Supporting Each Other in Postnatal Motherhood
Partners: Supporting Each Other in the Postnatal Period
The postnatal period changes everything, including the dynamics between partners. This episode focuses on what meaningful support actually looks like, and why the most common advice given to partners, the occasional grand gesture, misses the point entirely.
Peta and Frances introduce the concept of the mental load, the invisible, ongoing work of planning, organising, and anticipating everything a family needs. The mental load is not the same as doing tasks. It is the cognitive labour that runs constantly in the background, and it falls disproportionately on women. Delegating a task is not the same as sharing it. True sharing means full ownership from start to finish.
The episode also challenges the outdated idea that the working partner needs all the rest. Unpaid caregiving is real work. Both partners need rest and recognition. The postnatal period does not go back to how things were before, and pretending it will is one of the most common sources of resentment and imbalance.
This episode is for anyone navigating the postnatal period, including the people supporting them.
Dive deeper into partner support with resources like The Imperfects and explore Fair Play Life for more structured ways to manage household tasks and responsibilities.
Listen now on our website or your favourite streaming service and join the conversation that every mother needs to hear.
Developed by the WHEN Clinical Team.
Clinically reviewed by the WHEN Clinical Governance Committee. Last reviewed: 22/06/2026.
With clinical input from Peta Titter, RN, Grad Cert Continence Nursing, Advanced Diploma of Pilates. Honours by Research (diastasis recti). PhD candidate, University of Tasmania. Founder and CEO, WHEN.
With clinical input from Frances Bilbao, Master of Psychology (Clinical), MAPS, Fellow of the College of Clinical Psychologists. Director and Clinical Psychologist, Mums Matter Psychology. National Convenor, APS Perinatal and Infant Psychology Interest Group. 2024 Cartier Women’s Initiative Fellow. Allied Health Awards Psychologist of the Year 2020-2021.
Thanks to Jill Norton and Tim Jones for the music, Danae Thorp from Spellbox for the botanical symbolism, Cameron Heit and the team at Production Farm Studios for the production, and Alex Ennis for assistance with the artwork.
Symbolizing the Sins with Nature
Ferns symbolize new beginnings, growth, and mutual support, embodying the essence of partnership and collective nurturing. They thrive in environments where they can support and be supported, akin to the reciprocal relationship necessary between partners during the postnatal journey. This plant symbol aligns well with the need for understanding, empathy, and shared responsibility in supporting a new mother, reflecting the interconnected growth and strength within the partnership.
Need Immediate Help?
If you or someone you know is struggling during the postnatal period, it’s crucial to remember that immediate help is available. Here are steps and resources you can turn to:
In Urgent Situations:
Support Services:
Remember, you are not alone, and reaching out for help is a step toward healing. Your well-being is important, and support is just a phone call away.