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Dad's Emotional Connection to Baby
Dads Start the Bonding Process at Day One
By Lisa A. Goldstein
Gone are the days when new dads were relegated to the waiting rooms, 
passing out cigars. Now dads are expected to be more involved in the whole parenting process. And they should. Research shows that empowerment from Dad is a decisive factor in the child's and later adult's self-esteem, competence and self confidence in public life, according to Andre Stein, psychotherapist and author of the new book, Father's Milk: Nourishment and Wisdom for the First-time Father.
Beginning the Bonding Process
The process of bonding starts when the couple talks about having a child. According to Stein, once the child is conceived, the father must participate in all aspects of the pregnancy. In addition to supporting the mother, taking care of himself physically to build his stamina and learning how to be a dad, the expectant father can establish himself as an equal participant by talking to, playing music for and caressing the baby in utero. Stein recommends holding the newborn as soon after delivery as possible. "The first person my two daughters saw was me," says Stein. "I felt at one with them immediately."
Want to see more?
- Baby Blessings: 10 Reasons to Cherish the First Year
- LOVE That Baby! 12 Tips to Show Love to Baby and Yourself
- Common Infant Questions Answered: Expert Answers to Common Newborn Questions
- Fuzzy Blue Hippo: A Letter to My Baby on the Way: A Dad Writes a Letter to His Unborn Child
- Join the discussion on our Family.com community!
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