cooper said: "Fathers have traditionally been the breadwinners, so the transition into sharing the family role is proving difficult. Today's work pressures are clearly taking their toll on new fathers."

Forty per cent of new mothers said they rarely or never had any time to themselves. The survey was sponsored by Calpol.