SingaporeMotherhood | Baby & Toddler
October 2026
Support for New Dads – Because They Need Help Too!
There’s no instruction manual for becoming a dad. So it’s little wonder that many new fathers feel overwhelmed, helpless, and stressed in those first few weeks. In fact, local research shows Singaporean dads often get too little hands-on guidance to begin with. Here at SingaporeMotherhood, we believe this is something that needs to change. Read on to learn more about support for new dads and where to find it.
Antenatal and Postnatal Classes for New Dads
Changing societal norms see new dads wanting to be more involved in caring for their newborns, and that’s wonderful. The trouble is, they simply don’t know how! Thankfully, husbands are welcome at antenatal classes at all the maternity hospitals in Singapore these days. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not just accompanying your wife. You’re also there to learn and get hands-on, just as much as she is!
We all know about the benefits of skin-to-skin contact for mothers and their newborns. It regulates the infant’s heartrate, enhances immunity, and encourages breastfeeding, to name a few. But did you know that dads can — and should — practise skin-to-skin too? You’ll learn this and plenty more at Mother & Child’s Dad Skills workshop, a hands-on class built just for dads-to-be.
Over 2.5 hours, experienced nurses and postpartum practitioners walk you through holding and soothing your newborn, diapering and burping, and supporting your partner through breastfeeding and recovery. In other words, everything you need to feel ready on day one. And for a gentle primer before the big day, Families for Life has a handy guide to what new dads should expect.
(See also: Highly Recommended Parentcraft & Lactation Consultants in Singapore)
Men Can Suffer Postpartum Depression Too
Yes, the baby blues are not limited to mums. In fact, a recent NUS-led study of fathers in Singapore found that as many as one in seven showed signs of paternal postpartum depression (PPPD) just a month after birth! It shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, new dads face much of the same exhaustion a new mum does — sleepless nights, and the relentless demands of caring for a newborn. And you might not realise it, but hormonal shifts can play a part too.
Worse still, new dads are more likely to suffer in silence. So they may express their distress through anger, aggression, irritability, or anxiety. Some withdraw, or turn to addictive behaviour, such as drinking, smoking, gambling, or video games. If left untreated, depression can affect your ability to work and in serious cases, lead to suicidal thoughts.
If you’re struggling to cope and suspect you might have PPPD, please reach out. There’s no shame in it and your baby deserves a daddy at his loving best. Open up to your partner, confide in a buddy, join a support group, consult your GP, who can refer you to a therapist… or all of the above. And for support at any hour, the national mindline is just a call, webchat, or WhatsApp text away.
(See also: Postpartum Depression in Singapore: Beyond the Baby Blues)
Extra Support for New Dads
Centre for Fathering is a non-profit organisation that promotes active and involved fathering. Its ICAN Fathering Workshop helps dads build four habits of good fathering, while The Transition to Parenthood readies first-time couples for life after baby. It also runs dedicated support groups for fathers from the Malay-Muslim and Indian communities.
Feeling the weight of it all? You’re not alone, so you don’t have to tough it out solo. Consider joining one of The Dad Club’s free evening hangouts. Run with Alliance Counselling, it’s a safe space for dads to get real about identity, overwhelm, and the messier side of fatherhood. Prefer privacy? Alliance Counselling’s Dad Check-In pairs you with a practitioner who gets it.
Prefer the company of other dads? Facebook group SG Daddy is a local community of fathers from all walks of life. They arrange get-togethers with the aim of improving the state of fatherhood in Singapore. Join the group to find like-minded dads for support.
Newer on the scene, Dad Life Club was started by first-time dad Ingo Wey. Dads meet on selected Sundays for stroller walks, playdates, and meet-ups. It’s a low-pressure way to connect with others at the same stage in life. Follow them on Instagram, or check the events calendar, to join the next outing.
And SingaporeMotherhood has a 1,153-strong and growing community on one of our Telegram groups that’s dedicated to new dads. Email [email protected] to join.
(See also: Parent Support Groups in Singapore: Where to Find Help for Every Stage of Parenthood)
If you know of any other dedicated-to-daddy support channels, please share it with us!
All images: Depositphotos
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