Holding Space for Fathers: A Conversation with Adam Angel of Dads With Wisdom

At The Breastfeeding Center, we know that families thrive when both parents are seen, supported, and included in the perinatal journey. While many services and conversations naturally center around the birthing parent, we also believe deeply in the importance of supporting fathers during this transformative time. That’s why we’re honored to highlight the work of Adam Angel, founder of Dads With Wisdom, a powerful peer-driven network designed specifically for fathers navigating pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

Adam, a father of two, launched Dads With Wisdom after his own early parenting experiences during the height of COVID. "I guessed many other fathers might be interested in group support that I would have liked for myself," he says. From that instinct grew a series of fatherhood groups that now include everything from peer connection to therapeutic exploration, giving men space to show up fully—without needing to have all the answers.

“I have become more confident as a parent and feel more able to 'take charge' in those moments of dysregulation with my children,” shares Alex, a participant in Adam’s Dads 2.0 group. “I also feel much more equipped to notice when I am becoming dysregulated myself.”

Through DWW, fathers gather to talk about the real and often under-discussed challenges of fatherhood—everything from returning to work after parental leave, to relationship shifts with their partners, to the complex emotions of joy, loss, anxiety, and identity.

Rethinking Paternity Leave—and Permission to Show Up

One of the issues Adam speaks openly about is the tension many fathers feel around taking paternity leave. While some are offered little to no paid leave, others face more invisible barriers. “Even when companies offer generous paternity policies, the culture of the workplace and region often sends the opposite message,” Adam explains. “Fathers may fear judgment, feel pressure to prove themselves, or believe they shouldn't ‘need’ the time.”

Even when external systems are supportive, internalized beliefs can be hard to shake. "We create standards for ourselves that say we are wrong for wanting time with our children. But we can challenge the status quo. We can lead by example," Adam says. Within DWW groups, dads unpack these pressures together, often realizing they’re not alone in their uncertainty or their desire for deeper connection at home.

Supporting the Whole Coparenting Picture

Fathers’ experiences in the perinatal period are deeply shaped by the strength and health of their coparenting relationship. Adam describes the parenting partnership as “the ultimate group project,” and notes how crucial it is for both partners to have access to independent self-reflection and support.

He encourages couples to create a shared parenting “umbrella”—a framework they return to even as they evolve as parents. “New challenges arise all the time,” he says. “A baby not sleeping, input from relatives, or just the day-to-day of toddler life. Revisiting how you parent together, and recognizing each other’s strengths and wounds, matters.”

He also encourages partners to ask dads directly what they need—something often overlooked. “Dads don’t need to be the center of attention, but they do need to be asked: What kind of support would help you? What kind of information would you like? How can we help you feel confident?”

Perinatal Mental Health Includes Fathers, Too

One of the most important shifts Adam has witnessed in recent years is the growing recognition that perinatal mental health is a family issue—and that fathers’ wellbeing deserves attention in its own right.

"Historically, we only looked at fathers’ mental health in relation to how it affected their partner or baby," Adam explains. "Now, there's growing understanding that fathers have their own emotional needs, and meeting those needs benefits everyone."

Still, the signs of distress may look different. Fathers often express struggles as "stress," or cope by withdrawing, overworking, or numbing. These behaviors, Adam notes, often mask depression or anxiety. Creating environments—like his groups—where fathers feel safe to explore what’s really going on helps families move toward healing and wholeness.

Looking Ahead

To meet fathers even earlier in their parenting journeys, Adam recently launched a new group for men who are thinking about becoming parents, navigating fertility treatments, or preparing for birth. “This is one of the biggest identity shifts a person can experience. It deserves preparation—not just logistical, but psychological and relational, too.”

At The Breastfeeding Center, we’re excited by the energy and momentum that Adam and Dads With Wisdom bring to the perinatal space. We believe that when we recognize, support, and include all parents, families grow stronger—and that benefits everyone.

Adam Angel, LCSW-C,

Adam is a clinical social worker with over 15 years of experience working with youth, adults, and families. Adam is a licensed social worker, and his specializations include postpartum mood and anxiety disorders and developmental trauma. Adam completed his undergraduate at the University of MD and obtained his MSW at Howard University before working in the nonprofit world, where he facilitated a number of groups, including groups for men. Adam lives in Silver Spring with his wife, two kids, and their dog.

Learn more about Dads With Wisdom
Follow along at dadswithwisdom.org or on Instagram @dadswithwisdom.