paid paternity/parental leave for the partner is very much dependent on the employer and the agreement they have with their employees. for instance, my partner was entitled to time off (2 weeks) but it was unpaid. my colleagues at work were entitled to 2 weeks paid leave. varies from employer to employer.

i would assume if you, as the tummy mummy, opt to not take the full 18 weeks of leave, your partner would be entitled to take the balance AFTER you stop receiving it and only if, at that time, she is the primary carer of the child. it wouldn't be paid at the same time. anythin for the first weeks would come down to the employment of your partner (as it does for everyone, regardless of gender)