Indiana Family Coaching Service

Did you know that June is National Men’s Health Awareness Month?

Did you also know that 10% of new dads experience paternal postpartum depression (50% when mom is depressed)?

And 18% of dads develop clinically significant anxiety during their partner’s pregnancy or within the first year postpartum?!

Well, since we all know that mental health IS health, I thought June would be the perfect month to introduce you all to my friend, Josh!

Josh is a husband, dad, AND owner of Indiana Family Coaching Service, and his mission is to support all the new dads out there that are finding their way in parenthood, just like us mamas.

Can I just mention how NEEDED his services are?! No one else in the Indy area (that I’m aware of) is serving dads on this level, at this crucial time in life.

So without further ado, meet Josh!






1. What was your experience as a new dad?
Well…To actually answer this question I have to go back at least a year before our little was even conceived. My wife and I were in really (really) bad shape. Divorce was on the table. Things weren’t looking good. 

I come with a long history of depression and anxiety, and in the months leading up to the big night, my mental health and stress were at a pretty unhealthy level.

Now, take all of that pre-existing depression, add on the stress and trauma that our marriage was experiencing and you get someone who is not at all ready to be a dad. 

I then had 9 months to get my head around the idea of being a dad. Nine months. It sounds like you have so long to prepare, but it flies by. It never really seemed real until when my wife went into labor, had an unplanned C-section, and then a few days later when we were sent home with our new babe. We went to the hospital as a couple and left as a family. That short drive back to our 1 bedroom apartment in Castleton was so stressful (have people always driven this crazy?).

As I am sure many can relate to, we had our share of sleepless nights and worry. I kept thinking, am I doing this right? Am I going to be a good father? Is our marriage strong enough to withstand the stress of having a newborn.

She was a pretty good baby to be sure, but sometimes she would cry. And cry. And cry. And I had fed her and changed her and rocked her. There wasn’t much else that I knew how to do. Before she was mobile, there were times I would lay her down and walk out of the room to calm myself and recollect.

Now our wee one is six and I still feel like I don’t know what I’m doing. That’s parenthood for ya.


2. Can you tell us what your “why” for Indiana Family Coaching Service is?
I want to be able to offer the support and encouragement and empathy to new dads that I wish I had. I really felt like I had no one to turn to or confide in when I was struggling emotionally. I didn’t want to put that on my wife and I didn’t have a great support system to turn to. I want to support dads who are feeling scared and anxious and alone. Why? Because it is so important.


3. What is the mission of Indiana Family Coaching Service?
The mission of Indiana Family Coaching Service is to provide support, encouragement, and validation to new and expecting dads.


4. How has your education and experience set you up to support dads?
It seems like a lifetime ago at this point, but in 2010 I graduated from Ball State with a degree in Social Work. That is where I learned the foundational skills of supporting folks at an interpersonal level. 

Since 2020 I have had the great honor of serving as a Specialized Coordinator for Dads through Postpartum Support International. Through PSI, I am able to talk to dads from all over the country (and occasionally Canada) who are experiencing depression and anxiety. I am able to provide support, encouragement and resources to these guys who are feeling alone. Being able to serve these new dads has really helped me in my own recovery because I have talked to dads from different income levels, different educational backgrounds, different religions and different ages. One thing unites all of these men (myself included) and that's being a parent and experiencing the big feelings that come with parenthood.


5. Do you have a "perfect fit" when it comes to potential clients?
I happily support all dads, regardless of religion, ethnicity, sexuality, gender identity or marital status. No matter what our differences may be, we share the unique bond of parenthood. I truly believe that every dad deserves care, respect and validation, and I intend to serve any dad that comes to me seeking support.


6. When should dads reach out to you for coaching?
I support new dads and dads-to-be. I find that the sooner guys reach out for support the better.  


7. Do you offer virtual coaching?
I offer both in-person and virtual coaching. Whatever is most convenient for you and yours. 


8. What can you expect when working with you?
My hope is that you will walk away feeling heard and validated. I offer a safe place where you are allowed to cry, cuss, and complain (and celebrate the wins and joys of being a parent, too)


9. Does your offering vary depending on the person you're coaching?
My services can absolutely be customized. Coaching is not a one-size-fits-all experience. If you would like to try to have a coaching session at a different place or time of day, let's talk about it and see what we can arrange.  


10. What is the one piece of advice you want all new dads to know?
I want all new dads to know that they do not have to struggle alone.



As a doula that strives to support the entire family unit, I am beyond proud and excited to have a trusted professional like Josh to add to my referral network.

Thank you, Josh, for bringing Indiana Family Coaching Service to the dads in our community!

National Men's Health Awareness Month

Q + A
with Josh Maze
Indiana Family Coaching Service