PARTNERS

Program

PARTNER PROGRAM

Caring for the whole family - from the very beginning.

At Western Family Practice, we know that non-birthing partners are integral to the emerging family unit. Yet most existing perinatal care models are designed for the birthing parent alone.

We believe that children and families thrive when the non-birthing partner is actively engaged, supported and well. That's why our model of care has been specifically designed to include, value and support partners throughout the entire antenatal and postnatal journey.

WHAT MAKES WESTERN OBSTETRICS DIFFERENT

MOST PRACTICES

Partners acknowledged but not actively included
Appointments focused solely on birthing parent
No screening of partner mental health
Limited postnatal follow-up for partners
No dedicated resources or referral pathways

WESTERN OBSTETRICS

Partners actively invited to key antenatal appointments
Input sought from both partners in planning discussions
Mental health screening for non-birthing partners
Structured 3-week postnatal wellbeing screen
Individual partner appointments available at any time

YOUR JOURNEY WITH US - PARTNER APPOINTMENTS

Non-birthing partners are invited to the following appointments as a standard part of our care:

16 WEEKS

First Partner Appointment

This is where your journey with us formally begins. We introduce you to the team, discuss your role and expectations, screen your mental health baseline, and start planning for the birth and postnatal period together.

28 WEEKS

Midway Check-In

We review birth plans and postnatal preparation, check in on your wellbeing, discuss return to work considerations, and address any questions or concerns you have about the journey ahead.

34 WEEKS

Birth Preparation Appointment

We finalise the birth plan with both of you present, discuss what to expect in the birth environment, address any fears around the birth, and ensure you feel confident and prepared for your role during labour and the early postnatal period.

3 WEEK POSTNATAL PARTNER SCREENING

At 3 weeks postnatal, we invite all non-birthing partners to complete our structured wellbeing screen. This is a confidential check-in designed specifically for partners and covers:

Partners actively invited to key antenatal appointments
Input sought from both partners in planning discussions
Mental health screening for non-birthing partners
Structured 3-week postnatal wellbeing screen
Individual partner appointments available at any time

Research shows that up to 10% of non-birthing partners experience depression or anxiety in the perinatal period — and that paternal depression often presents differently to maternal depression, frequently going unidentified without active screening (Paulson & Bazemore, 2010).