Ep #143: What about the Dads? with Julie Borninkhof from PANDA

If matrescence is the transformation of a woman as she becomes a mother – is there something called ‘patrescence' for the dads?

Do men go through a similar identity shift?

This is something I am constantly asked.  

Of course, the transition a woman goes through is unique – her transformation is physical, emotional, economic, social and spiritual. There is nothing it does not touch.

But if we are to revolutionise the way we support and honour the transition into motherhood, do we also need to consider the changes a father goes through that might also have been overlooked and missed?  

If you've ever wanted to better understand how a man feels about fatherhood, felt resentment or anger towards your partner as you figure out parenting, or tried to support a man in early parenthood, this interview is for you.  

PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia – have been gathering the data and stories of fathers, and have found that one in ten fathers will experience postnatal anxiety or depression. They have also discovered that the level of overwhelm has increased in fathers since COVID-19, just as it has in mothers.  

In this interview, I speak with Julie Borninkhof, the CEO of PANDA, as she highlights that it's not just the system around mothers that needs to change – it's for the Dads too.  

You can find out more about the support for dads, and complete a mental health checklist, at PANDA.org.au or How is Dad Going.