Fatherhood in Postpartum: Why Dads Matter

About this episode

This episode discusses the importance of fathers during the postpartum period and the challenges they face.

Fatherhood today is changing, yet many dads still feel unseen and unsupported during the early parenting season. In this episode, host June speaks with Naomi Toh, a mental health counsellor, and Edna Sim, a social worker—Co-founders of Kindred Haven. They share heartfelt insights from their survey of 80 Singaporean dads, uncovering stressors like balancing work and family, relationship strains, and managing emotions.  Naomi and Edna explain why a father’s presence in the perinatal and postpartum period matters—not just for the child, but for the mother’s mental health and the family’s well-being. They explore concepts such as maternal gatekeeping, the need for community, and why dads should give themselves permission to seek help.  If you’re a new father feeling disconnected or overwhelmed, this episode offers practical wisdom and reassurance: you matter, your mental health matters, and your presence shapes generations—because when parents are supported, children and families thrive. Learn more at www.kindredhaven.org . -- Life can be overwhelming. Having a listening ear can bring relief, help you feel supported, and improve relationships. Make an appointment with a…

People in this episode

Host: June

Guests: Naomi Toh, Edna Sim

Topics covered

• fatherhood
• postpartum
• mental health
• parenting
• family well-being

Keywords

• dads
• support
• community
• mental health
• maternal gatekeeping

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Podchaser, Kindred Haven

Places: Singapore

More episodes of ParentEd

• The Weight of Parental Guilt · April 21, 2026 · 20 min
• The Power of Self-Compassion · April 7, 2026 · 23 min
• The Importance of Values in Raising Children · March 24, 2026 · 28 min
• Parenting from a Place of Wholeness · March 10, 2026 · 33 min
• The Power of Play with Your Child · February 24, 2026 · 29 min
• Raising Up Boys to Men · February 10, 2026 · 20 min