Dad Starts Now

What dads need to know about labour and birth, with midwife Monique Maitland

In this mini-episode, clinical midwife specialist, childbirth educator and founder of The Middee Society, Monique Maitland, answers your questions about preparing for birth as a dad — from understanding the stages of labour to knowing how to advocate for your partner when things get intense. * Many dads assume birth is something they just “show up” for, but feeling supported by a partner or support team can significantly improve a woman’s birth experience * Preparation matters — antenatal classes help dads understand labour, learn practical support techniques and feel more confident advocating for their partner * Talking through birth preferences and possible scenarios beforehand helps couples get on the same page and prepares dads to step up if things don’t go to plan * During labour, support people should stay actively involved, using tools like massage, helping with movement and hydration, and choosing positive, reassuring language More resources: You can follow The Middee Society on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/themiddeesociety/] and check out their website here [https://www.themiddeesociety.com.au/]. Got questions or feedback?  Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au [podcasts@healthymale.org.au]. We love getting your voice notes. The end bits: This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/healthymale_au/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@healthymaleau] and our website [https://www.healthymale.org.au/]. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

Zac Perez on the best advice for first-time dads

In this episode, we chat with Zac Perez, who you might know by his moniker ‘non-practising genius’ on social media, where he’s racked up hundreds of thousands of followers, and millions more views on his inspiring but relatable content. We cover his globally viral “Wednesday Waffle” movement and keeping up connections with mates, plus what preparing for fatherhood involved for him and how he’s finding these first few months in the job. Key takeaways: * Zac and his mates invented the Wednesday Waffle as a simple way to check-in and it unexpectedly went global * Before trying for a baby, he visited his GP for a preconception health check — he felt it was the least he could do, given what many women do to prepare for pregnancy * Finding out his partner was pregnant brought immense gratitude, followed closely by anxiety that stayed through much of the pregnancy * Despite advice, preparation and support, the early weeks of fatherhood have still been confronting and all-consuming — he deeply loves his son while also accepting the loss of independence and an abrupt transition to a new life * Before the baby arrived, Zac asked other dads for advice and later shared that wisdom publicly, reinforcing how much men learn best from each other’s lived experience * Connecting with other fathers through informal dads groups has become essential for coping, learning and feeling less alone More resources: You can follow Zac — the non-practising genius — on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/nonpractisinggenius/]and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@nonpractisinggenius]. You can make Zac’s extra sleep deprivation worth it by signing up to his Substack [https://substack.com/@nonpractisinggenius]— The First 50 Days [https://substack.com/@nonpractisinggenius].  Looking for a dad’s group? You can find a bunch through Dads Group here [https://www.dadsgroup.org/].  Got questions or feedback?  Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au. We love getting your voice notes. The end bits: This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/healthymale_au/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@healthymaleau] and our website [https://www.healthymale.org.au/]. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

Why parental leave for dads matters so much with Georgie Dent, CEO of The Parenthood

In this mini-episode, we’ll get into the life-changing benefits of dads taking parental leave. Georgie Dent, CEO at The Parenthood [https://www.theparenthood.org.au/] — an organisation advocating for better parental leave, child care and flexible work — answers your questions about how paid parental leave works in Australia, the common misconceptions men have about it and why it's so critical for dads and their families. Key takeaways: * When dads take time off to care for a new baby, it’s not just good for kids — it’s better for both parents’ mental health too * You don’t need to be “naturally good” at caring for a baby — confidence comes from time spent doing it, not from instinct * Paid parental leave in Australia is becoming more flexible, making it easier for dads to share the early months and learn together with their partner * Even if some people judge the choice, taking parental leave can be one of the most important things you do for your family — and it helps make it easier for the dads who come after you More resources: You can follow The Parenthood on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/theparenthood/] and check out their website for more resources here [https://www.theparenthood.org.au/]. What it’s like to take parental leave as a dad [https://healthymale.org.au/health-article/parental-leave-dad-father-experience] Why paid parental leave for dads is so important [https://healthymale.org.au/health-article/importance-parental-leave-dads] Got questions or feedback?  Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au [podcasts@healthymale.org.au]. We love getting your voice notes. The end bits: This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/healthymale_au/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@healthymaleau] and our website [https://www.healthymale.org.au/]. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

Tom Docking on the support new dads are missing and why he started Dads Group

In this episode, we chat with Tom Docking, founder and CEO of Dads Group — an organisation reshaping how Australia supports new and expectant fathers. Tom shares his experience discovering first-hand the gaps there are for men during the perinatal period and why community connection is one of the most powerful protective factors for dads’ mental health. Key takeaways * Tom's partner Kate fell pregnant unexpectedly right at the start of a planned two-year lap of the world — he felt excited and overwhelmed at the same time  * His inclusion during his partner's pregnancy, his baby's birth and the postpartum period depended on medical staff going above and beyond, not the system * Dad’s Group grew from informal catch-ups with other dads, creating practical, peer-led support * Early on, he realised dads often don’t have a space to unpack the fear, shame, uncertainty and identity shift from “dude to dad” More resources: You can follow Dads Group on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dadsgroup/?hl=en]. You can join a Dads Group and find more info about their work here [https://www.dadsgroup.org/]. Got questions or feedback?  Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au [podcasts@healthymale.org.au]. We love getting your voice notes. The end bits: This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/healthymale_au/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@healthymaleau] and our website [https://www.healthymale.org.au/]. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.

How miscarriage and grief affects men with Sam Payne, CEO of Pink Elephants

In this mini-episode, Sam Payne — the CEO and co-founder of the Pink Elephants Support Network — answers listener questions about early pregnancy loss — what men (and couples) need to understand about miscarriage, supporting their partner and themselves. Key takeaways: * Pink Elephants exists because early pregnancy loss is deeply isolating, and lack of support in the first trimester can compound grief and lead to poor mental health outcomes * Miscarriage grief is often minimised by society, which leaves both women and men feeling silenced, flawed and unsure whether they are “allowed” to seek support * Partners grieve too, and it’s important they’re given space for their own loss rather than being expected to only act as the supporter * Grief after pregnancy loss is unpredictable and non-linear, so open communication, mutual validation and accessing support early are key to coping together More resources: How miscarriage can affect men [https://healthymale.org.au/health-article/men-partner-miscarriage-guide-to-coping] Help a loved one  [https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/help-a-loved-one] Got questions or feedback?  Email us at podcasts@healthymale.org.au [podcasts@healthymale.org.au]. We love getting your voice notes. The end bits: This podcast was created by Healthy Male — an Australian not-for-profit that provides evidence-based information on men's health. You can find more from us on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/healthymale_au/], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@healthymaleau] and our website [https://www.healthymale.org.au/]. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which this podcast was recorded — the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples listening today. This podcast is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment and personalised medical guidance.