Breaking the stigma on men's mental health and fatherhood

Will, Congratulations on becoming a dad. You’ve been open about the highs and lows of becoming a new parent. What has the response been like?

Will Rye: Thank you! Becoming a dad has been the most incredible and rewarding experience of my life. I wanted to share the reality of it – both the highs and the struggles – because I know I’m not alone in feeling overwhelmed at times. The response has been amazing; so many dads have reached out saying, “I thought I was the only one feeling like this.” That’s why I keep the conversation open and honest. There’s this expectation that dads should just ‘get on with it,’ but the truth is, we’re figuring things out as we go, just like mums. The more we talk about it, the easier it becomes for dads to step up with confidence and embrace their role fully.

Gordon, MANtenatal provides a space for dads to have these conversations. Why is that so important?

Gordon Dowall-Potter: Because dads need dad chat. There are things men go through that they might not feel comfortable discussing in a traditional antenatal class, especially in a room full of expectant mums. We saw that early on in MANtenatal – the moment dads had a safe, non-judgmental space, they opened up. Our goal is to make sure they feel prepared and excited about fatherhood, not just focused on the challenges, but also on the joy and fulfilment it brings.

What’s been the funniest moment you’ve had as a new dad?

Will Rye: Oh, there are too many! But one that stands out was when Nate was only a few weeks old, I was doing a nappy change and everything happened at once. I was feeling pretty confident until I opened the nappy, and mid-change, Ronnie (our French Bulldog) ran off with my wife’s nipple shields, the nappy needed changing, and his umbilical cord clip fell off all at once! I panicked and said to my wife “Jen it’s all happening at once HELP.” It was a total disaster but also a moment that had me laughing uncontrollably after. You have to see the humour in these things!

Gordon, what are some of the most rewarding moments of fatherhood?

Gordon Dowall-Potter: There are so many, but for me, it’s the little things. The first time your baby grabs your finger, the way they light up when they see you after a long day, or those early morning cuddles when the rest of the world is still asleep. Those are the magic moments you don’t want to miss. Being a dad is about showing up, being present, and making those little moments count.

What exactly is MANtenatal, and why is it so relevant in today’s world?

Gordon Dowall-Potter: MANtenatal is the leading digital antenatal platform designed specifically for new dads. Traditional antenatal classes are often focused on the birthing experience from a mother’s perspective, and so it should. But dads play a crucial role too. Our sessions give men the space to ask the questions they might feel too awkward to ask elsewhere, discuss topics that matter to them, and prepare for the realities of fatherhood – physically, mentally, and emotionally. We also focus on the key moments dads can be part of from day one, so they don’t miss out on bonding with their baby in those early weeks.

In the 21st century, fatherhood is evolving. We’re seeing more hands-on, emotionally engaged dads than ever before, but the support structures haven’t necessarily caught up. That’s why MANtenatal is so important – it helps dads navigate modern parenthood in a way that makes sense for them. Plus, we have a free app in the app stores that gives direct access to our Discord server, so dads can connect, chat, and share experiences whenever they need.

Do you think men are underreporting their mental health struggles?

Gordon Dowall-Potter: Absolutely. The official NHS stat says that one in ten new dads will experience some form of mental health challenge, but I believe the real number is much higher. That said, we don’t want to focus solely on the struggles. At MANtenatal, we help dads build confidence so they can step into fatherhood feeling ready, not anxious. When men have the right knowledge, support, and community, they’re far more likely to enjoy the journey, rather than just worry about it.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to new dads to help them enjoy fatherhood more? 

Will Rye: Get stuck in from day one. Don’t be afraid to do the nappies, the night feeds, the cuddles – those are the moments that help you bond with your baby. The more involved you are, the more rewarding it becomes. And don’t stress too much about getting everything right – your baby doesn’t care if you don’t swaddle them perfectly, they just want you there.

Social media often portrays an unrealistic version of parenthood. How does that impact new dads? 

Will Rye: Social media makes it easy to believe that everyone else has this perfect, effortless parenting experience. But the truth is, every dad has tough days, just like they have amazing ones. Some moments are pure magic – when your baby smiles at you for the first time or falls asleep on your chest. Others are exhausting, like trying to settle a crying baby at 3am. The key is to be open and honest about both sides of parenting. It’s okay to say, "This is hard," and it’s just as important to celebrate the little wins along the way. We need to encourage dads to enjoy the journey, imperfections and all, rather than chasing an unrealistic ideal. Instagram is full of filtered, ‘perfect’ parenting moments. But that’s not reality.

If a dad is struggling but doesn’t know where to turn, what advice would you give? 

Gordon Dowall-Potter: Don’t keep it to yourself. Speak to your mates, join support groups, or reach out online. MANtenatal has a Discord server where dads can chat anonymously and a free app that makes accessing support easy. There are resources out there – you’re not alone.

Will Rye: Exactly. We need to get rid of this myth that men don’t struggle. They do. But they also have an incredible role to play. When dads feel supported and informed, they can step up with confidence and truly enjoy the journey of fatherhood.

Check out MANtenatal.com for resources for new dads at @mantenatal, and follow Will Rye for more open conversations on fatherhood at @waterbabieswill.

Photography: Ellie Thomas & Abigail Scarfe