Revisiting Anger in Postnatal Motherhood
Wrath: Anger is Not the Problem
Women are not supposed to be angry. Certainly not after having a baby, when they are expected to feel grateful, devoted, and content. When anger surfaces anyway, which it does, regularly and often intensely, the response from society is usually to pathologise it, dismiss it, or offer a bubble bath.
This episode takes the emotion seriously instead.
Peta and Frances look at why anger is so common in the postnatal period and what is actually driving it. Hormonal shifts after birth, particularly the dramatic drop in oestrogen during breastfeeding, have a direct impact on mood and emotional regulation. The loss of autonomy, identity, and even basic physical privacy compounds this. Add unmet needs, an unequal load, and expectations that bear no resemblance to reality, and anger is not a surprising response. It is a logical one.
The episode also looks at the double standard. When men lose autonomy or purpose, their anger is accepted. When women express the same emotion in similar circumstances, they are labelled unstable. Wrath, as a sin, has always been applied differently depending on who is feeling it.
There is a distinction worth holding onto from this episode. There is a difference between feeling anger and what you do with it. The feeling is not the problem. Pretending it is not there usually is.
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
Traditional witch’s brooms are made from birch. The old Slavic Witch, Bada Yaga has a magical besom. Like all of us, Baba Yaga is complex, sometimes kind and at other times angry. She is old and at times feels frustrated by humanity. Invoke the energy of the broom to direct anger into growth and transformation. It is a feminist tool symbolising freedom and soring high.
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.