Hi, this is Dan from Dad Psych.

Freaked out about becoming a dad?

Every Wednesday, we’ll untangle the science and psychology behind your new world in 5 minutes or less.

Straightforward, research-backed and free from cringe parental tips.

So, who’s right?

Psychologists suggest that becoming a dad is a journey, not a single moment, and it actually begins during pregnancy.

In a 2024 study, interviews with new dads showed that, even early in the pregnancy, they were already reflecting on their own childhoods and relationships with father figures.

For some, their fathers were role models they aimed to follow.

For others, their fathers provided examples of what they didn’t want to be like. This reflection helped them begin shaping their own approach to fatherhood early on.

Throughout the pregnancy, key moments like ultrasounds, feeling the baby kick, or noticing their partner’s physical changes helped bring fatherhood closer to reality. These milestones made the idea of becoming a dad feel more tangible, even though the baby wasn’t here yet.

But it wasn’t until birth that things truly clicked. Seeing their child for the first time, hearing those cries, and holding them for the first time cemented the sense of fatherhood they’d been building throughout the pregnancy.

Fatherhood, as the research suggests, isn’t about one specific moment. It’s a journey—one that begins with reflection, grows through shared experiences, and becomes real over time.

If you’re waiting for your first child, perhaps try not to and work it all out at once. Just go with the natural flow and understand that any thoughts and feelings you’re having right now are all part of the process.

Trust the process.

We all know that mums shouldn’t drink during pregnancy. But what if I told you that dads’ drinking habits before conception might matter, too?

Research is starting to show that a father’s alcohol intake can potentially affect a baby’s health in surprising ways.

One study found that babies were three times more likely to have a heart defect if dad drank regularly in the months before conception.

Other research suggests a link between paternal drinking and developmental issues like learning delays, behavioural problems, and even some subtle changes in appearance, such as facial features commonly associated with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

But if you’ve already had a few drinks and are now expecting, take a deep breath—there’s no need to panic. The overall risk is still relatively low, and the research is ongoing.

Remember that a lot of factors go into a baby’s development, and even if you’ve had a few drinks before conception, you’re not locked into a negative outcome. The most important thing is to take action now by prioritizing health and wellness for both you and your partner.

Read the full, fascinating report here

Don’t even try to deny the 'dad joke gene'. Sooner or later, it’s going to come out. It’s just inevitable.

Protect this man at all costs.

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That’s about it for now, have a great week.

- Dan from Dad Psych

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