Men With Babies
There’s so much to adjust to.
Many dads on paternity leave, or otherwise spending lots of time at home with a baby, find life a little disorienting. We’re tired, we’re isolated, we’re confused—and no matter how much joy and wonder we feel, deep down we’re aware that we still haven’t quite made sense of the role we’re in. We need a place to talk it all out: to get advice, to celebrate, to complain, and to connect with other dads in similar situations.
Many dads on paternity leave, or otherwise spending lots of time at home with a baby, find life a little disorienting. We’re tired, we’re isolated, we’re confused—and no matter how much joy and wonder we feel, deep down we’re aware that we still haven’t quite made sense of the role we’re in. We need a place to talk it all out: to get advice, to celebrate, to complain, and to connect with other dads in similar situations.
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The Men With Babies group is an opportunity for fathers (including all male-identified parents) to get together and discuss the ups and downs of caring for a baby between birth and one year old. We’ll share questions and suggestions, reflect on our changing perspectives on work, home, and relationships, and hang out with our adorable babies in the company of men doing the same.
Through conversation, activities, and maybe small field trips, we’ll make space to be authentic about our challenges and appreciative of our opportunities—helping each of us “own” this time of our life with just a little more clarity. |
During our six weeks together we may touch on the following themes:
- Eat, poop, sleep, repeat: the ins and outs of early parenting
- Then vs now: change is the only constant
- Structure, boredom, tenderness, tedium, routine, play...
- Navigating marriage, partnership, and household roles
- Something other than a dad: looking at our work and our life
- What is it like to connect with a baby?
- “I’m starting to figure out how to work this thing:” fatherhood the second (or more!) time around
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Meet ZekeZeke Reich is a psychotherapist who specializes in working with dads, and more important, a father of three. This group is founded on his own experiences of (still!) adjusting to the changing roles of fatherhood, as well as a long history of personal work, meditation, group facilitation, and clinical training.
Please note that this group is not intended to provide psychotherapy, health care, or social work, and isn’t reimbursable by health insurance. |
Upcoming Men With Babies Groups
Our next group will be scheduled based on the availability of interested dads. Please complete the form below and we will be in touch.
Cost: We offer a sliding scale where you can choose the registration rate that best aligns with your circumstances:
Standard Rate — $250 — Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $225 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $275 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the group at the reduced rate is a challenge or you would like to set-up a payment plan please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
Standard Rate — $250 — Covers our expenses and keeps the collective on a sustainable path
Reduced Rate* — $225 — For those who need financial support
Pay It Forward Rate — $275 — For those who can afford to pay a little more to support our scholarship program
*If you would like to participate but the cost of the group at the reduced rate is a challenge or you would like to set-up a payment plan please complete our scholarship request form or contact us.
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Location:
Groups are held in-person in Silver Spring, MD near the Sligo Avenue Neighborhood Park. If it is above 65 degrees, we'll meet outdoors on a screened-in porch. Meetings on days below 65 degrees will be in an indoor playroom with a high quality air purifier. The exact address will be sent to participants upon registration. There is ample free street parking. We are about 1 mile from both the Silver Spring and Takoma metro stations and there are also busses from each of the stations that stop a block away (the 16 bus from Silver Spring and the 14 bus from Takoma). |
Health Policy:
To attend in-person dads must be fully vaccinated. If participants have any symptoms of illness (Covid-19 or otherwise), have been in contact with anyone who has symptoms or has tested positive for Covid-19, or have tested positive yourself, please stay home.
To attend in-person dads must be fully vaccinated. If participants have any symptoms of illness (Covid-19 or otherwise), have been in contact with anyone who has symptoms or has tested positive for Covid-19, or have tested positive yourself, please stay home.
Additional Men With Babies groups will start throughout the year. If you are interested in a future group, please submit the form below and we'll be in touch to confirm your interest and include you in our next group.
We strive to host groups that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all dad-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the form below and we'll follow up with you directly.
Babies up to age 1 are welcome but we do not have the space or childcare available for older toddlers or children so they should be with another caregiver during the circle.
We strive to host groups that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all dad-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the form below and we'll follow up with you directly.
Babies up to age 1 are welcome but we do not have the space or childcare available for older toddlers or children so they should be with another caregiver during the circle.
Men With Babies - FAQ
Who can join?
We welcome ALL dads and embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc. This group is intended for dads who currently have a child or children between birth and one year old—and your baby is invited too! Please note that if you’re a father of older kids in addition to your current baby, this group is still for you: all of us are always adjusting to changing situations and roles! Please note that we’re not able to host older kids due to space limitations.
How many people will be in my group? What will they be like?
Each group will have between 4-9 dads, who are all spending significant time with their babies and navigating the delights and stresses that come along with it.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We strive to host groups that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all dad-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the registration form and we'll follow up with you directly.
Should I bring my baby? What about older kids?
Please bring baby! (Or come by yourself if that works better for you.) Unfortunately, we can’t host children older than 1 due to space constraints.
What do we talk about during the sessions?
Each session is an opportunity for us to discuss our experiences at home, get to know other dads, and enjoy being with or thinking about our babies while surrounded by like-minded guys.
Why is an organization for “Mamas” offering groups for dads?
The Mama Love Collective began as a mom-focused community, but we’re expanding! We keep hearing that dads need a place to connect and get support too—though not always the same kind of support that moms are looking for. The Men With Babies group, along with Fatherhood as Path, are new projects, dedicated to creating a space that speaks to the particular challenges and opportunities of fatherhood.
Why should I join?
Caring for a baby can be lonely stuff. We have a lot to navigate and think through, and often the only person who’s around to discuss it with is an terrible listener who still hasn’t learned to use a fork. In a group, we can find other men who understand what we’re going through, and get inspiration to deal with our babies and our roles as fathers in new ways.
Can I drop-in to one week or start mid-session?
Unfortunately, after the second week of the session we aren’t able to have drop-ins or late starts because our goal is to connect and build a shared space. But keep your eye out for future offerings this spring!
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make-up?
Due to the fixed length of the group, there are no make-ups.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the group receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the start date.
Can I give Men with Babies as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
Have another question? Please contact us.
We welcome ALL dads and embrace diversity in background, sexual orientation, age, race, religion, etc. This group is intended for dads who currently have a child or children between birth and one year old—and your baby is invited too! Please note that if you’re a father of older kids in addition to your current baby, this group is still for you: all of us are always adjusting to changing situations and roles! Please note that we’re not able to host older kids due to space limitations.
How many people will be in my group? What will they be like?
Each group will have between 4-9 dads, who are all spending significant time with their babies and navigating the delights and stresses that come along with it.
What if I need accommodations for a disability?
We strive to host groups that are inclusive, accessible spaces for all dad-identifying people, including those with disabilities, to engage in. If you have an accessibility need please mention it in the registration form and we'll follow up with you directly.
Should I bring my baby? What about older kids?
Please bring baby! (Or come by yourself if that works better for you.) Unfortunately, we can’t host children older than 1 due to space constraints.
What do we talk about during the sessions?
Each session is an opportunity for us to discuss our experiences at home, get to know other dads, and enjoy being with or thinking about our babies while surrounded by like-minded guys.
Why is an organization for “Mamas” offering groups for dads?
The Mama Love Collective began as a mom-focused community, but we’re expanding! We keep hearing that dads need a place to connect and get support too—though not always the same kind of support that moms are looking for. The Men With Babies group, along with Fatherhood as Path, are new projects, dedicated to creating a space that speaks to the particular challenges and opportunities of fatherhood.
Why should I join?
Caring for a baby can be lonely stuff. We have a lot to navigate and think through, and often the only person who’s around to discuss it with is an terrible listener who still hasn’t learned to use a fork. In a group, we can find other men who understand what we’re going through, and get inspiration to deal with our babies and our roles as fathers in new ways.
Can I drop-in to one week or start mid-session?
Unfortunately, after the second week of the session we aren’t able to have drop-ins or late starts because our goal is to connect and build a shared space. But keep your eye out for future offerings this spring!
What if I am going to miss a week? Is there a way to make-up?
Due to the fixed length of the group, there are no make-ups.
What if I changed my mind? Can I get a refund?
Refunds (minus a processing fee) are available up to two weeks ahead of the start date. Cancellations made between two weeks and one week before the start of the group receive a 50% refund. No refunds are available after one week prior to the start date.
Can I give Men with Babies as a gift?
Absolutely! It's a wonderful alternative to more "stuff." Simply contact us and we'll provide you with a personalized gift certificate.
Have another question? Please contact us.