This dad’s stroller walks helped normalize postpartum support for fathers
@humankind via TikTok
“To not just be a better father—be a better husband, somebody better in the community.”
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After his daughter was born, Kalvin Bridgewater didn’t recognize himself. He was overwhelmed, gaining weight, and quietly unraveling under the mental weight of new fatherhood.
“I didn’t even notice how much I was changing,” he wrote. “My health was declining and my weight went from 200 to 265 from stress eating—food became my only comfort from what I now know was postpartum depression.”
His wife was also struggling, and she got help. But Kalvin’s pain went largely unnoticed—because paternal postpartum depression is still so often left out of the conversation.
And he’s not alone.
While maternal mental health has (rightfully) received growing awareness, support for dads remains rare. But the research is clear: Up to 1 in 10 fathers experience postpartum depression, often presenting as irritability, withdrawal, and hopelessness, according to a systematic review published in the American Journal of Men’s Health. And when it goes unaddressed, the ripple effects can impact entire families.
Kalvin’s turning point was deceptively simple: he took his baby for a walk.
That one act of movement became a lifeline. Other dads began joining in. Those quiet strolls turned into something powerful—what’s now called the Daddy Stroller Social Club (DSSC), a growing support network that has brought together hundreds of fathers across the country.
“We just started bonding, socializing and creating a community for dads,” Kalvin shared in a now-viral TikTok. “To not just be a better father—be a better husband, somebody better in the community.”
@humankind A stroll in the park with their kids has turned into a huge support group for dozens of dads. #humankind @T-Mobile #daddystrollersocialclub #goodnews #kindcore #dadsoftiktok ♬ original sound – Humankind
Related: Should dads be screened for postpartum depression too?
A new way forward for fatherhood
DSSC isn’t just a walking group. It’s a reimagining of what fatherhood can look like—with space for vulnerability, peer support, and healing.
The group’s growth was inspired, in part, by Eve Akins, a Dallas-based doula who organizes weekend meetups for young moms. Watching the strength and impact of maternal circles, Kalvin realized dads needed the same kind of space: a soft place to land, reflect, and show up for one another.
DSSC’s mission is to normalize paternal mental health care through community-building, storytelling, and advocacy. With chapters now in cities like Atlanta, L.A., and Philly, these weekend “strides” are showing what’s possible when fathers stop pretending to have it all together.
Breaking the silence
The emotional labor of fatherhood doesn’t always look like sleep deprivation or diaper duty. Sometimes, it looks like silent guilt. Loneliness. A sense of falling short in a role they’re expected to just “figure out.”
In one of DSSC’s Instagram reels, the group boldly rejects outdated norms like “boys don’t cry” and “rest equals laziness.” The comments are full of support—many from mental health professionals cheering on the shift. One therapist wrote, “This is great that you all are dismantling the myths. Men go through their own postpartum journey!”
And that’s the point: this isn’t about making dads the center. It’s about making space—for all parents.
Because healing happens when people feel seen. And sometimes, that starts with something as simple as a walk.
If you’re a new dad—or love one—check out Daddy Stroller Social Club for local meetups, resources, and support. Because nobody should have to carry the weight of parenthood alone.
Related: What is paternal depression? We need to talk about men’s mental health, too
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