Involved dads give mom as much-needed care as the newborn by preventing the isolation and exhaustion that can spike her cortisol, which elevates postpartum risk, especially in Black women. RELATED CONTENT: An Era Of Weak Men Is Making The World More Dangerous For Women — And Fathers Need To Pay Attention [Op-Ed]Why Does Paternity Leave Matter in Postpartum Care? When new fathers utilize their parental leave rights, it’s a big step in preventing one of the biggest issues in Black Maternal Health: postpartum depression. Consequently, how long paternity leave is indirectly affects how much comprehensive nutrition and lowered disease risk the little one will have. When Black mothers can breastfeed with ease, it also reduces their: