I wonder if there are one or two issues here? I lost my mum just before Christmas 8 years ago, and I admit that we had quite a good relationship, but it still hits me quite hard, for your partner it is still early days, especially if there are any unresolved issues. Would she talk to anyone, if not you, like a counsellor about these problems. It sounds like she needs to talk, but doesn't know how. Is she good at talking about things usually?
With regards the problem you are having with your child and discipline, it is something I see frequently with my brother and his partner. Can't do right for doing wrong and then it is never talked about. How is your relationship, as a general rule are you happy together?
In an overall picture, although I am not a professional and could be 100% wrong, it would seem like your partner is attention seeking, like a child would, and quite often doing it the wrong way. Perhaps she wants you to confront her behaviour so that she can say what is on her mind without instigating the conversation, if that makes sense?
Hope it all works out!