Daddy duty
It’s usually mums who take the most time off when a newborn arrives – but dads should take parental leave, too, explains Tiffany Brown.
100 Pregnancy BUMP & baby
Soon after becoming a father, a man’s testosterone level decreases by around 30%, calming him and making him biologically more likely to stick around and offer support. Skin-to-skin contact is not only important for mother and baby after birth. It can influence baby’s relationship with dad too. Laying your baby on their father’s naked chest can be a lovely way to calm them down when unsettled and unable to be consoled otherwise. The hormone oxytocin goes to work,
PHOTOGRAPHY: KARYN FLETT
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Many dads feel a little passed over in ou often hear about the the early days, when breastfeeding means role physical closeness plays in establishing mum tends to maintain a monopoly on the baby’s time. But there are lots of ways dads effective attachment between mother and can help share the load, helping mum get a bit more rest and continuing to develop baby in the early weeks of life, particularly through breastfeeding. that important bond at the same time. Changing nappies and dressing baby What is lesser known is that fathers can also form strong bonds with their infants, gives dads a great opportunity for plenty encouraging secure attachment to both of cuddles and lots of eye contact. These parents. The first days and weeks directly activities are good for developing trust in your baby. Playing with baby and using after birth provide the first opportunity a variety of facial expressions helps them for a new family to establish itself and learn, while holding or rocking baby to get to know each other. The bonding that ensues, and the support that is shared sleep are ideal ways to get involved. between new parents, is a vital first step It makes sense for fathers to take their in your parenting journey. turn or even take the lead in transporting their infant in a baby carrier. Men generally No matter how much leave from work have broader shoulders and a stronger your baby’s father can manage to take build to wear their babies in slings or after you give birth (the more the better!), remember, the process of packs, and keeping baby paternal bonding begins as close to them this way further tip nurtures the father-child bond. soon as you discover that you’re Find a fun "job" A recent study showed expecting. If possible, have him go with you to maternity that your baby's specialised baby massage for infants benefited both baby appointments and share all dad can be the details of the pregnancy and dad. Babies enjoyed the responsible for, calming effects of soothing together. Talking about birth such as bathing massage, while massaging options and parenting styles, attending an antenatal class the baby or taking the baby proved a good stress together, and talking about the him for a walk reliever for the men. Now that movements you start to feel as could be just what you all need in the pram pregnancy progresses can really during those early days of every evening sleeplessness and tears! help establish the paternal bond after work. Paternal bonding is more while your baby is in utero. than just a concept. Research Singing, talking, and touching shows fathers experience various hormonal mum’s belly are all ways babies begin to know and respond to their fathers. And by changes during the process of pregnancy and birth, similar to women. Towards the time your baby arrives, dad will already the end of their partner’s pregnancy, for feel a connection with his little bundle. example, men experience a rise in cortisol. When fathers bond successfully with The so-called "stress hormone", cortisol their infants, research shows the children grow to have a significant increase in helps a father to be more attached to and physical and mental development. There focused on his newborn. Prolactin is also at work, encouraging is also improvement in academic, social, and psychological areas. Early bonding bonding and attachment. Expectant fathers and new dads also experience a surge of reduces stress for both father and baby, and they are less likely to become involved vasopressin, the "monogamy hormone" which drives a dad's commitment levels with crime, alcohol abuse, or drugs in the future. and urge to protect his family.
