One Dad’s Journey Through Fatherhood and Finding Support
I just wanted to bond with my baby
Becoming a parent is often described as one of life’s most joyful milestones—but it can also be one of the most challenging. And while there’s lots of support and information for mums, dads are often left to figure things out on their own. At DorPIP, we believe it’s time to change that.
That’s why we proudly supported International Fathers' Mental Health Day, which took place on Monday 16th June 2025. This important day shines a light on the mental health challenges many dads face and encourages open conversations, early support, and services that include all parents. We’re committed to making sure dads know they’re not alone—on that day and every day.
One dad who came to us recently shared something that really stuck with us:
“All I wanted was to bond with my baby and feel okay again.”
When his baby arrived, things didn’t go as expected. The baby was unsettled, and because they had chosen not to find out the gender before birth, he found it hard to connect at first. Those early days felt overwhelming. His mental health took a hit, and before long, he felt so low and out of place in his new role that he left the family home.
That moment was rock bottom—but it wasn’t the end of the story.
Thankfully, Dad reached out to his GP and was diagnosed with postnatal depression. He started medication, and his partner—who was also struggling—signed up for DorPIP’s Infant Massage Course. We always say: dads are welcome to access any of our services, and this dad chose to give it a try.
What happened next was powerful.
In those group sessions, he met other dads going through similar experiences. Together, they talked honestly about the ups and downs of fatherhood—how different it felt from what they’d imagined, and how hard it was to find support for their mental health. For the first time, he didn’t feel alone.
He reflected on his own childhood, and how those early experiences were shaping his approach to being a parent. The group learned about self-regulation (how we manage our own emotions) and why it’s so important in our relationships. They did a simple exercise where they each chose six key ingredients for a healthy relationship, then talked about them with their partners. It sparked “lightbulb moments” for many—including him.
They also explored co-regulation—how to be a calming, safe presence for their babies when emotions run high. As the weeks went by, the dads grew more confident, more connected, and more hopeful.
By the final session, Dad said he felt like a different person. His parenting confidence had grown, and he had a new understanding of child development and connection. He’d found a space to learn, talk, and just be with others who got it. The group even swapped contact details so they could keep supporting each other after the course ended.
The changes weren’t just emotional—they were measurable too.
At the start, his assessments showed real cause for concern. By the end, his mental health and relationships were in a much better place. He’d gone from “amber” to “green”—and more importantly, he felt ready to show up as the dad he wanted to be.
The First 1000 Days Matter
The early years—especially the first 1000 days of a baby’s life—are a time of huge growth and development. This period is when babies form secure attachments and learn to trust the world around them. It’s also when parents are adjusting to big changes in identity, roles, and relationships.
Bonding doesn’t always happen instantly, and that’s okay. For some parents, it takes time and conscious effort. Bonding might look like skin-to-skin contact, singing, rocking, playing, or simply taking a moment to delight in your baby.
Sometimes, though, that connection can feel harder to build—especially if you're feeling low, overwhelmed, or unsure of your place in the new family dynamic. That’s where early support can make all the difference.
Dads, You Don’t Have to Do This Alone..
Many dads tell us they feel like there’s no support out there for them—that the focus is always on mums, and they’re left to just "get on with it." This can leave dads feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn when things get tough.
But the truth is, you don’t have to do this alone.
At DorPIP, we understand that dads matter too. Whether you're finding it hard to bond with your baby, struggling with your mental health, or just want to connect with other dads who get it—we're here. From infant massage courses to our Little Pips peer support group, all of our services are open and welcoming to fathers.
No matter where you’re at on your parenting journey, you deserve support. And we’re here to help you find it.