The Invisible Start
There’s a moment in every dad’s journey that almost no one talks about.
It’s not the birth. It’s not the first nappy change or the first time you rock a screaming baby to sleep at 2 a.m.
It’s the moment before all of that.
It’s the Invisible Start.
What is the Invisible Start?
The Invisible Start is the beginning of your journey into fatherhood — the one that starts quietly, often alone, and without much recognition.
It’s the moment you hear, “I’m pregnant,” and something shifts inside you. You’re still going to work, making plans, attending appointments, but inside… you’re becoming someone new.
And yet, the world rarely notices.
Maternity wards are built for mums. Baby books speak to mums. Health checks ask how mum is coping. The dad? He's often seen as support staff — helpful, optional, extra.
But we know better.
At RAD Dads, we believe fatherhood doesn’t begin at birth. It begins with that invisible start. And if we want stronger families, healthier kids, and more confident dads, we need to name this phase, support it, and build services that recognize it.
Why Is the Invisible Start So Important?
🔹 It’s a Time of Identity Change
Becoming a father means changing your inner story. You go from son to father. From man to dad. From partner to co-parent. This is deep psychological work — and it starts well before the baby arrives.
🔹 It’s a Time of Brain and Hormone Shifts
Yep — even dads experience hormonal changes during pregnancy. Testosterone drops. Oxytocin rises. Your body and brain are preparing you to nurture, protect, and bond. But no one’s telling you that.
🔹 It’s a Window for Support and Preparation
The Invisible Start is the ideal time to learn, connect, and prepare. The more support dads get during this window, the more confident, connected, and emotionally healthy they’re likely to be after baby arrives.
What Happens When We Ignore the Invisible Start?
When we don’t support dads early:
Mental health struggles increase
Relationships suffer
Bonding is delayed
Dads feel lost, isolated, and unprepared
That’s not just a dad problem. That’s a whole family problem.
RAD Dads Was Built to Change This
We created RAD Dads because we saw the gap.
We saw good men who wanted to be great dads but didn’t know where to begin.
Our programs — like Bubs & Pubs, RAD Fams, and Activation Playgroups — all start from this principle:
The earlier you engage dads, the stronger they show up.
The Invisible Start – Explained in One Simple Infographic
🧠 Infographic: “The Invisible Start of Fatherhood”
Title: The Invisible Start – When Fatherhood Actually Begins
Sections (in vertical timeline format):
👂 Hearing the News
“I’m pregnant.” The shift begins. Brain and hormones change.💭 Internal Transition
You start imagining life with a baby. Worries, dreams, and questions emerge.📚 Seeking Information
Googling baby gear. Reading. Wondering what kind of dad you’ll be.👥 Feeling Excluded
Appointments, books, classes all speak to “mum.” You feel invisible.💬 Craving Connection
You want to talk — about fears, hopes, expectations — but where?🚧 Without Support
This stage often gets missed. But it’s where stress and disconnection can grow.🌱 With Support (RAD Dads Way)
Programs, connection, info, and community build confidence and connection — before baby even arrives.
Let’s Make the Invisible, Visible
The Invisible Start is real. It’s powerful. And it matters.
If you’re an expectant dad, or know someone who is — reach out. Join a RAD Dads group. Come to a Bubs & Pubs workshop. You don’t have to wait until baby arrives to begin your journey.
Your start matters. You matter.
Let’s start together.