New fathers often feel less confident than new mothers around a baby, and may feel excluded in the close relationship that develops between the mother and baby. If a baby is breastfed, fathers may be uncertain about what activities they can engage in with the new baby.
Like mothers, fathers need quiet time to spend holding their new babies close, gazing into their eyes, talking to them and comforting them when distressed. Fathers may wish to take walks with their babies tucked into a Snugli-type carrier or simply hold a quiet baby while reading or watching TV.
Most infants are ready to bond immediately. Parents, on the other hand, may have a mixture of feelings about it. Some parents feel an intense attachment within the first minutes or days after their baby's birth. For others, it may take a bit longer.
For many parents, bonding is a byproduct of everyday caregiving. You may not even know it's happening until you observe your baby's first smile and suddenly realize that you're filled with love and joy.
About video: Working women have traditionally received maternity leave from work when they have a new baby, which gives them several weeks to recover from the pregnancy and bond with their new baby. But these days lots of dads want that same bonding experience and are seeking more time at home when a new baby arrives. ProMedica Health Connect correspondent Chrys Peterson talked with a new dad and a pediatrician about the benefits of that early daddy bonding time.
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