Let's Talk About Birth

Let's Talk About the Partner Experience: What Dads and Partners Really Go Through After Birth

Let's Talk About Birth

Show Notes

Partners are often the ones holding everything together after birth, but who's holding them up? In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Lincoln is joined by her husband Dr. Doug Lincoln, board-certified pediatrician, and Dr. Will Flanary AKA Dr. Glaucomflecken, ophthalmologist, medical comedian, testicular cancer survivor, and cardiac arrest survivor, for an honest and long-overdue conversation about what dads and partners actually experience during the perinatal period, and why so few feel like they can talk about it.

We Talk About… The 8–10% of dads who will experience postpartum depression in the first year and how it looks different than it does in moms Why current screening tools often fall short for partners and what better support could look like Co-survivorship and vicarious medical trauma: what happens when we prioritize the patient without thinking about the people beside them The data: anxiety, burnout, fear, and the pressure to be the perfect parent Replacing the "here's what not to do" script with positive models of masculinity Practical tips for partners supporting their partners (featuring lots of pillow talk)

Episode Links/Resources: Follow Pediatricians for Trustworthy Content on Children’s Health

Follow Dr. Doug Lincoln & Dr. Will Flanary Dr. Flanary’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docglauc/?hl=en Dr. Flanary’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drglaucomflecken

Order The Birth Book: An OB-GYN's Guide to Demystifying Labor and Delivery here! Follow your host @drjenniferlincoln

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More from Let's Talk About Birth

May 4, 2026

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