Becoming a Dad

Becoming a dad is a major life change! Five new dads share their experiences.

For the family unit to thrive and for baby to have the best start, the mental health and wellbeing of parents and carers is important. Sometimes dads can feel overlooked at this time. They may find it harder to discuss how the change is affecting them or to access available support.​

This film explores the journey into new fatherhood, told through the voices of five real-life dads. The dads share their expectations, experiences, emotional ups and downs, and offer advice to others. The film follows their journeys; from pregnancy and childbirth, through to the challenges of sleep deprivation and the joys of building secure connections.

The film aims to promote conversation; encouraging dads to open up about their experiences and to seek help if they need it.

The Family Hub in Blackburn and Darwen provides access to a range of services and resources that strengthen family life, enhance parenting skills, and support with social, emotional, physical and financial needs. As part of the wider Family Hub Network, they focus on offering advice, guidance, and practical help to improve the wellbeing of families in the community.

Lara McNally is Specialist Perinatal Project Lead for Blackburn with Darwen Family Hubs. She has a BSc in Psychology with Psychotherapy and Counselling, an MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapy and BABCP accreditation. Lara commissioned and collaborated with ForMed Films, to create a ‘Becoming a Dad', as part of her work in developing a service to support new parents with their mental health and relationship with their babies.

ForMed Films is a not-for-profit CIC, making films for social good. We specialise in making animated films and illustrations about medical and health issues sharing patient voice. Our animations communicate complex medical information and sensitive emotional subjects, without needing to use complicated words.

00.00 Pregnancy
01.06 Birth
02.07 Early parenthood
02.57 The Family Hub
03.27 Being a dad
04.38 Credits