Member-only story
How Men Become Fathers
Qualitative research sheds light on a critical phase of paternal development by taking a deepdive into first-time fathers’ attitudes during the third trimester.
Lagarto and Duaso, authors of a recent study in the Infant Mental Health Journal (2021), highlight the need for greater understanding of emerging fatherhood. Perhaps understandably, the majority of early infant attachment has focused on the relationship between mother and child. Less emphasis is placed on the father-child bond, which shapes development across the lifespan and is established early on, even before birth.
The importance of fathers
Qualitative studies have looked at dads’ experience following delivery, noting that fathers who are supportive of mothers have a stronger bond with baby; that paternal involvement eases the difficulty of labor and delivery, and is associated with easier breastfeeding and lower rates of maternal depression; and that paternal involvement in the family improves their own self-esteem and mental well-being.
On the flip side, when fathers are more removed, the marital relationship suffers, and some fathers, under the strain of sudden responsibility, experience problematic anxiety and insecurity. Some studies show…
