Dads who cuddle up with bubs care more

FATHERS who attend their baby’s birth are likely to be more involved in the child’s care, a new study has found.

The research – the first of its kind – has revealed the benefits of fathers being present when their baby arrives, and of holding it close.

While much attention has been given to what happens to mothers hormonally during and after pregnancy, little is known about how a birth affects the father’s biology.

“What we see in the special days around birth is that dads’ hormones – how much dads are producing overall, and how their hormones quickly change when they hold their newborns – are linked to what fathers are doing months later,” University of Notre Dame researcher Lee Gettler said. “This relates to how men establish bonds with their newborns, as well as with their partners, and how they will co-parent.”

The testosterone and cortisol levels in almost 300 fathers were analysed for two days after the birth. Those with elevated cortisol during cuddles were more likely to be involved in care and play with their infants.

Cortisol is sometimes referred to as the “stress hormone”, but this study showed that elevated cortisol is not always harmful.

“Babies do require a lot of care,” lead author Patty Kuo said. “We think that elevated cortisol is a sort of orienting response that can help the body prepare for child care.”