Dad Space, Melbourne (2025)

06/12/2025

Becoming a parent is a big life shift, and dads play a crucial role in supporting their partner through the emotional and practical challenges of early parenthood. Small actions can make a big difference in helping your partner feel valued, supported and less overwhelmed.

Here are some simple but powerful ways you can help:

🍼 Get hands-on with the practical stuff.
Take turns settling the baby at night, help with feeds where possible and take on chores without being asked. It doesn’t need to be perfect. A cooked meal or a load of laundry done is enough.

💬 Offer emotional support.
Let her know she’s not doing this alone. Encourage her to seek professional help if she’s feeling distressed and go with her to child health appointments for both her and the baby.

🤝 Call in help when you need it.
Ask family or friends to lend a hand. A meal dropped off, some shopping picked up or an hour of babysitting can make a big difference.

🌟 Show appreciation.
Let her know she is valued, even if she’s not able to do as much as usual. Positive reassurance from you matters more than you think.

🗣️ Talk openly.
Share concerns and feelings in a constructive way. Honest and respectful communication strengthens your connection.

🏃‍♂️ Look after yourself too.
Stay active and take moments to recharge through exercise or sport. Just keep it balanced and avoid long periods away from home.

❤️ Make time for each other.
Plan regular time together, with or without the children. Connection is important for both of you.

Supporting your partner starts with simple steps, and DadSpace is here to help.

Find more free tools, resources and programs at:
👉 www.dadspace.com.au

04/12/2025

The DadSpace Blog

There’s a lot of pressure on dads to be strong, calm, and capable — even when you’re still figuring things out. The truth is, fatherhood doesn’t come with a manual.

That’s why we created the DadSpace Blog.

It’s your go-to place for expert insights from PIRI researchers, packed with practical tips, real-world guidance, and advice you can actually use. From parenting strategies to your own wellbeing, each article is designed to help you feel more supported, confident, and connected in your role as a dad.

Explore new ideas, learn from the experts, and find more joy in the everyday moments of fatherhood.

Read the blog at https://www.dadspace.com.au/blog/

01/12/2025

DadSpace Resources

Sometimes you need something you can keep close, a quick guide on the fridge, a checklist in your bag, or a resource you can share with another dad who might need it.

The DadSpace Resources page brings together a collection of practical, downloadable tools created by the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI). From helpful tip sheets to program brochures, each resource is designed to support you, your partner, and your family through the early stages of fatherhood.

Browse, click, download, and use whatever helps you feel more confident and supported.

Explore all resources at https://www.dadspace.com.au/resources/

01/12/2025

Investing in the earliest years builds a brighter future.

At the Parent Infant Research Institute (PIRI), we provide a unique contribution to early intervention by combining world-class research with clinical expertise to support parents and infants experiencing depression, anxiety and related challenges.

Our suite of evaluated treatment programs sits across every step of a comprehensive stepped-care mental health model. This means families can access the right support at the right time and move between levels of care as their needs change.

What happens in the early years shapes lifelong wellbeing, and improving a baby’s environment can positively influence both brain development and emotional growth. When we support parents and strengthen the parent-infant relationship, we strengthen communities.

Learn more about PIRI’s evidence-based treatment programs and how we are helping families thrive:https://www.piri.org.au/piris-treatment-programs/

29/11/2025

Real Stories from Real Dads

Fatherhood is an incredible journey, but it’s not always simple. The shift into being a dad can feel huge, and every father faces challenges alongside the joy and excitement.

Sometimes the most powerful support comes from hearing another dad say, “I’ve been there too.”

That’s why DadSpace shares real experiences from fathers across Australia — the ups, the struggles, the honest moments, and the lessons learned. These stories remind you that you’re part of a much bigger community of dads finding their way, just like you.

Explore real stories, real voices, and real connection.
Find them at https://www.dadspace.com.au/dad-stories/

28/11/2025

Recognising and Responding to Postpartum Psychosis

“Even though postpartum psychosis is rare, I have still found lots of comfort and healing talking with other mums in the community about their experiences, struggles and joys.”
— Emily Chamberlain

Postpartum psychosis is a serious mental health emergency that requires immediate medical attention. It is a medical condition, not a personal failing, and it can happen to anyone. Awareness and early action save lives.

Recognising the signs is vital. Postpartum psychosis is different from postpartum depression. It can involve hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, confusion and sudden changes in mood or behaviour. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is essential to seek help right away.

Getting urgent care can make all the difference. Postpartum psychosis is treatable, and recovery is possible with the right medical and emotional support. Acting quickly ensures that both mother and baby remain safe and cared for.

At the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI), we are committed to raising awareness and ensuring that all parents have access to life-saving information and compassionate care. No one should face this experience in silence or shame.

If you or someone you know is showing signs of postpartum psychosis, please seek immediate emergency medical help.
For more information and additional resources, visit www.pmhweek.org.au

You can also find supportive programs at www.mumspace.com.au and www.dadspace.com.au

27/11/2025

Supporting Parents of Premature Babies

“I reached out for ForWhen at one of the darkest points of my life, and I don't know where I would be without them. As soon as I began speaking to one of their Navigators, I felt an enormous weight lifted.”
— Lauchlan Craig

The journey of welcoming a premature baby can be unexpected, overwhelming and deeply emotional. For many parents, the sudden shift from a normal pregnancy to time spent in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) brings stress, fear and uncertainty. Fathers and partners often feel torn between being a source of strength and managing their own feelings of helplessness.

This experience can be traumatic. The medical environment, the unknowns, and the sense of powerlessness can take a toll on every member of the family. It is important to acknowledge that your emotions are valid and that it is okay to seek help.

Your wellbeing matters too. The emotional health of parents is just as vital as the physical health of their baby. Support for both parents is essential to help families navigate this difficult period and begin to heal together.

At the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI), we understand the emotional challenges that can accompany premature birth. Through programs such as MumSpace and DadSpace, parents can access practical, evidence-based support and online resources tailored to their needs, when they need it.

Find the help you need by visiting www.pmhweek.org.au

For additional support, visit ww.mumspace.com.au and www.dadspace.com.au

26/11/2025

“Sharing your birth and parenting story is important for all parents. But for multiple birth parents, to be a part of a community who can appreciate the details of your story and say ‘me too’ is a huge comfort. It helps combat isolation, loneliness and postpartum depression.”
— Laura Wilson

Welcoming twins, triplets or more into your family is a joyful but incredibly demanding experience. The round-the-clock care, sleepless nights and constant feeding schedules can quickly become overwhelming, leaving little time for rest or connection. It is no wonder that many parents of multiples experience deep feelings of isolation and exhaustion.

The challenges faced by parents of multiples are unique. Research shows that parents caring for more than one baby at a time are significantly more likely to experience mental health difficulties in the first year. Having access to a community of others who truly understand what this feels like can make a real difference.

At the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI), we recognise the importance of connection, compassion and specialised support. Websites such as MumSpace and DadSpace provide accessible, evidence-based tools and links to communities that can help reduce feelings of isolation and support positive mental health.

Finding your tribe matters. Whether it is through local support groups, online communities or organisations such as AMBA, connecting with others who have lived the same experience can bring both comfort and strength.

Visit www.pmhweek.org.au to connect with others who understand your journey.
For additional support, visit www.mumspace.com.au and www.dadspace.com.au

25/11/2025

“I used to think being stressed meant I was failing as a dad. Now I know it just means I am human. Life with kids will always be messy, but it is how we manage the pressure that makes the difference.”
— Arran MacDougall

New dads and partners, this one is for you. The expectation to be a provider and a source of strength can feel enormous. It is easy to believe that you must have all the answers and never show a sign of struggle, but that kind of pressure can take a real toll on your mental health. It is time to challenge that belief and reach out for the support you deserve.

Your mental health matters. Feeling stressed or overwhelmed does not mean you are failing. It means you are human. Seeking help is a sign of courage and care for yourself and your family.

There are supports designed specifically for fathers and partners that recognise the unique challenges you face. At the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI), we are proud to provide evidence-based tools and programs such as DadBooster, created to help dads strengthen their wellbeing and connection with their families.

If you are a father, remember that help is available. If you know a father, take a moment to check in with him. Together, we can ensure that everyone gets the support they need, when they need it.

Fathers and partners, you are not alone. Find the specific support you need by visiting www.pmhweek.org.au

For additional resources, visit www.mumspace.com.au and www.dadspace.com.au

24/11/2025

“From my Caring Mums first visit, I felt appreciated, validated, and less alone. I looked forward to her weekly visits; they became my safe space to release emotions.”
— Maria Luisa Fernandez

Sometimes, the most meaningful support comes from someone who truly understands. A peer-to-peer connection can provide a powerful sense of belonging and relief, offering a safe space where you can share your story without judgment and know that you are not alone.

Peer support can help you feel understood in a way that nothing else can. It can ease isolation and offer practical insights drawn from lived experience. Support can take many forms, from structured programs to casual meet-ups or online communities. The key is finding what feels right for you so that you can access what you need, when you need it.

At the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI), we recognise the value of connection in the journey of parenthood. Programs such as MumSpace and DadSpace link parents to evidence-based tools and communities designed to foster that same sense of understanding and connection.

Visit www.pmhweek.org.au to connect with others in your community.
For additional support, visit www.mumspace.com.au and www.dadspace.com.au

23/11/2025

Grief and Loss During the Perinatal Period

“Alby was my first-born son and he was full of life. He loved cars, cake, and his favourite colour was ‘rainbow.’”
— Kim Dang McDonald

Today we acknowledge the many forms of grief and loss that can occur during the perinatal period. This may include the loss of a pregnancy, an infant, a birth experience, or even the loss of the future you had imagined. Your grief is real, valid, and deserves to be recognised. You do not have to carry this alone.

Grief is deeply personal. There is no right or wrong way to experience it. It can feel isolating, but you are not alone in your feelings.

We also recognise that while friends and family often want to help, words intended to comfort can sometimes minimise the pain of loss. What truly helps is compassionate, non-judgmental support that allows space for your grief to be felt and expressed.

At the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI), we know that healing takes time and that support matters. There are communities and professionals who understand this unique journey and can provide the specialised care you need, when you need it most.

Find support when you need it most at www.pmhweek.org.au

For additional help and information, visit www.mumspace.com.au and www.dadspace.com.au

23/11/2025

Your Dad Toolkit

Fatherhood is full of big moments, new responsibilities, and real challenges. Having the right tools makes all the difference.

The Dad Toolkit brings together a range of evidence-backed programs and resources developed by the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI). Each tool is designed to help you build practical skills, manage stress, support your partner, and feel more confident as you navigate the early stages of fatherhood.

Whether you want guidance, reassurance, or a clear plan of action, the Dad Toolkit has something to help you thrive.

Explore all tools and programs at https://www.dadspace.com.au/tools/

Dad Space

06/12/2025

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