Father’s Day can feel different for every mom—especially when you’re newly postpartum, sleep-deprived, and figuring out what your life even looks like now. Whether you’re celebrating a partner who just became a dad, missing your own, or carrying a story that doesn’t quite fit the Hallmark version of the day, we want you to know: you’re not alone.
At New Mom School, we hold space for all the emotions this day can bring—joy, grief, pride, resentment, overwhelm, gratitude, or even just exhaustion. Your feelings are valid here.
If You’re Celebrating a New Partner
Watching the person you love become a parent can be magical. But let’s be honest—Father’s Day might also highlight how uneven the early parenting load can feel. You may be nursing around the clock, buried in hormones, and wondering why this guy got to sleep in while you were cleaning a blowout at 5am.
It’s okay to feel grateful and frustrated. You’re allowed to love your partner deeply while also wishing for more balance, more recognition, or just more sleep.
If You’re Missing Your Own Dad
Grief doesn’t pause for milestones. If your dad has passed or isn’t present in your life, this day can bring up an ache that’s hard to name—especially now that you’re a parent yourself.
You might wonder what kind of grandparent he would’ve been. Or feel the loss more sharply when you see others celebrating.
Whatever comes up for you, take gentle care. Step away from social media if you need to. Light a candle. Talk to someone. Let the feelings move through you.
If It’s Just… Complicated
Maybe you have a complicated history with your father. Maybe your relationship with your child’s father is strained, absent, or brand-new. Maybe you’re parenting solo, or navigating this day after loss, IVF, or donor conception.
You don’t have to pretend it’s a happy day if it doesn’t feel that way. You also don’t have to explain your story to anyone.
There’s no “right” way to feel today. There’s just your truth—and that’s enough.
If You’re Carrying It All
Sometimes, Mother’s Day gets a sweet card and brunch, and then Father’s Day rolls around and you’re still the one who plans it. We see you. The mental load is real.
If this day feels like one more thing on your list, it’s okay to keep it simple. Do what feels manageable—and skip what doesn’t.
Gentle Ways to Support Yourself Today
- Unplug from social if it feels triggering.
- Write a letter—to your dad, your partner, your baby, or yourself.
- Let yourself feel the gratitude, the sadness, or the in-between.
- Ask for what you need. A nap? A hug? Space? Say it out loud.
- Join a community that supports you—wherever you are emotionally.
You’re Not Alone in This
New motherhood is already full of transitions. Layer in a holiday like Father’s Day, and it can bring up all kinds of feelings. The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all experience here.
Whatever this day holds for you, we’re holding space for it—with compassion, without judgment.
You’re doing a beautiful job. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
Looking for support as you navigate motherhood?
Join us at New Mom School—because you weren’t meant to do this alone. 💛
Explore Our Classes at a Location Nearest You ›